First Thoughts on the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth
The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth call promises to be an easy-to-use, yet powerful tool for turkey hunters. Manufactured by Zink, this call features an inverted V-cut reed design intended to produce realistic yelps, whines, clucks, and purrs. Its affordability and reputation for quality peaked my interest and I was keen to try it out.
I’ve always struggled with mouth calls. I wanted a call that provided a good balance between ease of use and the ability to produce realistic sounds. This led me to the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth and its promise of being user-friendly without sacrificing sound quality.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed the thin orange tape framing the reeds. The W-cut double reed design was visually distinct. The initial impression was one of a well-constructed, albeit simple, tool.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, like Primos or Quaker Boy calls, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth seemed less intimidating. Many diaphragm calls are overly thick or feel too rigid in my mouth. I chose this particular call because of the stated medium tension and unique W-cut reed, hoping it would offer more control and realistic sounds.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to test its ease of use and sound quality, but also a little skeptical given my past frustrations with mouth calls.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Wicked Lady Mouth to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth during a preseason scouting trip in the Ozark Mountains. The conditions were fairly mild, with temperatures in the mid-60s and a slight breeze. The terrain was a mix of hardwood forests and open fields.
Using it at first was awkward. It took about 15 minutes of practice to get a consistent yelp. The medium tension of the reeds did make it easier to control compared to stiffer calls I’ve used before.
The initial sounds were rough, but after some practice, I was able to produce a few convincing yelps and clucks. I noticed I was salivating quite a bit while using it though.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth has become a more reliable tool. The reeds have held their tension well. The custom built by hand construction seems to be holding up.
I’ve used the call in various weather conditions, including light rain and colder mornings, with no noticeable degradation in performance. Cleaning is easy enough, I just rinse it with water and let it air dry. Compared to my past experiences with other calls that quickly lose their sound quality or reed tension, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth has been pleasantly surprising.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Wicked Lady Mouth
Specifications
The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth is a double-reed mouth call designed specifically for turkey hunting. It features a unique W-cut in the reeds, framed with thin orange tape. The reeds are stretched to a medium tension, providing a balance between ease of use and sound quality.
This call is custom built by hand. It is designed to produce realistic yelps, whines, clucks, and purrs. The W-cut double reed design is intended to create a wider range of sounds.
The specifications matter because they directly impact the user experience. The medium tension reeds make it easier for beginners to produce sounds, while the W-cut design allows for more versatile calling.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth performs its job reasonably well. It can produce a variety of turkey sounds. The key is practice and consistent breath control.
Its strength lies in its ease of use. A beginner can quickly learn to produce basic yelps. The main weakness is that mastering advanced sounds requires significant practice.
The call met my expectations for a beginner-friendly call, but it did take some time to master realistic purrs.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent. The reeds are securely attached to the frame and the thin orange tape seems durable enough. The call is lightweight.
The design is relatively user-friendly. The medium tension reeds makes it easier for beginners, but a learning curve still exists to create realistic sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth should last at least one season of heavy use. I expect it will last longer with less frequent use. It is easy to maintain.
A simple rinse with water after each use and allowing it to air dry is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this specific call. It is a standalone product.
Because it is a mouth call, it does not integrate directly with other hunting gear except lanyards designed to hold multiple calls.
Pros and Cons of Zink Wicked Lady Mouth
Pros
- Easy to Use: The medium tension reeds make it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing yelps, clucks, and purrs with practice.
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Durable Construction: Hand-built and seems to hold up well with use.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and store.
Cons
- Requires Practice: Mastering advanced sounds takes time and dedication.
- Saliva Buildup: Can cause excessive salivation during use, impacting performance.
Who Should Buy Zink Wicked Lady Mouth?
Perfect for: Turkey hunters of all skill levels. Specifically, those who are new to using mouth calls or prefer a call with medium reed tension will find this suitable.
Who should skip this product? Experienced turkey hunters who prefer advanced, specialized calls or those who dislike mouth calls in general.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A call lanyard to keep it readily accessible and a small container of mouthwash to combat saliva buildup.
Conclusion on Zink Wicked Lady Mouth
The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth is a solid, affordable option for turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use mouth call. While it requires practice to master all the sounds, its medium tension reeds and unique W-cut double reed design make it a good starting point for beginners. The price is certainly justified.
I would personally recommend this call to anyone new to turkey hunting or struggling with other, more difficult mouth calls. The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth offers a great balance of affordability, ease of use, and realistic sound potential. Grab one and start practicing your calls today!
