Zink Wicked Lady Mouth Review

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting is more than just a sport; it’s an art. Over the years, I’ve cycled through countless calls, each promising to be the “one” that finally coaxes that stubborn tom into range. Then, I stumbled upon the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth call.

I needed a mouth call that offered a balance between ease of use and realism. Many calls are either too difficult to master or lack the authentic turkey sound that fools wary birds. The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth promised both with its unique W-cut double reed and medium tension.

The call arrived in simple packaging. My initial impression was that the thin orange tape framing the inverted V-style reeds looked a bit delicate, but the hand-built craftsmanship was evident. Compared to other calls in my kit like Primos Heart Breaker and Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth felt less bulky and more streamlined. I was hoping this translated to easier handling and more realistic sounds.

My first impression was a mix of curiosity and optimism. Could this relatively inexpensive call outperform some of the more expensive options I’d tried? Time would tell, but I was eager to hit the woods and find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Wicked Lady Mouth to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth was on a cool, damp morning in the Ozark Mountains. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to intercept a tom as he descended. The conditions were far from ideal; a slight drizzle persisted, and the air was thick with humidity.

The call required minimal practice before I felt comfortable using it in the field. It produced clear yelps and soft clucks with relative ease. There were no immediate issues or unpleasant surprises, and after a few initial calls, I felt confident enough to use it sparingly to avoid spooking any nearby birds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth in various conditions, I’ve found it to be a reliable and effective call. I’ve hunted with it in everything from dry, dusty fields to damp, wooded areas. The call still performs well, producing consistent and realistic turkey sounds.

So far, the call has held up well, although the thin orange tape shows slight signs of wear around the edges. Cleaning is simple; I just rinse it with water and let it air dry. Compared to some of my other calls, the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth has exceeded expectations in terms of ease of use and the quality of its sounds for the price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Wicked Lady Mouth

Specifications

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth call is a double-reed mouth call featuring a unique “W-cut.” The reeds are stretched to a medium tension. It is framed with thin orange tape. This call is custom built by hand.

The “W-cut” design is intended to create a wider range of sounds, making it easier to produce realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs. The medium tension provides a good balance between ease of use and sound quality, allowing even beginner callers to produce convincing turkey vocalizations.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth performs its job admirably. It produces authentic turkey sounds that have proven effective in the field. While it excels at yelps and whines, the toned-down clucks and purrs also sound remarkably realistic.

The call’s greatest strength is its ease of use combined with its sound quality. A minor weakness is the delicate nature of the thin orange tape. It meets and slightly exceeds expectations given its low price point, delivering performance comparable to more expensive calls.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth features a streamlined design. The materials used are standard for mouth calls, with the thin orange tape providing a visual marker. The lightweight design ensures it sits comfortably in the mouth.

The call is user-friendly, requiring very little learning curve. Even a novice caller can quickly produce convincing turkey sounds with minimal practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth is reasonably durable for a mouth call, but the thin orange tape is a potential weak point. With careful use and proper storage, it should last at least one to two hunting seasons. Maintenance is simple; just rinse with water and air dry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited. Mouth calls are generally not customizable in the same way as pot calls or box calls.

Pros and Cons of Zink Wicked Lady Mouth

Who Should Buy Zink Wicked Lady Mouth?

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and effective call. Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a budget-friendly option will also find it useful. It’s also great for youth hunters just starting out.

Those who prefer highly customized calls or those seeking extreme durability in their equipment might want to explore other options.

Must-have accessories would include a call case to protect the reeds and a diaphragm call cleaner to maintain hygiene.

Conclusion on Zink Wicked Lady Mouth

The Zink Wicked Lady Mouth is an impressive call that offers exceptional value for its price. Its ease of use, realistic sounds, and compact design make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. The price is definitely justified by the performance and functionality it provides.

I would personally recommend the Zink Wicked Lady Mouth to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable turkey call. If you’re ready to fill your tag this season, pick up a Zink Wicked Lady Mouth and let the woods echo with your calls!