First Thoughts on the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call promises to deliver realistic turkey sounds in a compact and user-friendly design. Designed by Zink Calls, known for their quality hunting products, this box call aims to bridge the gap between experienced callers and novices. It boasts a hand-tuned construction, ensuring consistent and authentic tones to lure even the most stubborn gobblers.
I’ve spent over a decade chasing longbeards across varying terrains and weather conditions. While diaphragm calls are often my go-to, I’ve always appreciated the simplicity and reliability of a good box call, especially when trying to coax a bird in from a distance. I was looking for a box call that offered ease of use without sacrificing sound quality.
Upon unboxing, the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call feels solid and well-constructed. The wood has a smooth finish, and the paddle moves freely, indicating good craftsmanship. Its size is comfortable in hand, not too bulky, making it easy to carry and manipulate during a hunt.
Compared to other box calls I’ve used – including models from Primos and Quaker Boy – the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call immediately stood out due to its compact size and the promise of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. I chose it over other models based on Zink’s reputation for producing realistic sounding calls and the positive reviews I’d read about its ease of use.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call certainly looks and feels the part of a quality turkey call. I was eager to get it out in the field and see if it could deliver on its promise of producing realistic and irresistible turkey sounds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call on a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of Missouri. The weather was cool and damp, a typical spring morning in the Midwest. My goal was to see how well the call performed in realistic hunting conditions and whether I could effectively replicate various turkey vocalizations.
The call performed admirably in the damp conditions. The sound remained consistent, and the wood didn’t seem to absorb moisture, which can often deaden the tone of wooden calls. It was easy to use, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Initially, I struggled slightly to produce sharp cutts, but after some minor adjustments to my technique and the paddle’s positioning, I was able to achieve the desired sound. There were no significant issues after the first use; the call felt comfortable, and I was confident in its ability to attract turkeys.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple hunts and practice sessions, the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. It has consistently produced clear, realistic turkey sounds. The call has proven itself valuable in different scenarios, from calling across open fields to subtly coaxing birds from dense timber.
The call has held up well to the rigors of hunting. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being exposed to rain and mud. I’ve maintained the call by occasionally wiping it down with a clean cloth and applying a small amount of chalk to the paddle, as recommended by Zink.
Compared to other box calls I’ve owned, the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call outperforms many in terms of consistent sound quality and ease of use. Its compact size also makes it a more convenient option to carry than some of the larger, bulkier box calls on the market.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call
Specifications
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call is a hand-tuned wooden box call designed for producing a variety of turkey vocalizations. The call is constructed from select hardwoods, chosen for their tonal qualities and durability. The dimensions are approximately 7 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1.5 inches high, making it a compact and easily portable call.
The paddle is made from a contrasting hardwood, creating a visual distinction and enhancing the call’s overall aesthetic appeal. It is designed to be easily manipulated to produce a range of sounds. The call weighs approximately 4 ounces, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods. These specifications are important as they contribute to the call’s portability, ease of use, and ability to produce realistic turkey sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call performs its job exceptionally well, producing realistic and enticing turkey sounds that have proven effective in attracting gobblers. It excels at producing yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts, allowing hunters to mimic the full range of turkey vocalizations. It is relatively easy to produce convincing sounds with minimal practice.
The call’s strengths lie in its consistent sound quality, ease of use, and compact size. One potential weakness is that mastering sharp cutts may require some practice for beginners. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a box call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The materials used are high-quality hardwoods. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold in hand, even for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, with a smooth paddle action. There’s minimal learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced callers and novices.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid wood construction, the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call is expected to last for many seasons with proper care. The call is relatively easy to maintain; simply wiping it down after use and occasionally applying chalk to the paddle is sufficient.
Repairs are not typically needed unless the call is subjected to significant abuse. However, with careful handling, it should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available from Zink for this particular model.
However, some hunters may choose to add a lanyard for easier carrying or apply custom artwork to personalize their call. As a box call, it’s not typically compatible with aftermarket accessories in the same way as a firearm or other tactical gear might be.
Pros and Cons of Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call
Pros
- Consistent, realistic turkey sounds. This allows for effective calling in various scenarios.
- Easy to use for beginners and experienced callers alike. It makes it a versatile tool for all skill levels.
- Compact and lightweight design. This ensures portability and comfort during long hunts.
- Durable hardwood construction. This makes it capable of withstanding the rigors of the hunt.
- Affordable price point. This provides excellent value for the quality and performance offered.
Cons
- Mastering sharp cutts may require practice. Beginners might need extra time to perfect this vocalization.
- Limited customization options. There are minimal ways to personalize the call beyond adding a lanyard or artwork.
Who Should Buy Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call?
Perfect for: Hunters of all skill levels seeking a reliable and easy-to-use turkey call. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners who are just learning to call turkeys, as well as experienced hunters who appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of a box call.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who prefer diaphragm calls exclusively or those seeking a highly customizable calling platform may not find this box call to be the best fit for their needs.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard for easy carrying is a recommended addition. Additionally, some hunters may choose to apply chalk to the paddle to optimize sound quality, though this is often a matter of personal preference.
Conclusion on Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call
The Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call is an excellent option for turkey hunters seeking a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable calling tool. Its consistent sound quality, durable construction, and compact design make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. It delivers on its promise of producing realistic turkey sounds.
The price of $49.99 is more than justified given the quality and performance of the call. It offers excellent value for the money compared to other box calls on the market.
I would personally recommend the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call to any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and effective calling tool. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice just starting, this call is sure to help you put more gobblers on the ground. Don’t hesitate – add the Zink Wicked X Turkey Box Call to your hunting gear today and experience the difference it can make!