Zink X-Lady Mouth Call Review

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call promises a unique blend of high-end performance and user-friendly design. From Zink Calls, a manufacturer renowned for producing quality game calls, this mouth call aims to deliver exceptional sound for hunters of all skill levels. I was intrigued by its “party on top; business on bottom” description, which suggested a versatile sound profile capable of both aggressive and subtle calls.

My journey to the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call began with a frustrating string of unsuccessful hunts. I was struggling to produce consistent and convincing hen sounds with my current diaphragm calls. I specifically needed a call that could produce both raspy yelps for attracting mature hens and soft clucks to bring them in close.

Unboxing the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call was straightforward, but I was immediately drawn to the call’s construction. The heavy latex upper reed, distinctly split with a V-cut, sat prominently above the two thinner reeds. It felt well-made, though the latex did have a slight “factory fresh” odor.

I’ve previously used Primos Heartbreaker and a Quaker Boy Triple Threat diaphragm call. The Primos call was too high-pitched and the Quaker Boy lacked the raspiness I needed. I chose the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call because its description suggested a blend of tones I was looking for, without requiring advanced calling techniques.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The call felt comfortable in my mouth, and the reed configuration seemed like it could indeed produce a variety of sounds. Only a real-world test would reveal its true potential.

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

First Use Experience

I tested the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call during a spring turkey hunt in the hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. The conditions were damp and cool, with a light drizzle persisting throughout the morning. I was hoping to lure in a mature gobbler from a considerable distance.

The call performed admirably in the challenging conditions. The moisture didn’t seem to affect the latex, and I was able to produce clear and consistent calls, even with slightly numb lips. I experimented with yelps, clucks, and purrs, and the X-Lady responded well to all of them.

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call took a bit of practice to master the split-V cut. Initially, my yelps sounded a bit squeaky. However, after about 30 minutes of practice, I managed to create a consistent raspy hen sound by adjusting my tongue pressure.

I experienced a slight sticking issue initially between the reeds. This resulted in a muted sound. A quick rinse in water resolved the problem, and it didn’t reoccur during the hunt.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the turkey season, the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call held up surprisingly well. I used it almost daily, and it still sounds great.

There were minimal signs of wear and tear. The latex did show some slight discoloration from use, but the reeds remained intact and functional. I did make sure to keep it clean and dry when not in use to ensure the longevity of the latex.

Maintenance involved rinsing the call with water after each hunt and storing it in a small, breathable container to prevent mildew. This simple routine kept the call in excellent working condition. I’ve also used a toothbrush to gently clean the latex from debris.

Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call is above average in durability. Some cheaper calls tend to fall apart after just a few hunts. The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call‘s construction seems more robust, promising a longer lifespan.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink X-Lady Mouth Call

Specifications

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call features a three-reed design. It has a heavy latex upper reed with a distinct split-V cut. Below that, it includes two thinner latex reeds, providing the call’s tonal range and raspiness.

• Heavy Latex Upper Reed with Split-V Cut: This design allows for easy yelps and cuts, with a controlled amount of rasp.
• Two Thin Latex Reeds: These thinner reeds provide the call with its tonal range and create a more realistic, multi-dimensional sound.
• User-Friendly Design: Suitable for hunters of all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
• Compact and Lightweight: This call is designed to be very portable, and easy to use in the field.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality and ease of use. The split-V cut of the upper reed allows for precise sound manipulation. The multiple reeds create a layered sound profile that mimics the realistic sounds of a hen turkey.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call excels in producing a variety of hen turkey sounds. The call is able to produce clear yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. The split-V cut allows for exceptional control over the raspiness of the call.

Its strength lies in its versatility. It is able to produce both aggressive and subtle calls. The main weakness is that mastering the rasp takes practice.

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call mostly meets expectations. It produces realistic turkey sounds, and is versatile. However, it does require a bit of practice to become proficient, especially for beginners.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call is designed for comfort and ease of use. The latex reeds are thin and flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit in the mouth.

The call sits securely without being overly bulky. The lightweight design prevents fatigue during extended calling sessions.

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call has a slight learning curve. Mastering the split-V cut to control raspiness takes practice, but the design is generally user-friendly, even for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call should last an entire hunting season. The latex material is relatively durable but can degrade over time with excessive use or improper storage.

Maintenance involves rinsing the call with water after each use and storing it in a cool, dry place. Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will extend the call’s lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories.

There aren’t really any customization options for a mouth call like this. You might experiment with different cuts after market to modify the tone if you desired.

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call is compatible with any standard diaphragm call case or storage container.

Pros and Cons of Zink X-Lady Mouth Call

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Zink X-Lady Mouth Call?

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Hunters looking for a versatile call that can produce both aggressive and subtle hen sounds will appreciate its capabilities.

Beginners who want an easy-to-learn call with a realistic sound profile will find it suitable. Experienced hunters who need a dependable call for challenging hunting conditions will also benefit.

Hunters who are unwilling to practice and refine their calling techniques should skip this product. Those who prefer calls with pre-set sounds and little variation might also find it unsuitable.

A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case for safe storage. A call maintenance kit with cleaning solutions and replacement reeds could also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Zink X-Lady Mouth Call

The Zink X-Lady Mouth Call is a versatile and user-friendly diaphragm call that delivers exceptional value for its price. It produces realistic hen turkey sounds and is durable enough to withstand the rigors of hunting season.

The price is more than justified. At $7.49, the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call offers a significant bang for the buck.

I would personally recommend the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and versatile call. It’s a fantastic addition to any hunter’s arsenal. Pick up the Zink X-Lady Mouth Call and get ready to fill your tag this season!

Check Best Price HERE