The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call promises a classic turkey yelp in an easy-to-use diaphragm design. Zink Calls, known for their quality and innovation in game calls, aims to deliver a product accessible to both seasoned veterans and aspiring turkey hunters. This mouth call boasts a simple double cut and two .003″ reeds, making it a potentially ideal starting point for anyone venturing into the world of turkey hunting.
I was looking for a reliable and user-friendly mouth call that could produce consistent yelps without requiring extensive practice. Many complex diaphragm calls are available, but their steep learning curve can be frustrating. The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call‘s claim of ease-of-use immediately piqued my interest.
Upon opening the package, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call appeared well-constructed for its price point. It is lightweight and the latex reeds seemed securely mounted on the frame. While simple in design, it didn’t feel cheap or flimsy.
I considered the Primos Hook Up mouth call and the Flextone Funky Chicken before settling on the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call. The Primos call is known for its raspy sound, which wasn’t exactly what I was after for a beginner call. The Flextone, while intriguing with its split reed design, seemed potentially more challenging to master.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call looked promising, but the true test would be how it performed in the field. I hoped its ease of use translated into realistic and effective turkey calls.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call during a scouting trip in the pre-season, in the hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for practice. I wanted to gauge the call’s sound quality and ease of manipulation without the pressure of an actual hunt.
The call performed surprisingly well, producing clear yelps with minimal effort. It did take a few minutes to find the sweet spot in my mouth, but after that, the sounds came relatively easily. I even managed to create some decent clucks and purrs.
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call remained consistent even after being slightly dampened by saliva. There were no immediate issues, and I was encouraged by the natural-sounding calls I could produce. This built my confidence heading into turkey season.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including actual hunts in varying weather conditions, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call has proven to be surprisingly durable. There is minimal visible wear and tear on the reeds. The call has maintained its sound quality.
Cleaning is simple; rinsing it with water after each use and letting it air dry has been sufficient. I store it in a small, breathable container to prevent mold growth. Compared to some higher-end calls I’ve used in the past, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call requires very little maintenance.
Overall, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call has exceeded my initial expectations. It’s not a competition-grade call, but it’s a reliable and effective tool for everyday turkey hunting. It performs consistently and requires minimal fuss.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
Specifications
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call features a simple yet effective design. It utilizes two .003″ latex reeds for producing its sound. These reeds are stretched across a standard-sized frame, designed to fit comfortably in the average hunter’s mouth.
The double cut on the reeds is a crucial aspect. This helps create the high-to-low note transition characteristic of a classic turkey yelp. The latex reed material contributes to the call’s ability to produce a realistic sound. The standard frame size is designed for a universal fit, accommodating most mouth sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call excels at producing realistic turkey yelps. Its ease of use makes it ideal for beginners, allowing them to quickly learn the basics of turkey calling. More experienced hunters can also appreciate its simplicity and reliability in the field.
The call’s strength lies in its consistency and user-friendliness. Its primary weakness is its limited range of sounds compared to more advanced diaphragm calls. However, it performs its core function – the yelp – exceptionally well. It met and exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly, beginner-focused mouth call.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is adequate for its price point. The materials are basic, but the construction is solid. It feels comfortable in the mouth.
The user-friendly design minimizes the learning curve, even for those completely new to mouth calls. Its simple design allows for easy manipulation and sound creation. This makes it a great choice for those intimidated by more complex calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is reasonably durable, and with proper care, it should last at least one to two seasons. Regular cleaning after each use is important to prevent the buildup of saliva and bacteria. Proper storage in a dry, ventilated container will also extend its lifespan.
The simple design makes maintenance straightforward. There are no intricate parts that require special attention. With minimal care, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call should provide consistent performance over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Due to its nature as a mouth call, customization options are limited. Some hunters may experiment with trimming the reeds to alter the sound, but this is not generally recommended for beginners.
The call is designed to be used as is. It doesn’t require any external accessories or modifications to function effectively. Its simplicity is part of its appeal.
Pros and Cons of Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
Pros
- Easy to use: Ideal for beginners and those looking for a simple, reliable call.
- Realistic sound: Produces convincing turkey yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Durable: Holds up well with proper care and maintenance.
- Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
Cons
- Limited sound variety: Not as versatile as more complex diaphragm calls.
- Requires practice: While easy to learn, mastering the call takes time and dedication.
Who Should Buy Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call?
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. It is also great for experienced hunters who appreciate a simple, reliable call for everyday use. It’s also a good choice for hunters on a budget who need an effective call without breaking the bank.
Hunters seeking a wider range of sounds or competition-grade performance should skip this product. They should consider more advanced diaphragm calls with multiple reeds and cuts. The beginner hunter will be satisfied with the sound and ease of use.
A must-have accessory is a small, breathable container for storing the call. This prevents moisture buildup and extends its lifespan. A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is also beneficial.
Conclusion on Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is an excellent entry-level diaphragm call that delivers on its promise of ease of use and realistic sound. Its simple design and affordable price make it an attractive option for beginners and budget-conscious hunters. While it may not offer the same versatility as higher-end calls, it excels at producing convincing turkey yelps, clucks, and purrs.
The price is more than justified for the quality and performance offered. It represents outstanding value. I would definitely recommend the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-learn turkey call.
If you’re ready to hit the woods and call in that big tom, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is a great place to start. Pick one up today and experience the thrill of turkey hunting!