First Thoughts on the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call, manufactured by Zink, promises to be an easy-to-use diaphragm call, especially for those new to turkey hunting. With its double reed design and simple cut, it aims to recreate the classic yelp sound, a cornerstone for any turkey hunter. For a seasoned outdoor enthusiast like myself, the prospect of a beginner-friendly call that doesn’t compromise on sound quality is definitely intriguing.
My journey into the world of mouth calls began with frustration. I was tired of bulky pot calls and strikers that occupied too much space in my vest, and the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call offered a compact, hands-free alternative. The allure of a call that could produce realistic yelps with minimal effort was hard to resist.
Unboxing the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The latex reeds were neatly arranged, and the frame felt comfortable against my palate. It was lightweight, almost deceptively so, and the build quality appeared solid enough for the price point.
I considered other diaphragm calls, such as the Primos Wet Box Call or the Woodhaven Ninja Crystal, but ultimately opted for the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call due to its reputation for ease of use. The positive reviews from beginner hunters swayed my decision. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping this call would live up to its claims and become a staple in my hunting arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call was on a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of southern Missouri. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle permeating the air, perfect conditions for testing the call’s performance in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Initially, I struggled to produce a consistent yelp. The learning curve was steeper than anticipated, requiring precise tongue and breath control. After about an hour of practice, however, I started to get the hang of it, coaxing out raspy yelps that sounded convincingly like a hen. The call performed reasonably well in the damp conditions, maintaining its tone without becoming overly soggy or muted.
The biggest surprise was the amount of saliva buildup that occurred after prolonged use. I had to frequently remove the call and dry it off to maintain optimal sound quality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the frame or the reeds.
Maintenance is straightforward; rinsing the call with water after each use and allowing it to air dry seems to be sufficient. Compared to some of the more intricate diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is relatively easy to care for. The call hasn’t outperformed my high-end custom calls in terms of sound quality and versatility, but it’s also significantly less expensive and easier to use.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
Specifications
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call features two .003″ latex reeds with a double cut. The CUT STYLE is Double. The FRAME SIZE is Standard. REED MATERIAL is Latex. REED TYPE is Double. These specifications contribute to the call’s ability to produce a high-to-low yelp.
The double reed design allows for greater tonal range and raspiness, making the yelps sound more realistic. The standard frame size should fit comfortably in most mouths.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call performs adequately at recreating the classic yelp sound. It’s easy to produce convincing hen yelps with a bit of practice. However, it struggles to create more complex calls such as clucks, cuts, and purrs.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use for beginner hunters. The call meets expectations for producing basic yelps, but it falls short in terms of versatility and advanced calling techniques.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call features a standard frame size that fits comfortably in most mouths. The latex reeds are thin and flexible, allowing for easy manipulation and sound production. The build quality is acceptable for the price point, though the materials feel somewhat flimsy compared to higher-end calls.
The call is user-friendly, especially for those new to mouth calls. However, mastering precise tongue and breath control takes some practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is expected to last at least one to two hunting seasons with proper care. The latex reeds will eventually wear out and require replacement.
Maintenance is relatively easy, involving rinsing the call with water and allowing it to air dry. The reeds can be replaced if necessary, although it may be more cost-effective to simply purchase a new call.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available. The design is relatively standard.
Due to its universal design, it can be stored in pretty much any mouth call case or carrier, but is not specifically designed to work with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
Pros
- Easy to Use: The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is designed for beginners, making it easy to produce basic yelps with minimal practice.
- Affordable Price: At $5.99, this call is an excellent value for the money, especially for those just starting out.
- Compact and Lightweight: The call is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Decent Sound Quality: The double reed design produces reasonably realistic hen yelps.
- Durable Enough: Lasts at least one or two hunting seasons with proper care.
Cons
- Limited Versatility: The call struggles to produce more complex calls such as clucks, cuts, and purrs.
- Moisture Buildup: Excessive saliva buildup can affect sound quality and require frequent drying.
Who Should Buy Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call?
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters who want an easy-to-use and affordable mouth call. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters looking for a backup call or a simple option for close-range calling.
This product is not ideal for experienced hunters who require a versatile call capable of producing a wide range of turkey sounds. It’s also not suitable for hunters who are prone to excessive saliva production.
A must-have accessory would be a diaphragm call case or holder to protect the call when not in use. No specific modifications are needed.
Conclusion on Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call
The Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is a solid entry-level option for turkey hunters seeking an affordable and easy-to-use diaphragm call. Its simplicity and decent sound quality make it a good starting point for beginners.
The price is definitely justified, considering its ease of use and ability to produce basic hen yelps. I would personally recommend this call to new turkey hunters looking for a budget-friendly option.
Overall, the Zink Z-Yelper Mouth Call is a reliable and practical tool for beginners. Pick one up and head into the woods to practice your calling, and you might just bag that gobbler!