Most versatile type of turkey call?

[TheSennett]

I'm trying to figure out what is the most versatile turkey call.  I want to pare down the amount of crap that I bring out in the field with me.  I'd rather have one call that I know how to use extremely well instead of 4 different calls that I'm just OK with using.  And, the small/easier to carry and less likely to break the better.

So, what are your thoughts on the most versatile type of call?  I know that there isn't one magic call that does everything.  And I know that certain types of calls are "better" than others for certain sounds.  But, if you could only have one call, what would it be?  By one call, I mean just one call for everything --- spring, fall, morning, night, rain, snow, etc. 

Also, are there certain sounds that cannot be made on certain calls? I tried finding a comparison list online, but came up empty-handed.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[CedarPants]

If it had to be just 1 call for any/all weather conditions and time of year - I'd go with a good diaphragm call that you are well versed in turkey talk with.  Easy to take care of in any weather and you don't have to make any noticeable movements to use it.

[Cab]

1 call I would with a slate. I've had mouth calls fall apart on me if I use them a bunch in a season. Slate calls is my preferred and a friend of mine keeps a hot hands warmer on him and if the slate get wet he uses the hot hand to dry the slate off. that's my 

[kevinlisa06]

Carry just 1 call umm yeah I can’t do that. Each bird likes a different tone and cadence. Just like each gun shoots differently. Hell I carry 2 different Box calls and about 6 different Pot calls plus a Wing Bone yelper.
I guess if I had to pick one call it would have to be my Pecker Wrecker crystal pot call.

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[slavenoid]

If your choosing only one go with the diaphram. It takes practice to master it. I do all of my practicing while driving which you can't do with other calls.

[Dan-o]

I always carry a box call (or two) and at least one slate with a few sticks.

I like being able to sound like different birds.......  and those stupid birds make me too nervous to seal the deal with  a diaphram.

[northwesthunter84]

There is no one call that works all the time. Like others have said each bird has a different personality. I usually have a couple diaphragms, 2 pots (I upgraded this year) with several different strikers, and at least 2 box calls with different wood make up. Each call has adv/disadv. Best bet is to find calls you can run and feel confident with, practice with them and use them.

[Russ McDonald]

I would use a diaphragm call.  The thing is I usually carry at least 3 different diaphram calls.  All different cuts and sounds.  There really isn't one call that does all the sounds.  In my vest I carry 3 slates a crystal, slate and glass with 5 different strikers. 2 box calls and 6 diaphram calls.  I use diaphram exclusively though but will break out the others if I have some stubborn birds.  Like it is already stated a diaphram call takes not movement so when you have a bird in close you can give him a putt or cluck without moving anything and movement is you biggest killer out there turkey hunting.

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[tlbradford]

I paired down my vest a few years ago as well.  I ended up keeping a crystal pot call with a carbon, and two different wood strikers.  A wingbone.  3 Diaphragm calls.  An old wing for fly down and scratching.  I love box calls but hate the size and movement associated with them. 

[kevinlisa06]

Oh I forgot a Gobble shaker and 6 different strikers. Plus a decoy I never use. Had to trade the 12ga in for the 20ga to cut down on weight 😂😂


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[MtnMuley]

Most of the times these days, I only pack a diaphram. Become proficient with one and you can imitate nearly every sound a turkey can make.

[Sneaky]

https://www.johnsinclaircustomcalls.com/


I own 13 of these in different wood and surface combos and would take any to the field without hesitation. The moisture issue can be defeated with an all weather striker.

[ian_padron]

For solo hunting, a diaphragm because you don't have to move to use it.

Hunting with a buddy, a good box call because it is more versatile.

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[Cab]

Any preferred diaphragms? I see that as a very popular answer and I have had bad luck with them. Either they fall apart on me in my mouth or they couldn't bend to fit my mouth so they end up sounding terrible.

[Russ McDonald]

I like zink mouth calls.  Also you can trim the tape to fit your mouth better.

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