Slate and Diaphragm Calls

[BaseballStud20]

So I went to Cabelas the other day to check out some of their turkey calls but could not decide what I wanted to get. I liked "The Freak" a lot but wasn't able to test out all of the calls. I cant remember who made them, but there were some really nice looking calls that were around $80 made by last years world champion caller I think. Anyway, they looked really nice and I almost decided to splurge but figured I would ask your guys opinions first. What are some really nice sounding and looking calls? I like the way the basic slate calls sound the best and currently use primos diaphragm calls.

[bowhunterforever]

My fav slate is H.S Black widow it sounds good and primos old glory is easy to use and sounds good! The freak is good one to i just don't have one! Mouth calls i like some quaker boy ones but i cant remember what there called!

[hookr88]

I think that's a Ford, Dodge, Chevy question. Looks are irrelevent, it's the sound that matters. Go with the slate that you think makes the best sound for you.

[Tom Tamer]

Freak is made by Primos and it's designed so you can stap it to your leg or the stock of your gun to free up one hand. It sounds pretty good and like stated before it's a prefrence on the type. $80 is a little high to me for a production call even though it's made by a champ caller. any of those calls there at cablea's will work, I knoe guys who made there own pot calls, yet wouold carry a Knight& Hale in their vest right next to their own creations. Personally if I was starting out with pot calls I'd go and pick up a couple of the $20-25 ones and see how you like them. Guarenteed they call up a bird sooner or later...

[turkey slayer]

I carry a custom slate call but I also carry the titan 2000 from Primos, but I don't no if they still sell them.
For reeds I only use Primos, I like the boss hog it's a triple reed and its more of a  raspy call, and the true double also, it has 2 reeds. I have single reeds also i use but anything will call in birds. I have never used the dome calls so I don't no how they sound of work.

[Phantom Gobbler]

I agree with Trailer................if there are a lot of turkeys in your area and if they are not being highly pressured by others and if you have scouted them enough, your harvest success rate will really soar. 

For friction calls I am like Slayer, I carry custom wood slate and glass calls when the weather is good (I think they sound better and give your confidence a boost).  When the weather is wet and wild I carry an HS Strut Glass Call (Black Widow) and a Quaker Boy weather proof box call. 

I also always bring a few diaphram calls with me also and also a gobbling tube and other locator calls.

If the birds are not gobbling and there is fresh sign, I will try everything in my vest, sometimes it pays off and you can get a bird to fire up and answer you.   

I am looking to buy a good crystal surface production friction call........any recommendations??

[Tom Tamer]

I agree with Trailer................if there are a lot of turkeys in your area and if they are not being highly pressured by others and if you have scouted them enough, your harvest success rate will really soar. 

For friction calls I am like Slayer, I carry custom wood slate and glass calls when the weather is good (I think they sound better and give your confidence a boost).  When the weather is wet and wild I carry an HS Strut Glass Call (Black Widow) and a Quaker Boy weather proof box call. 

I also always bring a few diaphram calls with me also and also a gobbling tube and other locator calls.

If the birds are not gobbling and there is fresh sign, I will try everything in my vest, sometimes it pays off and you can get a bird to fire up and answer you.  

I am looking to buy a good crystal surface production friction call........any recommendations??

My choice would be the Primos Power crystal.....the best production glass I've used.

[yelp]

I think that's a Ford, Dodge, Chevy question. Looks are irrelevent, it's the sound that matters. Go with the slate that you think makes the best sound for you.

Chevy buy Chevy!   

[turkeydancer]

I have 2 large tool chests full of calls. My best sounding slate is a $40 custom glass over slate made by Backwoods calls (2 NWTF guys from Puyallup area). However, agree with TN that any will get a bird in ... if I was going for strictly Merriams, I would probably get a glass or titanium call ... seems they like the higher pitch as opposed to a mellow slate call.  Also agree to get some mouth diaphragms and learn to use them.  Still then, one must think about a box call since more birds are harvested with one of them.  However a wingbone or tube call is not heard by them a lot and can be effective. Too many calls ... not enough tags ...

Bottom line ... get comfotable and confiedent with at least one call prior to the season, but don't rule out other calls ... the more versatile you are the better ... like fishing, don't limit yourself to one lure, one set tactic, one set subspecies, one piece of property, ......

[turkey slayer]

I agree TurkeyDancer those Backwood calls are great . I have the Purpleheart glass over wood, called in alot of birds with that call.

[Tom Tamer]

 

Only reason I didn't mention them is they're kind of closing up shop and not producing calls anymore....family and jobs come first for them.....it's a shame I love my BW purpleheart glass/glass. And so do most Merriam's I kill

[turkey slayer]

That sucks backwoods make a good call

[yelp]

I just went on thier site and it says they still have a few calls left to sell   

[turkey slayer]

Has anyone used the zink mouth reeds?

[Tom Tamer]

 

I just went on thier site and it says they still have a few calls left to sell  

Shannon told me that if they get a call wanting a product that could happen, they will sell what they have. They're just not going to be producing like they were or chasing after retail oportunities. He also said that they will honor their product if it breaks.

[turkey slayer]

I wouldn't expect anything different from them. They are good people

[Tom Tamer]

 

[Phantom Gobbler]

Only reason I didn't mention them is they're kind of closing up shop and not producing calls anymore....family and jobs come first for them.....it's a shame I love my BW purpleheart glass/glass. And so do most Merriam's I kill

Ditto: My favorite sounding "slate call" is a Backwoods Purpleheart Glass over Slate call. Yelps, Purrs and Clucks seem to seal the deal and close the gap when I am calling for someone else. 

[bearmanric]

 were do you find these backwood's call's. i just traded a Buffalo Howler for 4 striker's from west virginia. and i have two striker's coming from Tennessee. the guy made them by hand. have a few other's in the work's. have some nice pot's just wasnt into the striker's. i'll have plenty now.i have two slate's a a birdseye maple Ralph chandler and a woodHaven cherry slate. Rick

[turkey slayer]

Bearmanric, Go on www.backwoodscalls.com

[bearmanric]

thank you. Rick