Cheap Slate Call vs High Dollar Slate Calls

UTGrad

UTGrad

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I have a HS Strut Strike Zone I got at Academy Sports for around $20. I've used it for about 3-4 seasons now.

Is a cheap slate call sufficient or are there perks in high end slate calls that justify their purchase?
 
There's literally no comparison to how a cheap call sounds when compared to a really high quality custom call. Sure there are birds which will come into almost anything, but there are some with very selective hearing. Also, confidence is very important when it comes to killing turkeys. If you believe the call you makes will make any bird gobble,you will hunt harder and smarter usually.
 
To me a slate call being cheap vs high dollar has nothing to do with being good. Lonnie Mabry of Waleska, Ga. sells an awesome slate, glass or aluminum pot call for $25 and that is with two strikers. The only problem is that you have to go to his house because he won't ship any calls. Another example is Lonnie Sneed. His calls are $30-35 shipped and they sound fabulous also. I have spent a pile of money on pot calls that are double or more in cost than the ones I mentioned that aren't near as good. There are some really good options that won't break the bank and you'll have a great sounding and quality pot.
 
stringtalker":25cyv7i4 said:
What most hunters over look too is the strikers, they are as important as the call if not more. Different kinds of wood sound different
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Totally agree! However just to note you can't usually make a hollow crappy sounding call sound much better with a good striker. You can make a decent sounding call have some different pitches with good wood though


Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding"

Sent from my phone because I'm that coo
 
To me, anything different is good...

When I get the chance, while traveling, I'll try to pick up local made calls. I think my local birds respond better, but that may just be the confidence factor Setterman alludes to above. Also a firm believer in a big selection of strikers.
 
I have quite a few custom calls as well as run of the mil production calls. The non production calls as a whole sound better but one of the best production calls I have is the Primos Power Crystal that cost < $20. I usually have it with me on every hunt.
 
If you're worried about a bird being picky with sound of a slate call, then make you a wingbone. I won't spend any decent amount of money on a slate mainly because I rarely bring one with me ever. In fact I've only ever owned one HS slate and it sounds decent but I don't like a 2 piece call. I've ran a few custom slate calls at the NWTF convention that sounded way better than the HS. Crystal and slate are my favorite sounding calls I've tried. But it's just not my thing, not sure why. They can do some mean purrs though.


Sent from the talk of tap
 
TNhunter":2hvdpkyu said:
I have quite a few custom calls as well as run of the mil production calls. The non production calls as a whole sound better but one of the best production calls I have is the Primos Power Crystal that cost < $20. I usually have it with me on every hunt.
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There have been a bunch of turkeys meet their maker after being fooled with a primos power crystal.
 
There are birds every year that will come to any type of calling. In my opinion, you can use just about any call to kill a gobbler off the roost (if used correctly). However, I judge a call by its ability to locate and call in the 50/50 birds. I want a call that will pull a gobble out of a bird when he doesn't want to gobble or fire up a bird when he is otherwise content. In my opinion, this is where custom calls shine.
 
As others have eluded to in previous threads/posts, spending a $100 on a call that SHOULD last one many years (amortize the cost over time) is a drop in the bucket when compared to the other roll up costs of turkey season(s). To me, it is a no brainer; get a good quality call that you will cherish and you will build confidence with for many years to come. If you have a question or need advice, start a thread or shoot some of the guys on here a PM, and I am sure you will get solid advice. My .02
 
Andy S.":18427jav said:
As others have eluded to in previous threads/posts, spending a $100 on a call that SHOULD last one many years (amortize the cost over time) is a drop in the bucket when compared to the other roll up costs of turkey season(s). To me, it is a no brainer; get a good quality call that you will cherish and you will build confidence with for many years to come. If you have a question or need advice, start a thread or shoot some of the guys on here a PM, and I am sure you will get solid advice. My .02
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A custom call will last many years. However, for those that are addicted to custom calls like myself, they don't last nearly as long as they should...
 
String Music":2jo6dl1z said:
....for those that are addicted to custom calls like myself, they don't last nearly as long as they should...
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I was in your shoes at one time in my life, I know all to well what you speak of. :)
 
jbird":16d7xcsa said:
Another example is Lonnie Sneed. His calls are $30-35 shipped and they sound fabulous also. I have spent a pile of money on pot calls that are double or more in cost than the ones I mentioned that aren't near as good. There are some really good options that won't break the bank and you'll have a great sounding and quality pot.
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Bingo. But, Mr. Sneed's calls are still custom made by him, even though they are very affordable. He could probably get double the price if he wanted.

It's like a musical instrument, the great musicians can make a cheap instrument sound great. I don't need to spend additional money when I can make Mr. Sneed's slate make every call I need.

We need to have a calling contest on here :D !
 
PalsPal":3r8f6tun said:
jbird":3r8f6tun said:
Another example is Lonnie Sneed. His calls are $30-35 shipped and they sound fabulous also. I have spent a pile of money on pot calls that are double or more in cost than the ones I mentioned that aren't near as good. There are some really good options that won't break the bank and you'll have a great sounding and quality pot.
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Bingo. But, Mr. Sneed's calls are still custom made by him, even though they are very affordable. He could probably get double the price if he wanted.

It's like a musical instrument, the great musicians can make a cheap instrument sound great. I don't need to spend additional money when I can make Mr. Sneed's slate make every call I need.

We need to have a calling contest on here :D !
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His Hot Hen should be on my door step today. Can't wait to try it out in the woods.

I'm all for a calling contest!
 
Setterman":1o6uf2qr said:
It'll save everyone a bunch of time and embarrassment if you just go ahead and send me the trophy :drool:
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I don't have any problem with that. Just make sure the trophy says 2nd place on it...
 

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