So here's my dilemma. MONEY! I have a MAD aluminator pot call but want a good pot call and a good box call. Now that I've been around the forums I'm seeing that custom seems to trump store bought. Give me ideas and let's say price range tops $50ish each. Also looked at zink wicked in crystal. It's not custom but seems nice. Going to the convention so hoping to buy some goodies there. Let the options roll. If it was your money where would it go?
I would go by booth 1214 and see Matt McLain. He builds so jam up calls. Would be a good place to start . Remember there will be some good calls there but there will be some great calls there also. Which one do you want that is the question. I would pm AL from S&S and see if he is going to bring a few calls with him.
Hooks calls booth 324 awesome custom calls some under $50
Another great call maker is Hanks game calls. Think he's in 458
And you'll run across lots of others as well. But I'd check those out for sure and make you decision from there. Good luck I'll be in 324 in the mornings stop by and say hi.
Neal
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Quote from: neal on February 09, 2016, 07:30:55 AM
Hooks calls booth 324 awesome custom calls some under $50
Another great call maker is Hanks game calls. Think he's in 458
And you'll run across lots of others as well. But I'd check those out for sure and make you decision from there. Good luck I'll be in 324 in the mornings stop by and say hi.
Neal
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Hooks is definitely on the list. I'm going to buy an executioner 2. Also gonna swing by gooserbat for a bacon. Diaphragms are easy on the wallet. More worried about find awesome pots and boxes in that range.
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Natural Addiction, Pecker Wrecker and Matt McLain would be three goods ones to check out while at the convention!! Don't be fooled by just how loud a call will play....see how soft it will play and still roll over. Course, that may be a little hard to do with all of the noise you are going to hear there!!
Boxes a little tougher but you'll find some great pots for $50. Looking forward to chatting with you.
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Quote from: neal on February 09, 2016, 07:51:11 AM
Boxes a little tougher but you'll find some great pots for $50. Looking forward to chatting with you.
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Thanks. Maybe you can help educate me on surface comparison slate, glass, crystal etc
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You bet!! Be glad to!
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Quote from: M Sharpe on February 09, 2016, 07:50:43 AM
Natural Addiction, Pecker Wrecker and Matt McLain would be three goods ones to check out while at the convention!! Don't be fooled by just how loud a call will play....see how soft it will play and still roll over. Course, that may be a little hard to do with all of the noise you are going to hear there!!
Heard of natural addiction not familiar with the other two. What makes these stand out to you?
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Quote from: strutnrut on February 09, 2016, 07:09:11 AM
I would go by booth 1214 and see Matt McLain. He builds so jam up calls. Would be a good place to start . Remember there will be some good calls there but there will be some great calls there also. Which one do you want that is the question. I would pm AL from S&S and see if he is going to bring a few calls with him.
Two for Matt McLain so far. I'm not familiar but will be on the list for sure
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Save your money by skipping the purchase of a camera and attending the show.
Drive down to Canton, GA instead and see Lonnie Mabry.
Google>whitepages.com--Lonnie Mabry--Canton, GA
Quote from: southern_leo on February 09, 2016, 07:54:35 AM
Quote from: M Sharpe on February 09, 2016, 07:50:43 AM
Natural Addiction, Pecker Wrecker and Matt McLain would be three goods ones to check out while at the convention!! Don't be fooled by just how loud a call will play....see how soft it will play and still roll over. Course, that may be a little hard to do with all of the noise you are going to hear there!!
Heard of natural addiction not familiar with the other two. What makes these stand out to you?
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I've heard a few guys that had Zink's before and after the buyout and they thought the early ones were better. I love my 1st year walnut power hen slate, sounds as good as almost all my customs, don't have any newer ones.
Play a twisted sister if you can. As far as playing goes D.H. calls play incredible, easy to get the sound you want and will kee kee better than all my others.
Quote from: strutnrut on February 09, 2016, 07:09:11 AM
I would go by booth 1214 and see Matt McLain. He builds so jam up calls. Would be a good place to start . Remember there will be some good calls there but there will be some great calls there also. Which one do you want that is the question. I would pm AL from S&S and see if he is going to bring a few calls with him.
I agree. I have matt's cherry slate and I love it.
SS makes the cheap talk box I think for under 50. Gotta be honest, they're unbelievable, awesome calls. I believe the field grade which are slightly fancier are bout 60. Fantastic calls, while you're there grab a scratch box from him if he has any too.
Mike Crooks @ Spring Creek Turkey Calls has a nice line up of box calls within your budget. You can PM him on here (Spring Creek Calls) or go to his web: http://springcreekturkeycalls.weebly.com/
For fantastic pot calls, I'd recommend Mike Yingling - also on here
Quote from: SteelerFan on February 09, 2016, 06:35:09 PM
Mike Crooks @ Spring Creek Turkey Calls has a nice line up of box calls within your budget. You can PM him on here (Spring Creek Calls) or go to his web: http://springcreekturkeycalls.weebly.com/
For fantastic pot calls, I'd recommend Mike Yingling - also on here
Agree with both of these and I will add one more for your pot calls: Wendell Rye @ Lights Out Custom Calls
If you want some good pot calls for under 50.00, I believe they are more like under 40.00 shipped? Look into Sneeds Turkey Calls, The Outlaw Hen which is a green colored glass call and the Hot Hen, which is a Slate Call. Very good calls for the money.
I've read every one of these post on here and everyone has their favorite call; and, that's understandable. There have been many good call makers mentioned here! It doesn't matter whether it's a $40 call or a $200 call, they are not going to make you an expert caller! You are going to have to do your part! You are going to have to learn striker grip, the amount of tension you grip the striker with and the amount of pressure you put on the call itself with the striker. A lot more goes into the sound of a call than what others tell you. Some people couldn't play a call softly if they wanted to. Some calls won't play soft. That is something you are going to have to decide and work on yourself. Learning a call comes from practice. None of them are going to make you an instant turkey killer. Doesn't matter if they are box calls, pot calls, trumpet calls, tube calls, mouth calls or wing bone calls. They all take practice....and not just a few times before the season comes in. No, there is no magic call. I can't begin to tell you how many I have killed with a Primos Power Crystal and a Lynch World Champion. Some of us just have a thing for custom calls!!
Lon Trice....
I personally know that SS calls (on this forum) are very reasonable and realistic in sound quality,volume. Contact him and he will help you with solid suggestions.
His unfancy scratch call will be in my pocket this spring and I must have over a dozen different scratch calls.
There are many fine call makers on here and every one that I am familiar with want the customer to be very satisfied with their products. If I buy one it goes in the woods, not on a shelf. Pheasant under glass is a dish but turkey call under glass is not for me.
Quote from: Swather on February 09, 2016, 01:54:36 PM
Save your money by skipping the purchase of a camera and attending the show.
Drive down to Canton, GA instead and see Lonnie Mabry.
Google>whitepages.com--Lonnie Mabry--Canton, GA
Main reason for wanting the camera now was I thought it would be cool to capture my first turkey kill on camera. Also have considered making that drive. I looked him up online.
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Quote from: Treerooster on February 09, 2016, 03:05:09 PM
I would suggest get a call from a call maker you can talk to...decide what you want exactly...and then he will make it for you. Most of these type call makers will give that "If you don't like it you can send it back" guarantee.
There are a number of good call makers that can make a good pot & striker for you for $50...box calls not-so-much.
Austin Hornberger has a short box field call he sells for $50 plus shipping. I got one of his field boxes from him last spring and he made me a great call. I love it. I highly recommend Austin. Austin is an up and coming custom call maker and I bet his prices wont stay that low very long. He was mentored by Ed Terefencko and I think Mike Lapp helped him a little too.
You can check out Austin's site here.
http://hornbergercustomcalls.webs.com/box-calls
Fist time hearing of Hornberger thanks for the recommendation
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Quote from: SteelerFan on February 09, 2016, 06:35:09 PM
Mike Crooks @ Spring Creek Turkey Calls has a nice line up of box calls within your budget. You can PM him on here (Spring Creek Calls) or go to his web: http://springcreekturkeycalls.weebly.com/
For fantastic pot calls, I'd recommend Mike Yingling - also on here
Looked at spring creek boxes. Heavy consideration there. Almost bought two in the classifieds but someone beat me too it.
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Quote from: M Sharpe on February 09, 2016, 07:40:38 PM
I've read every one of these post on here and everyone has their favorite call; and, that's understandable. There have been many good call makers mentioned here! It doesn't matter whether it's a $40 call or a $200 call, they are not going to make you an expert caller! You are going to have to do your part! You are going to have to learn striker grip, the amount of tension you grip the striker with and the amount of pressure you put on the call itself with the striker. A lot more goes into the sound of a call than what others tell you. Some people couldn't play a call softly if they wanted to. Some calls won't play soft. That is something you are going to have to decide and work on yourself. Learning a call comes from practice. None of them are going to make you an instant turkey killer. Doesn't matter if they are box calls, pot calls, trumpet calls, tube calls, mouth calls or wing bone calls. They all take practice....and not just a few times before the season comes in. No, there is no magic call. I can't begin to tell you how many I have killed with a Primos Power Crystal and a Lynch World Champion. Some of us just have a thing for custom calls!!
Absolutely agree. Just want to make sure I purchase a good product. I do like the idea of a custom piece and like supporting other like minded hunters with small businesses.
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Quote from: SteelerFan on February 09, 2016, 06:35:09 PM
Mike Crooks @ Spring Creek Turkey Calls has a nice line up of box calls within your budget. You can PM him on here (Spring Creek Calls) or go to his web: http://springcreekturkeycalls.weebly.com/
For fantastic pot calls, I'd recommend Mike Yingling - also on here
I agree 100%! Just recently got my first Yingling pot and lot it. And my Spring Creek box call is incredible, called in an amazing number of toms with it last spring. Cannot be beat, especially for the price.
Hooks Custom Calls
Pat Strawser Custom Calls
David Halloran Custom calls
There is no one better in mouth calls than Hooks Custom Calls. Small tapes, high quality components, heck of an owner who will spend a lot of time making sure you get what you need.
I have 3 Pat Strawser Pot calls and they are absolutely superb. Saw him up at the Harrisburg show and snagged another one on Sunday. There isn't another call maker listed in this thread that is more decorated in the pot call division than Pat. His calls are $60.
David Halloran builds a hell of a pot call as well and has the resume to prove it.
Lots of people will throw out their favorite call companies but what I have learned is that most turkey hunters aren't able to operate a call to its maximum capabilities. Honestly, the majority suck with a call. If you think I'm being harsh I challenge you to go to a show and listen to the customers who pick up calls and "attempt" to run them. Their hen yelps sound like gobbler yelps and they have no clue.
Look at who receives awards at the NWTF show and buy calls from them. There are too many small "custom call" companies producing garbage and selling it at premium custom call prices.
your going to the convention man walk around play some calls play hard and soft see how easy they run ,,talk to the makers ,, don't matter if their big name or small ribbons or not ,, when u hear it youll know what call u want to buy
Check out Mike Crooks with Spring Creek calls. Not sure if Mike will be at the convention or not but he makes some of the most value packed calls out there that are all full of turkey. He offers short boxes under $40 if memory serves, and long boxes for around $50. Makes a great scratch box as well, I own a bunch of his calls and hunt them all...
Quote from: M,Yingling on February 09, 2016, 10:55:28 PM
your going to the convention man walk around play some calls play hard and soft see how easy they run ,,talk to the makers ,, don't matter if their big name or small ribbons or not ,, when u hear it youll know what call u want to buy
I'm just new so wanting some direction. And want to make sure I spend time with the right tables. I know I'll overtime amass a collection but just trying to stary off solid. Really want a good call to practice and get good with before collecting more. Leaning towards slate probably. Seems to be easiest/more forgiving to learn for soft and loud calls.
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Quote from: Smooth_Operator on February 09, 2016, 11:16:11 PM
Check out Mike Crooks with Spring Creek calls. Not sure if Mike will be at the convention or not but he makes some of the most value packed calls out there that are all full of turkey. He offers short boxes under $40 if memory serves, and long boxes for around $50. Makes a great scratch box as well, I own a bunch of his calls and hunt them all...
I like spring creeks. What's the deal with scratch boxes becoming so popular? Are they just easy to manipulate? Also wood reccomendation seem to lean towards maple or mohagony, do yall agree? Keep in mind I'm asking for top reccomendations. I know many calls are food with many materials but this is an opinion post. My list for tables to visit at the convention grows long lol....Thanks everyone who is contributing I'm learning some new names to check out
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Quote from: southern_leo on February 09, 2016, 11:49:21 PM
Quote from: Smooth_Operator on February 09, 2016, 11:16:11 PM
Check out Mike Crooks with Spring Creek calls. Not sure if Mike will be at the convention or not but he makes some of the most value packed calls out there that are all full of turkey. He offers short boxes under $40 if memory serves, and long boxes for around $50. Makes a great scratch box as well, I own a bunch of his calls and hunt them all...
I like spring creeks. What's the deal with scratch boxes becoming so popular? Are they just easy to manipulate? Also wood reccomendation seem to lean towards maple or mohagony, do yall agree? Keep in mind I'm asking for top reccomendations. I know many calls are food with many materials but this is an opinion post. My list for tables to visit at the convention grows long lol....Thanks everyone who is contributing I'm learning some new names to check out
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If you like Spring Creek, Check out his long and short boxes at the convention (I have his Black Walnut over Eastern Red Cedar long box that I absolutely love)
One thing for sure !!!! You will be like a kid in a candy store. Good luck, have fun and drive safe.
One final piece of advice. I would buy a couple of different strikers for the call you choose. Different strikers will produce different tones and pitches on a good call.
I have bought several custom calls (20+). Some was great others was not so great lol.
If you want to invest in a custom call.
Check out Dave Halloran custom calls. Dave is building some of the best calls on the market.
Don't forget while shopping that the caller you liked probably won't still be there when you decide to go back to get it.
Quote from: silvestris on February 10, 2016, 08:02:21 AM
Don't forget while shopping that the caller you liked probably won't still be there when you decide to go back to get it.
Worried about that. It's gonna make me want to drop more money. I'll have to show restraint.
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Got on the pecker wrecker site and watched a video of his ceramic pot call. From the video it sounds the closest the the eastern hen sound clips I've heard vs other videos I've watched. It had some rasp but clarity also, I liked it alot.
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Quote from: VAHUNTER on February 10, 2016, 07:04:17 AM
I have bought several custom calls (20+). Some was great others was not so great lol.
If you want to invest in a custom call.
Check out Dave Halloran custom calls. Dave is building some of the best calls on the market.
Halloran has come up alot. Seems like his also sale quickly. I'll swing by there for sure.
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