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Turkey Calls => Pot Calls Forum => Topic started by: upnorth on March 19, 2017, 10:51:28 AM

Title: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: upnorth on March 19, 2017, 10:51:28 AM
If I did get one I was looking at either Lights Out Yellowheart Anodized Aluminum Call' or Halloran Aluminum maple call? Preference anyone?

Just looking for a call with a little more carrying distance sound that is real? Which gives the most realistic call for you? Slate,glass or aluminum?
Lot of questions I guess here.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Bowguy on March 19, 2017, 11:09:20 AM
Aluminum is def worth havin. I'd recommend a Schafer,  Lonzo, Dawkins, MAC,  or Dustin Jones.
Welcome to OG
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: upnorth on March 19, 2017, 11:25:35 AM
Thanks Bowguy for the info.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: scoot12 on March 19, 2017, 11:26:42 AM
Yes they are definately worth having.  For some guys aluminum is their favorite surface.  Scoot
Title: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: TauntoHawk on March 19, 2017, 11:31:13 AM
I've had hallorans maple aluminum, a hooks cedar aluminum, and a schaffer atomic 13.

The halloran was a great call I was always impressed with soundfiles I would record at how real it sounded. I traded it away for a box call not because it was bad but that my call addiction is too much at times. Lol

The schaffer atomic rides in my vest now and I like just a little bit more than the halloran but both are great.

The hooks had no soundboard and had a bit more of a matalic sound to it then I like.

I'm actually in the market to add another aluminum soon, I hear great things about schaffers aluminum over aluminum and dawkins/lonzo stone aluminum calls. 

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Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: MikeStaten on March 19, 2017, 11:33:06 AM
Yes.

Lonzo makes a great on in his stoned or anodized.  If you prefer bead blasted, Schaffer makes a great one. 
Title: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: beakbuster10 on March 19, 2017, 11:33:09 AM
Dawkins stoned aluminum over slate. I go back and forth on whether or not it's my number one pot call a lot.


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Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Bowguy on March 19, 2017, 11:46:21 AM
Upnorth being you're new to the forum you may not be famaliar w all the makers n may not know how to reach them. Many are not in catalogs. Either they have a website or Facebook. If that doesn't work you can always just ask for the phone numbers. Someone will have em
Title: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: golfernash on March 19, 2017, 12:40:49 PM
My Dawkins aluminum in the plastic pot is hands down my favorite to date.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: tomfooleryy on March 19, 2017, 01:10:47 PM
It's hard to beat a schaffer aluminum over aluminum. On a windy day it will really reach out there. Also they are very easy to run and the surface he uses requires very little maintenance.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Dukejb on March 19, 2017, 05:20:02 PM
I have two aluminum calls from Lights Out and really like them both. My shedua and aluminum from Wendell is the first pot call I've ever been able to make sound remotely like a turkey, but it was also my first custom turkey call.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: birdhunterdave on March 19, 2017, 08:40:03 PM
Get you an atomic 13 from jimmy schaffer
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: skimerhorn on March 19, 2017, 09:33:01 PM
I've got a atomic 13 and a as aluminum. Both are great
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Jbird22 on March 19, 2017, 09:37:09 PM
I have an older Lights Out in a Mahogany pot as well as the new Hanks in Padauk and I'd hunt both in a heartbeat! Yes, a "good" aluminum is worth having.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: yelpy on March 19, 2017, 09:54:03 PM
I been running a Lyman tulipwood on a Schaffer Atomic 13 and its such a great running and sounding call using the Lyman striker. I have a hard time with running the call with Jimmy's 2 piece striker unless using a lot of pressure but the Lyman makes it an easy runner.  The best I have I think. You can't go wrong adding an aluminum pot to your arsenal!
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: hunter22 on March 19, 2017, 10:09:53 PM
I have killed several gobblers over the years running aluminum calls. I always have one in my vest while hunting. 
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: wvmntnhick on March 19, 2017, 10:23:39 PM
It's not worth having one honestly. Now 4 on the other hand...

I've got a few. Couple Yingling that I like a lot, a Schaffer atomic 13, Halloran with half the anodized coating removed to improve it and most recently an enticer aluminum. That ones growing on me real fast.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Spitten and drummen on March 19, 2017, 10:57:52 PM
Is a slate worth having ? How about a glass. Short answer is yes. All surfaces are worth having. Calls are to turkeys what lures are to bass. One day they may love a certain sound and the next you will have a completely opposit response from the same bird.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: rodney gillikin on March 20, 2017, 06:15:51 AM
love them , I make calls and have some aluminum over glass if you would like to hear message me 252342223
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Footballer on March 20, 2017, 09:42:57 AM
Absolutely you should have an aluminum. Aluminum was may favorite surface for years until crystal finally edged it out. I've had several over the years including Lights Out, Dawkins (both types of aluminum), Atomic 13, Lonzo, etc.

The two I still have are Dawkins stone aluminum in plastic pot and the Atomic 13. Both great calls.

Also take a look at the Houndstooth walnut aluminum. I just ordered one after listening to a video he posted.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
I got a Black Aluminum/Bocote call made for me last year and I have had a really hard time getting the surface to stay conditioned. I can condition it and call once, and if I dont condition it again before calling it will squeal on me. I am sure that is more user error than anything bc I was not familiar with aluminum calls, but when its conditioned it makes one of the best and most raspy high to low yelps I have heard on a pot call. Def worth having in the vest!
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Bowguy on March 20, 2017, 12:38:26 PM
Quote from: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
I got a Black Aluminum/Bocote call made for me last year and I have had a really hard time getting the surface to stay conditioned. I can condition it and call once, and if I dont condition it again before calling it will squeal on me. I am sure that is more user error than anything bc I was not familiar with aluminum calls, but when its conditioned it makes one of the best and most raspy high to low yelps I have heard on a pot call. Def worth having in the vest!
Is it slick aluminum
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: MikeStaten on March 20, 2017, 12:42:59 PM
Quote from: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
I got a Black Aluminum/Bocote call made for me last year and I have had a really hard time getting the surface to stay conditioned. I can condition it and call once, and if I dont condition it again before calling it will squeal on me. I am sure that is more user error than anything bc I was not familiar with aluminum calls, but when its conditioned it makes one of the best and most raspy high to low yelps I have heard on a pot call. Def worth having in the vest!

Any slick aluminum will act like that.  However, some sound amazing so it's worth the hassle to me.  I hit the calling surface very lightly with scotchbrite and will even use some pool cue chalk or rain chalk on the striker tip.  However, the chalk isn't really needed in most cases.  Have you tried different strikers?  Some grip better than others.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Bowguy on March 20, 2017, 12:47:24 PM
Quote from: MikeStaten on March 20, 2017, 12:42:59 PM
Quote from: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
I got a Black Aluminum/Bocote call made for me last year and I have had a really hard time getting the surface to stay conditioned. I can condition it and call once, and if I dont condition it again before calling it will squeal on me. I am sure that is more user error than anything bc I was not familiar with aluminum calls, but when its conditioned it makes one of the best and most raspy high to low yelps I have heard on a pot call. Def worth having in the vest!

Any slick aluminum will act like that.  However, some sound amazing so it's worth the hassle to me.  I hit the calling surface very lightly with scotchbrite and will even use some pool cue chalk or rain chalk on the striker tip.  However, the chalk isn't really needed in most cases.  Have you tried different strikers?  Some grip better than others.
I agree w Mike but I use 220 grit sandpaper. I find it better n longer lasting. Bear in mind it loweres the resale value
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 01:17:00 PM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 20, 2017, 12:47:24 PM
Quote from: MikeStaten on March 20, 2017, 12:42:59 PM
Quote from: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 PM
I got a Black Aluminum/Bocote call made for me last year and I have had a really hard time getting the surface to stay conditioned. I can condition it and call once, and if I dont condition it again before calling it will squeal on me. I am sure that is more user error than anything bc I was not familiar with aluminum calls, but when its conditioned it makes one of the best and most raspy high to low yelps I have heard on a pot call. Def worth having in the vest!

Any slick aluminum will act like that.  However, some sound amazing so it's worth the hassle to me.  I hit the calling surface very lightly with scotchbrite and will even use some pool cue chalk or rain chalk on the striker tip.  However, the chalk isn't really needed in most cases.  Have you tried different strikers?  Some grip better than others.
I agree w Mike but I use 220 grit sandpaper. I find it better n longer lasting. Bear in mind it loweres the resale value

It is slick black aluminum. I have been using scotchbrite to condition the calling surface and it works good but only last for a sec and it's slick again. The striker was matched and tuned to the call by the guy who made it. I have tried 4 different strikers on it but they didn't sound good at all. The striker that came with it is a really hard wood so when I condition the tip it still feels really slick. I have tried sandpaper and scotchbrite extensively and still no luck with a longer lasting conditioning. If it's hot and humid(which it is 80% of the season here in MS) I pretty much just leave it ok the vest bc it's useless in those conditions.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: MikeStaten on March 20, 2017, 01:52:11 PM
Try some rain chalk on the playing surface.  Or, if you don't want to deal with the slick surface, check out call makers that use a bead blasted surface.  Jimmy Schaffer's are really good for that.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: perrytrails on March 20, 2017, 02:16:29 PM
Quote from: Jbird22 on March 19, 2017, 09:37:09 PM
I have an older Lights Out in a Mahogany pot as well as the new Hanks in Padauk and I'd hunt both in a heartbeat! Yes, a "good" aluminum is worth having.

That Hanks Padauk Aluminum is vest material!!
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Bowguy on March 20, 2017, 02:43:47 PM
If you're already scuffing it up w scothbrite try the 220 sandpaper. Just like conditioning glass I go in one direction. Not trying to sand off finish but put grooves in it. Clean up your striker tip of it needs it
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SwampAssassin on March 20, 2017, 04:49:29 PM
I just ordered some Rain Chalk, going to give it a try. I have heard good things about it so we will see.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Cutt on March 20, 2017, 08:46:24 PM
A good aluminum is definitely worth having. There are going to be a lot of different opinions on the best one. My opinion, get one good one with several different strikers to vary the pitch and sound. I'm not one to buy several of the same surface, sure they might sound a bit different, but strikers can do the same thing. Good Luck with your choice, and I'll add Hank's Padauk Aluminum to the list.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: grayfox on March 20, 2017, 10:14:15 PM
My favorite pot calls are aluminum. I much prefer the plain raw aluminum surface.  Seems I can get the best sound I'm looking for from that type surface.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Double B on March 20, 2017, 10:36:57 PM
Love aluminum,  but prefer blasted/stoned/raw over anodized because of the reasons given.   It slicks off fast and screeches to me.  You'll like the Rainchalk for striker touch up and feel or "grab" on the surface.  Look at Al Holbert Enticer aluminum calls for raw aluminum.  They sound good and are inexpensive, another good option to consider in addition to all the others already mentioned. 
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Jbird22 on March 20, 2017, 11:13:50 PM
Quote from: perrytrails on March 20, 2017, 02:16:29 PMThat Hanks Padauk Aluminum is vest material!!
In my best Buford T. Justice voice, "You can bet your @$$ on that boy!"... ;D

Mine will be in my vest just as soon as I get the opportunity to go! I like the slick aluminum with the occasional higher pitch "slips".
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SteelerFan on March 21, 2017, 11:40:56 AM
Ordered a Hanks paduak aluminum yesterday...

And with that... the 2017 buying season comes to a close!!  8)
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: yelpy on March 21, 2017, 03:19:54 PM
Is the Hanks a slick anodized or blasted?
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SteelerFan on March 21, 2017, 04:09:13 PM
Quote from: yelpy on March 21, 2017, 03:19:54 PM
Is the Hanks a slick anodized or blasted?

Not sure? Sounds good though...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPtyw9SLBuI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoHdrXXAvuw

Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: upnorth on March 21, 2017, 09:07:08 PM
I see most pots are like 3.5 inch diameter and a few are like 3.25 inches in aluminum. Anybody have opinions on aluminum pots of smaller vs larger diameters? It is amazing how standard size just about all calls are at present.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Jbird22 on March 21, 2017, 09:18:53 PM
Quote from: yelpy on March 21, 2017, 03:19:54 PM
Is the Hanks a slick anodized or blasted?
Slick anodized
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: yelpy on March 21, 2017, 09:32:31 PM
Quote from: Jbird22 on March 21, 2017, 09:18:53 PM
Quote from: yelpy on March 21, 2017, 03:19:54 PM
Is the Hanks a slick anodized or blasted?
Slick anodized
Thank you!!!

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Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: The Woodsman on March 22, 2017, 04:57:31 PM
No
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: upnorth on March 22, 2017, 07:06:42 PM
As far as strikers and pot match there is so much to learn the proper combination it gets frustrating at times. You get good sound in the house and room temp. Go outside and it may sound terrible. I am in the learning stage but it seems hard for me to get a wood striker to be consistent. The end seems to smooth out and not grab. I clean or sand it helps.
maybe that is what makes it a challenge-conditions always changing.

I am the process of getting my first aluminum pot from a brand recommended above.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: SteelerFan on April 02, 2017, 06:42:14 PM
Hanks padauk aluminum arrived this weekend. Another super easy call to run from Hanks. Seems to like a variety of strikers.

I ran the 2-piece, and it has a nice rasp to it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F_doYO5Z1g

Tulipwood / B&W Ebony were good.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Disney on April 03, 2017, 03:44:12 AM
If you wanna reach out farther to let them hear ya callin, then yeah get aluminium. I love metal calls. They all go out a distance if you want them to, and you can tone them down too by pressure on the striker. I have aluminum, brass and copper. Each has its own pitch,tone and rasp.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: coyote1 on April 03, 2017, 05:34:44 PM
Aluminum is a great surface. Imo it's hard to go wrong with the lights out yellow heart.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: 870BkWht on April 04, 2017, 11:50:00 AM
I just got my Hanks Padauk aluminum on Saturday and its a great sounding call. It has the slick anodized surface but i haven't had any trouble keeping it from screeching. I have been using 320 grit sandpaper on the surface and i use 220 grit on my strikers. 

I think the slick aluminum has a better sound quality than a bead blasted surface.
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Disney on April 04, 2017, 02:33:05 PM
 

I think the slick aluminum has a better sound quality than a bead blasted surface.
[/quote]

I personally agree.I have anodized and the tone is way too low
Title: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: TauntoHawk on April 04, 2017, 08:44:51 PM
I haven't had a plain slick aluminum since my Wal-Mart call days but enough of you guys prefer it I might give it a try, I've had a few anodized calls that I like but they do get a little slippy at times.

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Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: 870BkWht on April 04, 2017, 10:01:38 PM
Made an inside sound clip of my Hanks Aluminum.  Not the best but it gives you an idea.  This is with Hanks 2 piece dymondwood.

https://soundcloud.com/ben-helms-2/hanks-padauk-aluminum
Title: Re: Aluminum pots-are they worth having one?
Post by: Disney on April 04, 2017, 11:30:51 PM
Quote from: 870BkWht on April 04, 2017, 10:01:38 PM
Made an inside sound clip of my Hanks Aluminum.  Not the best but it gives you an idea.  This is with Hanks 2 piece dymondwood.

https://soundcloud.com/ben-helms-2/hanks-padauk-aluminum
Yes Sir, that's what I'm talking about. Nice sound clip.