Best friction call surface for a newbie

[ohiomossyoak]

What is the best friction call surface/material  for a newbie???Sorry if my terminology is off....
Thanks for any an all advice
Nick 

[WillowRidgeCalls]

If your just starting out learning on friction calls, it really doesn't make a difference what surface you learn on. For ease of playing, a slate surface is about as easy as it gets, because there isn't a lot to learn about conditioning the call. All you have to do is wipe it off with a green scrub pad every once in awhile. A ceramic surface is about the same. A glass surface requires a bit more conditioning and a lot of care on how you condition it, to where the call plays easy for you. Copper and alum surfaces take the most care to keep them playing good for you, and can be a bit finiky sometimes.
For ease of playing I prefer a glass surface for playing on, but they take a bit of conditioning to make sure they play easy.

[Stoner]

It does not get any easier then slate. Ceramic next, Glass next, and aluminum last.

[drenalinld]

I will agree slate is the most forgiving.

[Gobblerstopper]

I would say that ceramic is probably the easiest for a newer user.  It and slate may be close, I just care more for the sound of ceramic.  After ceramic I would put a bead blasted aluminum.  I think it is easier to use and maintain than glass/crystal or copper.

[ohiomossyoak]

I really appreciate the input folks...Keep it coming

[WildTigerTrout]

IMO the best sounding and easiest surface to condition is SLATE. Not just for beginners either. Many experienced turkey hunters use slate surface pot calls. I know I do.

[TauntoHawk]

I like ceramic, bead blasted glass, and anodized aluminum becuase the are easy to maintain and seem to always play great

[ohiomossyoak]

Bump to the top for some more info an opinions

[cannonball]

Start with a slate and then choose another surface once you have mastered the slate call.

[MossRem]

Another vote for slate calls here. Slate is great. You can get practically every sound a hen makes on a slate call, and by using different strikers, you can change the sound slightly. It's like having a new call with each one (striker).

[savduck]

I think aluminum is the easiest for a beginner. Ive never heard a bad aluminum....Ive heard plenty of bad slates.

I agree slate is an easy surface to start with, but you can do much more with an aluminum. Part of running a pot call is learning to vary pitch and sound levels. You have a bigger curve to play with on aluminum than slate.

[scoot12]

Bead blasted anodized aluminun followed by slate and ceramic,  personally though if your glass or crystal is conditioned right they play just as easy.

[West Augusta]

I would go with ceramic.  Easily conditioned, sounds great, easy to run.