first off, if you are wanting to start out right there are several things that would be effective. First, I would contact the callmaker, talk to him about building you a call, and ask him about the type ofhunting you are wanting to do. He will help you with using the call and how to keep it ready to go. Choosing strikers is like choosing the color of your next new truck....whatever hits your fancy, as each striker changes the pitch of a call, from high to low and raspy to screaming kee-kke ! I would suggest you get a hand full and play around with them. Chalk you shouldn't need, carry a lighter with you if your in a wet area, dry the slate somewhat and the tip of the striker, you'll need to get some scotch brite to condition your pot call. But, more then likely if you buy one from a cllmaker all of the "needed conditioning" items should be included in your purchase. I sell my duals with two strikers, scotch brite and if necessary a diamond dust wheel for glas.