I was given a Hot Hen slate call this spring. I used it in FL and TX and I love it.
Now that the suspense is over...LOL...the call yanked gobbles out of birds that I couldn't get interested with mouth calls. I saw it several times and have no doubts about it.
I have a Wendell Rye slate and a Bud and Betty slate as well and they sound real good. I'd rate them 9.0, 9.5 and 9.6 on sound scale with the Hot Hen at the top based on my ear and the gobbler responses I got from each.
The call isn't particularly well finished or a true piece of art like some I have seen, but it sounds great. It is not ugly by any means tho. Mine came with a cool leather holder/cradle and a purple heart striker. And I hear his prices can't be beat.
I feel good with any of these calls in the turkey woods but the Hot Hen rocks. If you can get one, do it.
