Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call Review

A Practical Look at the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call is a specialty turkey call designed to emulate authentic hen sounds with remarkable clarity. Manufactured by Woodhaven Calls, this call features a Walnut Wood pot and a glass striking surface, promising ease of use for both novice and experienced callers. The need for a reliable turkey call arose for me during a particularly frustrating spring season; my old diaphragm calls were proving inconsistent, and I needed something that could produce those crucial clucks and yelps without a steep learning curve. I briefly considered a ceramic friction call from another brand, but its reputation for being finicky steered me away. My initial impression of this Red Ninja glass call was one of robust craftsmanship and thoughtful design, offering a practical solution.

First Use Experience

My first outing with this friction call was in a dense oak stand during early morning. The conditions were cool and slightly damp, typical for springtime in my region. I found the call to be surprisingly intuitive; the Walnut Wood pot felt solid in my hand, and the included strikers were well-matched to the surface. Producing basic yelps and clucks was straightforward, and the sound carried well through the woods without being overly sharp.

I tested its range of sounds by trying to mimic different hen vocalizations. The ability to produce soft purrs and aggressive cutts was evident with subtle adjustments to pressure and striker angle. There was a slight learning curve to achieve the most realistic raspy yelps, but it was minimal compared to other friction calls I’ve tried.

After about an hour of use, the surface showed no signs of undue wear, and the sound remained consistent. I did notice that after repeated, vigorous cutting sequences, a light dusting of residue from the striker was visible on the glass, but this easily wiped away with a soft cloth.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following weeks, this glass friction call became a staple in my turkey hunting gear. It accompanied me on several more hunts, enduring varying weather conditions from light rain to dry, dusty fields. The Walnut Wood pot held up admirably, showing no signs of swelling or warping.

Durability has been excellent; there are no cracks, and the glass surface remains smooth and unblemished. The strikers, despite being knocked around in my vest, have also held their integrity, with no significant fraying or damage. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Compared to some of the cheaper friction calls I’ve used in the past, this Woodhaven Calls model significantly outperforms them in terms of sound quality and consistency. It doesn’t exhibit the same tendency to become “squeaky” or lose its ability to produce sharp cuts after extended use. It sits comfortably between the simplicity of a basic pot call and the nuanced control of a crystal or slate call.

Specifications

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call is constructed with a Walnut Wood pot, providing a dense and resonant base for sound production. The striking surface is Glass, a material known for its ability to produce high-frequency sounds and a clear, sharp tone. It comes with two matched strikers, ensuring you have a backup or can experiment with slightly different sounds.

A notable inclusion is the surface saver lid, which protects the delicate glass surface from scratches and accidental damage when stored in a hunting vest or pack. The call also includes a conditioning kit, essential for maintaining the optimal friction between the striker and the pot surface for consistent sound. These specifications collectively aim to deliver a high-quality, user-friendly turkey call that focuses on authentic hen vocalizations.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, producing turkey sounds, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call performs exceptionally well. It excels at replicating the realistic sounds of a hen turkey, from soft yelps to loud, cutting clucks. The combination of the glass surface and the Walnut Wood pot creates a crisp, clear tone that carries effectively.

The call’s strength lies in its ability to produce a wide range of vocalizations with relative ease. Yelps are sharp and distinct, clucks are consistent, and purrs have a nice, subtle roll. The main weakness, if one could call it that, is that achieving the most nuanced, complex sounds might still require practice for absolute beginners, but its ease of operation is a significant advantage. It consistently meets, and often exceeds, expectations for a friction call in this price range, especially considering its focus on authentic hen sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this friction call is evident from the moment you pick it up. The Walnut Wood pot has a smooth, comfortable finish that feels natural in the hand. The dimensions are well-proportioned, making it easy to hold and manipulate for extended periods without fatigue.

Ergonomically, the call is a pleasure to use. The weight is balanced, and the shape of the pot allows for a secure grip, even with slightly damp hands. The included strikers are also well-designed, with comfortable handles that provide good control.

Practical design details include the consistent finish of the Walnut Wood and the smooth, unmarred glass surface. There are no sharp edges or uncomfortable protrusions. The overall feel is one of refined craftsmanship, designed for both performance and comfortable handling in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call is built for longevity. The Walnut Wood is a dense hardwood that should resist damage from impacts and moisture effectively. The glass striking surface, while requiring care, is surprisingly resilient when protected by the included lid.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each use, I simply wipe down the glass surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove any chalk or residue. The conditioning kit is used sparingly, perhaps once every few hunting trips, to ensure optimal performance.

Potential failure points are minimal. The strikers are the most likely component to wear out over time, but having two provided mitigates this. The glass surface could theoretically chip or crack if dropped hard, but the overall robust construction suggests this is unlikely under normal hunting conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call comes well-equipped for immediate use. It includes two matched strikers, which is a significant benefit, offering a backup and allowing for slight variations in sound production based on striker diameter or material if they were different (though these are described as matched). The surface saver lid is crucial for protecting the glass and preventing accidental scratches or breakage during transport.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a conditioning kit is a thoughtful touch, essential for maintaining the call’s optimal friction and sound quality. While this friction call itself doesn’t offer significant user customization in terms of swappable parts like some other types of calls, its design is optimized for creating a range of authentic sounds right out of the box. The strikers are designed to work optimally with the glass surface, and the Walnut Wood pot provides a solid foundation for consistent performance.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call?

This call is an excellent choice for dedicated turkey hunters who prioritize realistic hen sounds and a user-friendly experience. It’s ideal for individuals looking to upgrade from simpler calls or those who struggle with diaphragm calls and want a reliable alternative. Beginner turkey hunters who want to learn friction calling with a high-quality tool will also benefit greatly.

Those who should probably skip this call are individuals on a very tight budget looking for the absolute cheapest option available, or those who exclusively hunt species that do not respond to hen turkey vocalizations. For maximum effectiveness, consider carrying a slate call as well, as different woods and strikers can produce subtly different tones that might work better in varied conditions. A good quality vest with dedicated pockets for calls is also a must to protect the surface saver lid and the call itself.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Red Ninja Glass Friction Call is a superb friction call that delivers on its promise of authentic hen turkey sounds with impressive clarity. Its combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, and ease of use makes it a standout option in its category. While the $94.99 price tag places it at the higher end for friction calls, the superior sound production, durable construction, and included accessories justify the investment for serious turkey hunters. I would personally recommend this call to any hunter looking for a reliable, high-performing tool to enhance their success in the field, particularly those who value realism and ease of operation. If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want a call that will consistently produce those essential hen sounds, this model is definitely worth considering.