Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call Review

All About the Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call: Start Here

The Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call presents a unique approach to replicating authentic turkey vocalizations, aiming to offer a versatile sound profile. Crafted from native Pennsylvania slate, this call features a double-sided design with a split-cut top and bottom, intended to produce an “excellent array” of turkey sounds. My personal journey towards this particular call began with a growing frustration with my existing slate calls. While functional, they lacked the nuanced range I felt was necessary to truly convince wary gobblers, especially in pressured woods. I needed something that could offer both soft, clucking contentment and sharp, aggressive yelps from a single piece of equipment.

Upon first handling the Two Face Slate, I was struck by its solid construction. The raw slate material felt substantial, and the wood pot had a pleasing weight and texture, suggesting a hand-crafted quality. I briefly considered other high-end calls, but the dual-surface design of the Pittman stood out as a potentially efficient solution to my sound palette needs. My initial impression was one of quiet anticipation, a feeling that this call might finally bridge the gap between my intentions and the birds’ reactions in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing for this slate call took place in my own backyard, a relatively controlled environment, before venturing into more challenging hunting scenarios. I focused on familiarizing myself with how to elicit distinct sounds from both the top and bottom surfaces. The included striker, while functional, felt a bit generic, and I quickly began experimenting with my preferred strikers to gauge the call’s responsiveness. The distinct feel between the two slate surfaces was immediately apparent, offering a tactile cue for which side I was using.

The transition between sounds was generally smooth, though achieving the precise volume and tone required a bit of practice. I noticed that the bottom surface tended to produce a slightly deeper, raspier yelp, while the top offered a cleaner, higher-pitched cluck. This dual-sided approach meant I didn’t have to reach for a secondary call as often, which is a significant advantage when a gobbler is hot on the strut. There were no immediate issues, but the inherent nature of slate calls means a certain degree of user skill is always a prerequisite for optimal performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of dedicated practice and a few early morning hunts, the Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call has become a staple in my gear. It has endured being tossed into my vest pocket, dropped lightly on pine needles, and even been exposed to a light misty rain during one outing. The slate surfaces have shown no signs of degradation; they remain consistent and responsive. The wood pot’s finish has held up well, with only minor scuffs from being carried, which I consider character rather than damage.

Maintenance has been minimal, essentially just requiring a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use to remove any dust or moisture. Compared to some composite calls I’ve used that can become slick or lose their “grit” after extended exposure, this Pennsylvania slate retains its tone. The striker, which I initially found basic, has also proven durable, though I still prefer my custom strikers for finer control. Overall, its reliability in delivering a consistent range of sounds has been a notable positive.

Breaking Down the Features of Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call

Specifications

The Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call is constructed with a focus on natural materials and a unique dual-sided design. Its primary material is native Pennsylvania slate, quarried from the Roaring Branch Quarry. This slate is chosen for its “beautiful native slate tone.”

The call is double-sided, featuring a split-cut top and bottom slate surface. This design is intended to create an excellent array of turkey sounds, effectively offering two distinct calling surfaces in one pot. The top slate is custom cut in the USA, with cuttings hand-sorted to ensure high quality. The wood pot itself is also a key component, contributing to the overall resonance and sound projection of the call.

Dimensions provided are 1.40 X 6.55 X 9.50 inches, with a specific length of 9.5 inches. This sizing indicates a substantial, yet manageable, pot call designed for comfortable handling in the field. The Pittman Game Calls brand is the manufacturer, and the call comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of any turkey call is its ability to produce convincing vocalizations, and the Two Face Slate performs commendably on this front. The dual-surface design is its most significant asset, allowing for a broader sonic palette than a standard single-sided call. The bottom slate, generally producing a deeper, more guttural sound, is excellent for executing strong yelps, cutts, and even some purrs that can sound truly authentic.

Conversely, the top slate offers a cleaner, higher-pitched cluck and whine, ideal for more subtle communication or when trying to catch a bird’s attention from a distance. The transition between these two sounds is generally quite fluid, requiring only a slight adjustment in striker angle and pressure. However, achieving the absolute finest nuances, such as a perfect soft yelp or a very faint cluck, can demand a considerable amount of practice. It meets expectations for versatility, but mastery of both sides requires dedicated effort.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Pittman call emphasizes natural materials and a rustic aesthetic. The use of Pennsylvania slate lends a certain prestige, and the raw, unpolished feel of the slate itself contributes to its authentic appeal. The wood pot is well-formed, providing a comfortable grip, and its weight feels substantial without being cumbersome.

Ergonomically, the call is straightforward. Its rounded edges and balanced weight distribution make it easy to hold and manipulate during a calling sequence. There’s a slight learning curve in discerning which side is which without looking, but this becomes intuitive with use. The markings, or lack thereof, are minimal, reinforcing its natural, unadorned design. This simplicity is a strength, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the sound production.

Durability & Maintenance

The inherent durability of slate and wood construction suggests this call is built to last. Slate, being a natural stone, is highly resistant to wear and tear from a striker, and the wood pot is robust. I haven’t encountered any cracks, warps, or significant performance degradation even after repeated use.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each outing is usually sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. Unlike friction calls that can absorb moisture and become less responsive, slate generally holds its integrity well. There are no complex parts to break or intricate mechanisms to fail. The primary concern for longevity would be keeping the striker tip clean and free from debris, which is standard for any call.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call comes with a basic striker. While functional for basic calls, it lacks the refinement that many experienced turkey hunters prefer. For enhanced performance and a broader sound range, investing in custom strikers is highly recommended.

Different strikers, made from various woods or combinations thereof, can significantly alter the call’s tone and responsiveness, allowing for finer control over yelps, clucks, and purrs. Beyond the striker, there are no other included accessories or inherent customization options for the call itself. Its strength lies in its inherent design, with the primary personalization coming from the user’s technique and their choice of striker.

Pros and Cons of Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call

Who Should Buy Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call?

This call is an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who are looking to expand their vocal repertoire without carrying multiple calls. If you find yourself in situations where a range of turkey sounds is crucial, particularly for pressured birds that may have heard it all, this dual-sided slate call offers a significant advantage. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate the natural feel and sound of slate over other materials.

Beginners might find mastering both surfaces a bit challenging initially, and those who prioritize extreme simplicity might prefer a single-sided call. However, for someone willing to put in the practice, it’s a rewarding investment. I would strongly recommend pairing this call with a quality custom striker that complements the slate’s natural tones; this will elevate its performance considerably.

Conclusion on Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call

The Pittman Game Calls Two Face Slate Pot Turkey Call is a well-crafted, versatile instrument that offers turkey hunters the ability to produce a wide spectrum of sounds from a single, durable call. Its dual-surface design, utilizing authentic Pennsylvania slate, provides a distinct advantage for those seeking nuanced communication in the field. While the included striker is functional, upgrading to a custom option will unlock the full potential of this call.

At $49.99, it represents solid value for the quality of materials and the unique functionality it offers. For the hunter who values natural materials, robust construction, and the sonic versatility to engage wary gobblers, this Pittman call is a highly recommended addition to their gear. It’s a call that rewards dedication with authentic, effective turkey sounds.