Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call Review

Meet the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call: First Thoughts

The Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is designed to produce a range of coyote vocalizations, aiming to be a versatile tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. This call aims to replicate natural coyote sounds like yips, barks, and howls, with a particular emphasis on its long-distance locator and calling capabilities. My initial dive into this call was driven by a need for a reliable locator call that could cut through dense brush and distance, something my previous, more simplistic calls struggled with.

Upon first impression, the call’s construction feels robust for its price point. The manufacturer, Flextone, has integrated a flexible barrel, a key design element that purportedly aids in volume control and back pressure. This soft, pliable material feels durable, and I immediately appreciated how it seemed to mute any accidental contact noise, a common frustration when trying to remain concealed. I had briefly considered a more complex electronic caller, but the simplicity and purported natural sound of this model appealed to my preference for hands-on, analog tools. My first reaction was one of quiet optimism, a feeling that this straightforward design might just deliver on its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call was the edge of a large, mixed-terrain wildlife management area, just as dawn began to break. I was positioned overlooking a known coyote denning area, hoping to elicit a response from any resident animals or passing transients. The conditions were crisp, with a light dew settling on the ground, and the temperature hovering just above freezing.

The call proved remarkably easy to use right out of the box; no complicated instructions or setup were required, just a simple squeeze and blow. I started with a series of short, sharp yips, followed by a low, inquiring howl. The sound projection was impressive; even with moderate breath pressure, the vocalizations carried further than I anticipated, cutting through the ambient forest noise effectively. One minor surprise was the slight learning curve in controlling the volume precisely; it took a few attempts to consistently achieve the softer, more hesitant sounds versus the louder, more assertive ones, but this was easily managed by adjusting my grip and breath.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, both during pre-dawn hunts and late evening scouting trips, the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call has proven to be a dependable piece of gear. I’ve subjected it to various conditions, from dusty trails to light, intermittent rain, and it has held up admirably. There are no visible cracks or signs of degradation in the flexible barrel, nor has it become stiff or lost its responsiveness to pressure.

In terms of durability, it has survived a few accidental drops onto soft earth and even one tumble onto packed gravel without any noticeable damage or compromise in its sound quality. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each outing is usually sufficient, and it stores easily in a vest pocket or pack. Compared to some of the older, rigid-style calls I’ve used in the past that were prone to cracking or producing tinny sounds, this flexible design from Flextone offers superior resilience and more natural audio.

Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call

Specifications

The Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is constructed with a core focus on natural sound reproduction and durability. Its primary feature is the soft, flexible barrel made from a resilient polymer. This material is designed to control volume and back pressure when the end of the call is squeezed, allowing for nuanced vocalizations.

The call is engineered to produce a range of sounds, including yips, barks, and howls, mimicking the natural communication of coyotes. A significant design aspect is its ability to remain silent even if accidentally contacted by a gun or bow, a critical feature for maintaining stealth in the field. The manufacturer, Flextone, offers this call in a standard black color, contributing to its unobtrusive appearance.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is to attract coyotes with realistic vocalizations, and it performs this task with commendable effectiveness. Its ability to produce distinct yips and howls makes it an excellent long-distance locator call, capable of drawing attention from a considerable distance. The flexible barrel allows for a surprising amount of control over the intensity and duration of each sound, letting you adjust from soft inquiries to more aggressive challenges.

The main strength of this call lies in its natural sound profile and the ease with which it can produce varied coyote vocalizations. However, achieving the absolute softest, most subtle mouth calls can require a bit of practice to master the precise squeeze and breath modulation. Despite this minor learning curve, it consistently produces sounds that have elicited responses from coyotes during my field tests, exceeding expectations for a call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is intentionally simple, prioritizing function and field utility. The soft, flexible barrel is the most prominent design element, offering a comfortable and secure grip. This pliability is not just for comfort; it’s integral to the call’s acoustic properties and its ability to mute accidental noises.

Its overall construction feels solid and well-assembled, with no loose parts or rough edges. The matte black finish is practical, reducing glare in bright conditions. The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and operate single-handedly, which is crucial when you need your other hand free for a firearm or binos. This straightforward, no-frills approach makes it a reliable tool that doesn’t demand excessive attention to its physical form.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from a flexible polymer, the Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is built for sustained use in demanding outdoor environments. It’s designed to be a reusable call, and based on my experience, it should offer years of reliable service under normal hunting conditions. The material’s inherent resilience suggests it can withstand repeated flexing, temperature changes, and minor impacts without failing.

Maintenance is practically non-existent, which is a huge benefit for any field gear. A quick rinse or wipe-down is all that’s typically needed, and it doesn’t require any special oils or lubricants. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, though it’s always wise to inspect any flexible material for long-term cracking if stored improperly, such as being crushed under heavy gear for extended periods.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call comes as a standalone unit, focusing entirely on its core function. It does not include any additional accessories or offer significant customization options beyond the user’s ability to manipulate their breath and grip. The product is designed for simplicity, meaning there are no interchangeable reeds, tips, or other add-ons.

This lack of accessories means that the call’s performance is entirely dependent on the user’s skill in manipulating it. For those who prefer a minimalist approach to their calling gear, this is an advantage, as it eliminates potential points of failure or loss. However, hunters who enjoy fine-tuning their calls with various components might find its fixed design limiting.

Pros and Cons of Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call

Who Should Buy Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call?

The Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call is an excellent choice for novice to intermediate coyote hunters who are seeking a reliable and affordable locator call. It’s also ideal for anyone interested in wildlife observation or tracking who wants to understand and potentially elicit vocalizations from coyotes. Its ease of use and durable construction make it suitable for those who value simplicity and functionality in their outdoor gear.

Individuals who might want to skip this call are experienced predator callers who demand the absolute finest control over every nuance of sound production, often achieved through more complex, multi-component calls or electronic devices. Those who prefer the ability to swap out reeds or change sound profiles might also find this fixed-design call less appealing. For optimal use, I’d recommend pairing it with a good quality camouflage vest that has dedicated pockets for calls, keeping it readily accessible and protected.

Conclusion on Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call

The Flextone Coyote Rage Howler Call stands out as a surprisingly effective and well-built tool, especially considering its modest price tag of $13.26. It delivers on its promise of producing natural-sounding coyote vocalizations, proving itself as a capable locator and attraction call for field use. The innovative flexible barrel is more than just a gimmick; it genuinely enhances control and stealth in critical moments.

For the cost, the value proposition here is exceptionally high, offering performance that punches well above its weight class. I would confidently recommend this call to anyone venturing into coyote hunting or wildlife observation, particularly those new to calling or who appreciate simple, robust gear. It’s a solid, no-nonsense call that does its job well without unnecessary complexity.