Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo Review

The Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo Review You’ve Been Looking For

The world of turkey hunting is a nuanced one, and achieving success often hinges on the subtle art of communication. When I first stumbled upon the Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo, I was in a familiar predicament: my existing calls, while serviceable, lacked the versatility needed for the diverse vocalizations a mature gobbler might respond to across different terrains and at various times of the day. This particular pack promised a trio of options, each designed by the renowned Chris Parrish, aiming to cover a spectrum of turkey sounds. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of practical simplicity; the calls themselves were unadorned, focusing on function over flashy aesthetics, and the materials felt robust enough for field use. I had briefly considered other single-call options or more complex multi-reed setups, but the appeal of a curated three-pack at this price point was too strong to ignore. A sense of cautious optimism settled in – could this combo truly offer the nuanced soundscapes needed to consistently draw in wary birds?

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo to the Test

My testing grounds for this diaphragm call combo were as varied as a spring gobbler’s morning routine. I took these calls into the dense, shadowed hollers of the Appalachian foothills, where a hen might be softly clucking to her brood. I also deployed them on open, windswept ridges, simulating the more aggressive yelps and cuts an insistent hen might use to locate a tom.

First Use Experience

The initial setup was straightforward, requiring only the basic proficiency in handling mouth calls that any serious turkey hunter possesses. I found myself practicing each call in my backyard before heading afield, getting a feel for the air resistance and the subtle pressure needed to produce distinct sounds. The Ridge Strutter offered a raspier, deeper tone, while the Ridge Ghost provided a higher-pitched, more subtle cluck. The Ridge Beater fell somewhere in between, capable of both aggressive cuts and softer hen sounds. I noticed immediately that consistent sound production required a good seal and controlled airflow, which is standard for diaphragm calls, but these seemed to respond well to varied tongue pressure.

During my first few hunting excursions, I found that the calls performed admirably in different conditions. The early morning fog did little to dampen their acoustic capabilities, and the gentle breeze on the ridges only served to carry the sounds effectively. The grip of the latex against my palate felt secure, minimizing accidental slipping, which is crucial when you’re trying to execute a complex sequence of calls. I encountered no immediate issues or surprising quirks; the performance was as expected for a well-made diaphragm call, but the distinctiveness of each call within the pack was a welcome surprise.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several weeks and numerous early morning hunts, the Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo proved to be a reliable companion. These calls have endured the typical rigors of field use, including being stashed in vest pockets, occasionally dropped on the forest floor (the black color helped make them visible against leaf litter), and exposed to varying humidity. Despite this, the latex has maintained its elasticity, and the tape has stayed securely adhered.

The durability of these calls is a significant plus. I haven’t experienced any fraying of the tape or degradation of the latex, which can be common issues with lesser quality calls over time. Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse with water after a muddy session and proper drying before storage is all that’s needed. Compared to some single-layer calls I’ve used in the past that quickly lose their tone, or budget multi-packs where reeds tear easily, this three-pack feels built to last. It has certainly held its own against both my trusty favorites and the array of calls I’ve experimented with over the years.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo

The Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo is designed to offer hunters a versatile sonic toolkit for various turkey vocalizations. This pack, built by Chris Parrish, focuses on providing distinct sound profiles for different hunting scenarios.

Specifications

This pack contains three distinct mouth calls, each crafted with a specific purpose in mind: the Ridge Strutter, the Ridge Ghost, and the Ridge Beater. The manufacturer is Bone Collector, a name familiar to many in the hunting community. The color of all three calls is a functional Black, which helps them blend into the hunting environment and reduces visibility to wary game. The species targeted is, of course, Turkey.

Each diaphragm call is constructed from multiple layers of latex, a standard material chosen for its ability to produce a range of turkey sounds when manipulated by air pressure and the tongue. The tape binding the reeds together is designed for durability and to create a good seal against the roof of the mouth. The precise number of reeds and their specific cut, while not detailed in the product description, are the proprietary secrets that give each call its unique tone. This combination of materials and design ensures that each call offers a distinct acoustic signature, crucial for mimicking different turkey vocalizations, from soft clucks to aggressive yelps.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of these diaphragm calls is to accurately replicate turkey vocalizations, and the Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo excels at this. The Ridge Strutter is designed to produce a deeper, raspier sound, ideal for the aggressive cuts and yelps of a mature gobbler or a persistent hen. The Ridge Ghost, as its name implies, offers a higher-pitched, more delicate sound, perfect for the soft clucks and whines of a hen trying to locate a mate or communicate with her flock. The Ridge Beater serves as a capable all-rounder, able to produce a good range of sounds from moderate yelps to softer clucks, making it a versatile choice for various situations.

The key strength of this combo lies in its versatility. Having three distinct calls means a hunter isn’t forced to try and achieve every sound with a single, potentially limited, call. The Ridge Strutter really shines when you need volume and rasp, while the Ridge Ghost is invaluable for those subtle, close-quarters interactions. The weakness, if one can call it that, is inherent to all diaphragm calls: they require practice and a consistent seal. However, the quality of construction here minimizes user error, allowing skilled callers to truly unlock the potential of each call. They meet and, in terms of the distinctiveness of each component, exceed expectations for a pack at this price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo is purely functional, which is exactly what you want in field gear. The calls are made with a focus on sound production and ease of use, not aesthetic flair. The Black color is practical, helping the calls to remain unseen by wildlife.

Ergonomically, these calls are designed to sit comfortably against the roof of the mouth. The latex reeds are pliable yet responsive, allowing for a range of tones with subtle adjustments in air pressure and tongue placement. The tape used to bind the reeds is smooth, preventing irritation against the palate during extended calling sessions. There is a slight learning curve for any new diaphragm call, especially when trying to master the nuances of each individual call within the pack. However, these calls are well-constructed, making the process of learning their unique sounds straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, these calls appear to be built for durability. The latex reeds have held their tension and shape well, and the tape binding them together remains secure, showing no signs of peeling or wear. This suggests they will hold up to a full season, and likely several more, of regular hunting use.

Maintenance is simple, which is a huge advantage in the field. A quick rinse under clean water after use, especially if saliva or debris accumulates, is generally sufficient. It’s important to allow them to air dry thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place, ideally in a call case or a dedicated pocket in your hunting vest. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but as with all latex calls, prolonged exposure to extreme heat or harsh chemicals could degrade the material over time. Their reusable nature makes them a far more sustainable and cost-effective option than disposable calls.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a combo pack of three individual mouth calls, so there are no external accessories to consider. The customization comes from the user’s ability to manipulate the reeds by adjusting their tongue, lips, and airflow. Each of the three calls (Ridge Strutter, Ridge Ghost, Ridge Beater) offers a different pre-set reed configuration designed by Chris Parrish to produce a specific range of sounds. There are no aftermarket needles, tips, grips, or mounts for mouth calls, as their functionality is intrinsic to their design and the user’s skill. The calls are designed for direct use and do not interface with other gear.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo?

This pack is ideal for the avid turkey hunter who understands the importance of having a diverse calling repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an intermediate hunter looking to expand your skills, this combo provides excellent value and versatility. It’s perfect for those hunting in varied terrains, from dense woods where soft clucks are effective, to open fields where louder yelps are needed.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who have absolutely no experience with mouth calls and are not willing to invest the time to learn. If you prefer friction calls or box calls for their tactile feedback and easier initial sound production, this might not be your primary choice. For someone looking for a single, all-purpose call, this pack might be more than they need, though it still offers excellent individual call functionality. Recommended complementary items would include a proper call case to protect the calls, and perhaps a calling instructional DVD or app to hone your skills with these specific calls.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo

The Bone Collector Ridge Pack 3-Pack Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Combo is a thoughtfully curated selection of diaphragm calls that delivers on its promise of versatility and realism. For its price point, the quality of construction and the distinctiveness of each call are truly impressive. The Ridge Strutter, Ridge Ghost, and Ridge Beater each carve out a specific niche in a turkey’s auditory landscape, allowing hunters to adapt their calling strategy to a variety of scenarios. While the inherent learning curve of any mouth call applies, the performance and durability of these calls make the investment in practice well worth it. I would absolutely recommend this pack to any turkey hunter looking to enhance their calling arsenal with reliable, effective, and well-designed tools. It’s a smart choice for anyone serious about increasing their chances in the spring woods.