Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call Review

Everything I Learned from the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call

The Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call promises a compact and versatile solution for deer hunters, aiming to deliver a range of realistic vocalizations with its specially crafted design. This device integrates features like a snort wheeze chamber and a unique tone bulb, intended to provide an edge over more traditional calls. Its patented Flex-It Technology allows for a natural inflection and volume control through the rubber body, while distinct tone buttons cater to young buck, doe, and fawn sounds, offering tailored calling options.

My quest for a more nuanced and effective deer call led me to the Buck Rage Plus. For seasons, I’d found my existing calls a bit one-dimensional, often failing to elicit the subtle responses needed for mature bucks or skittish does. The promise of adjustable tones and a realistic snort wheeze mechanism in a single unit seemed like a direct answer to my frustrations in the field. I’d considered a few other multi-chambered calls, but their bulk and complexity seemed to outweigh their potential benefits.

Initial impressions of this Flextone offering were positive; it felt solid and well-constructed, with a flexible body that immediately suggested greater control. The material had a pleasant tactile quality, neither too slick nor overly grippy, hinting at durability. There was a tangible sense of potential here, a feeling that this was more than just another plastic noisemaker.

First Use Experience

I first tested the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call during an early morning hunt in a dense woodland area known for its mature whitetails. The air was crisp, and the dew was still heavy on the underbrush, a perfect setting for subtle calling. My initial attempts focused on the doe bleat, using the dedicated button and the flexible body to create soft, pleading sounds.

The call performed admirably in these conditions, producing a surprisingly accurate imitation of a lost fawn’s distress call. I found myself naturally adjusting the pressure on the rubber body, subtly altering the tone and volume to mimic natural pauses. The snort wheeze feature, activated by a separate button, was surprisingly easy to engage, even with cold fingers.

Extended use revealed the true resilience of this unit. After several weeks of regular use during the fall hunting season, including a week where it was constantly exposed to light rain and fluctuating temperatures, it showed no signs of degradation. The rubber remained flexible, and the tone buttons continued to function crisply without any stiffness or sticking.

Compared to some of the older, purely reed-based calls I’ve used, the reliability of this Flextone model was a significant step up. Those older calls often succumbed to moisture, becoming difficult to tune or completely non-functional, whereas the Buck Rage Plus maintained its performance throughout. Cleaning was straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each outing was sufficient.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of a full hunting season, the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call proved to be a reliable companion. Its compact size made it easy to carry in a pocket or vest without adding significant bulk, a welcome change from larger, multi-piece calls. The rubber body, while flexible, held its shape well, showing no signs of permanent deformation even after being compressed repeatedly.

The durability was evident even after a few accidental drops onto packed earth and a brief, unintentional encounter with gravel. The call sustained only minor cosmetic scuffs, with no compromise to its acoustic integrity. This resilience is crucial for any piece of gear that spends its life in the outdoors, subjected to the elements and the rigors of the field.

Maintenance was refreshingly simple. A quick rinse under a stream of water or a wipe with a field cloth was all that was needed to remove dirt and debris. There were no small, intricate parts prone to damage or difficult to clean, which is a significant advantage for hunters who value efficiency and simplicity in their gear.

Specifications

The Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call is designed with deer species in mind, offering a versatile range of sounds. It features a unique tone bulb that generates instant backpressure, crucial for creating authentic vocalizations. The call incorporates buttons for young buck, doe, and fawn sounds, allowing for precise auditory replication based on the specific situation.

An integrated easy-to-use snort wheeze chamber provides a distinct and often highly effective sound that can trigger a curious or aggressive response from deer. The patented Flex-It Technology, allowing the rubber body to bend and twist, offers unparalleled control over inflection and volume. This technology enables users to fine-tune the sound for maximum realism, mimicking natural variations in deer communication.

The materials are robust, with the flexible rubber body designed for longevity and consistent performance. This specification is important because it means the call is less likely to become brittle or crack over time, especially when exposed to varying outdoor temperatures, a common issue with less durable calls. The intuitive button layout means hunters can quickly switch between different sounds without fumbling, essential when a fleeting opportunity arises.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call—producing realistic deer vocalizations—is where it truly shines. The combination of the tone bulb and the flexible body allows for a wide spectrum of sounds, from soft doe bleats to aggressive buck grunts. I found the young buck and doe calls to be particularly effective, eliciting curious head-turns and even approaching footsteps from nearby deer on multiple occasions.

The snort wheeze, a critical component for mature buck hunting, is surprisingly easy to produce and sounds remarkably authentic. This feature alone distinguishes it from many simpler calls, offering a level of realism that can be the difference between a sighting and a successful harvest. The ability to control volume and inflection by subtly flexing the rubber body is a game-changer, allowing for more nuanced and natural-sounding sequences.

One of the primary strengths of this call is its versatility. It genuinely covers a broad range of deer vocalizations, from fawn distress to mature buck challenges. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to switch sounds on the fly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call prioritizes both function and ease of use in the field. Its compact, ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand, and the flexible rubber body is easy to manipulate for subtle sound adjustments. The textured surface provides a secure grip, even with gloves on or when hands are damp.

The layout of the tone buttons is logical and easily distinguishable by touch, allowing for quick selection of desired calls without needing to look away from the woods. The overall construction feels robust, suggesting it can withstand the bumps and drops that are common during hunting trips. The finish is matte, reducing any potential glare that might spook wary game.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key aspect for any piece of hunting equipment, and this call holds up well. The Flex-It Technology contributes to its longevity, as the flexible material is less prone to cracking or breaking than rigid plastics. After a full season of use, there were no signs of wear on the rubber, and the buttons remained responsive.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with water and a dry cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and ready for use. I found it helpful to store it in a soft pouch to prevent scratches on the exterior, though this is more for aesthetic reasons than functional necessity.

Potential concerns are minor. Like any flexible material, extreme cold could potentially stiffen the rubber, though this was not an issue during my typical fall hunting conditions. Over prolonged, very aggressive flexing, there’s a theoretical risk of stress on the material, but this would require deliberate, excessive force.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call is a self-contained unit, and as such, it does not come with a wide array of accessories. It is designed to be used as-is, with its integrated features providing the necessary functionality for a comprehensive calling experience. There are no readily apparent customization options for the call itself, such as interchangeable reeds or different tone inserts.

However, its design is such that it is compatible with standard hunting practices. For instance, hunters might choose to store it in a specific type of vest pocket or pouch for protection and accessibility. The simplicity of the design means it doesn’t require external add-ons to perform its intended function effectively.

Pros and Cons of Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call

Who Should Buy Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call?

The Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call is an excellent choice for any deer hunter looking for a versatile, realistic, and user-friendly calling tool. It’s particularly well-suited for those who hunt in a variety of conditions and need to mimic different deer vocalizations. Beginners will appreciate its straightforward operation and the immediate effectiveness of its sounds, while experienced hunters will value the nuanced control offered by its Flex-It Technology.

Hunters who demand extreme specialization or seek extensive personalization of their calls might want to look elsewhere. Those who primarily hunt in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods might also want to consider the potential for temporary stiffness. However, for the vast majority of deer hunters, this call offers a fantastic balance of performance and convenience.

I’d recommend pairing this call with a high-quality deer scent eliminator and a well-designed rangefinder for a complete hunting setup. A comfortable vest with easily accessible pockets will also ensure this call is always within reach when opportunity knocks.

Conclusion on Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call

The Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call delivers on its promise of realistic and versatile deer vocalizations in a compact and durable package. Its innovative Flex-It Technology and well-designed sound buttons allow for a level of control and authenticity that is genuinely impressive, especially considering its accessible price point. The integration of the snort wheeze chamber adds a significant advantage for targeting mature bucks.

For its $31.49 cost, the value offered by this call is exceptional. It provides the functionality of much more expensive, multi-piece systems in a single, easy-to-manage unit. I can confidently recommend the Flextone Buck Rage Plus Call to any deer hunter seeking to enhance their calling effectiveness without breaking the bank. It’s a tool that has earned a permanent spot in my hunting vest.