Meet the **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo**: First Thoughts
As an equipment specialist with over a decade navigating the nuances of gear in diverse environments – from demanding outdoor expeditions to precise laboratory settings and rugged field work – I approach new tools with a critical yet curious eye. The FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo, a collection of diaphragm turkey calls, landed on my bench during a period where I was looking to refine my own proficiency with mouth calls. Specifically, I found myself struggling to consistently produce the subtle clucks and yelps that can make or break a successful turkey hunt, particularly in dense cover where visual cues are limited. I needed something versatile, capable of mimicking a range of vocalizations without requiring an advanced degree in avian acoustics or a surgeon’s dexterity.
My initial impression of this combo pack was one of practical utility. The assortment of cuts and reed configurations within the FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo immediately suggested a thoughtful approach to addressing different calling scenarios. Holding them, they felt standard in size and construction, fitting comfortably in the palm and promising a familiar experience for anyone who has used diaphragm calls before. I had briefly considered some more specialized, single-purpose calls, but the appeal of a consolidated pack that offered variety at a reasonable price point quickly won out. My first reaction was a sense of focused anticipation, a quiet optimism that this combo might indeed be the key to unlocking more consistent performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo** to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing began on my workshop bench, a controlled environment where I could meticulously evaluate each call’s potential. I then moved outdoors to a simulated turkey habitat—a wooded area behind my property—to gauge their responsiveness under more realistic conditions. The calls were tested in varying weather, including a light drizzle and moderate wind, to see how external factors affected their sound production.
The ease of use varied slightly between the three calls. The “BLACK V CUT” and “ORANGE BAT CUT” were relatively intuitive, producing recognizable turkey sounds with moderate air pressure. The “GRAY DOUBLE,” touted as great for beginners, did indeed feel more forgiving, requiring less precise tongue placement to achieve basic yelps. However, achieving nuanced sounds, like soft clucks or feeding calls, took deliberate practice across all three.
A minor surprise was the subtle difference in reed tension between the calls, which directly impacted the effort needed to produce certain tones. One unexpected quirk was the slight stickiness on the tape of the “BLACK V CUT” after extended use in warmer temperatures, which required a brief wipe down to maintain optimal reed contact.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several weeks, I integrated these calls into my practice regimen and a couple of early-season scouting trips. The FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo has held up remarkably well to frequent use. I’ve dropped one on the workshop floor (a concrete surface, mind you) without any apparent damage, which speaks to the resilience of the frame and tape construction.
Durability has been impressive; I haven’t noticed any premature fraying of the reeds or degradation of the tape material, even with repeated handling and exposure to ambient moisture. The calls remain consistent in their sound production, with no noticeable loss in volume or pitch accuracy. Maintenance is straightforward: a quick rinse with cool water and a gentle pat dry are usually sufficient after a session in the field.
Compared to some budget-brand mouth calls I’ve used in the past, these perform with a greater degree of consistency and realism. They don’t quite reach the nuanced complexity of some premium, hand-tuned calls, but for their price point and convenience as a combo pack, they offer excellent reliability and a solid performance envelope.
Breaking Down the Features of **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo**
Specifications
The FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo consists of three distinct diaphragm mouth calls, each designed with specific characteristics to produce different turkey vocalizations. The first call, the “BLACK V CUT,” features a 3.5-reed prophylactic material construction. This configuration is generally designed to offer a good balance between rasp and volume, suitable for a wide range of calling situations.
The “GRAY DOUBLE” utilizes a regular small frame design and is specified as having a double reed setup, also of prophylactic material. This design is often favored for its ease of use and its ability to produce higher-pitched yelps and cuts, making it a good option for beginners or for producing sharp, cutting sounds. The product details explicitly state it’s “Great for beginners,” highlighting its user-friendly nature.
Finally, the “ORANGE BAT CUT” features a gray .004mm latex on top and two .003mm prophylactic bottom reeds. This multi-reed configuration, combined with the specific latex thickness, typically aims for a raspy, realistic sound with good volume control. All calls share a regular frame design, contributing to their comfortable fit within the mouth and their intended use for turkey species. The manufacturer is FoxPro, and the product is made in the USA, boasting a remarkably light weight of 0.06 lb.
Performance & Functionality
Each call within the FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo performs its intended function admirably, though with slight nuances. The “BLACK V CUT” excels at producing mid-range yelps and cackles, offering a good amount of rasp without being overly aggressive. It’s quite versatile, capable of both aggressive cutting and softer clucks.
The “GRAY DOUBLE,” as advertised, is indeed easier to get sound out of. It produces clear, sharp yelps that can cut through wind or distance. While it might lack some of the deeper rasp of a multi-reed call, its clarity and ease of use make it a standout for simpler, more direct calls.
The “ORANGE BAT CUT,” with its combination of latex and prophylactic reeds, delivers a sound that is both realistic and powerful. It has a noticeable rasp that mimics the natural sound of a hen turkey very well, allowing for realistic yelps, clucks, and even some more complex sounds with practice. This call truly shines in its ability to create a convincing, slightly edgy hen sound.
Design & Ergonomics
The design philosophy behind these calls prioritizes function and user comfort. The frames are all of a regular size, ensuring they fit comfortably in most mouths without feeling obstructive or overly large. This is crucial for sustained calling and for maintaining a natural posture while in the field.
The tape used to secure the reeds is adequately strong and flexible, creating a good seal against the frame. The PAD print of the Crooked Spur Series on the tape adds a touch of branding without being distracting or interfering with the call’s performance. The reed cuts themselves—V-cut, double, and bat-cut—are precisely executed, and the materials feel robust.
While not visually complex, the understated designs, particularly the clean look of the “BLACK V CUT” and the distinct “ORANGE BAT CUT,” contribute to their appeal. They feel like reliable tools, built for purpose rather than ornate display.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, these diaphragm calls are constructed to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The prophylactic material used for the reeds is known for its resilience and ability to maintain elasticity over time, resisting drying out or becoming brittle. The latex in the “ORANGE BAT CUT” also appears to be of good quality, showing no signs of cracking or premature wear even after repeated stretching and flexing.
Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick rinse with clean water is usually sufficient to clear any moisture or debris that might affect the reeds’ vibration. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals or excessive heat, which could damage the materials. Proper storage, such as keeping them in a dry place and away from direct sunlight, will further extend their lifespan.
The expected lifespan for these calls, under typical hunting conditions and proper care, is considerable. They are not considered disposable items in the way some single-use accessories might be. You can reasonably expect them to last multiple seasons of consistent use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo is a package deal, meaning the primary “accessory” is the inclusion of three distinct calls in one purchase. This offers a form of built-in customization, allowing the user to select the call that best suits the immediate calling situation or their personal preference on any given day. There are no additional physical accessories included with the combo pack itself, such as cases or cleaning tools, but this is standard for most diaphragm mouth call offerings.
While these calls are not inherently customizable in the way a firearm or a tool might be with interchangeable parts, their strength lies in the choice they offer. The user can switch between the V-cut for raspy realism, the double-reed for sharp cuts, and the bat-cut for a blend of power and realism. This variety within the pack serves the purpose of customization for different scenarios without needing separate purchases or modifications.
Pros and Cons of **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo**
Pros
- Three distinct reed cuts in one pack: Offers versatility for various calling situations and hen sounds.
- Excellent value: Provides three quality calls at a reasonable price point, making it accessible for most hunters.
- Beginner-friendly options: The “GRAY DOUBLE” is particularly easy to use, making it a great starting point for new callers.
- Durable construction: Made from robust prophylactic and latex materials that are built to last through multiple seasons.
- USA-made: A testament to manufacturing quality and support for domestic production.
Cons
- Limited advanced realism: While good, the most complex, nuanced sounds might require more expensive, hand-tuned calls.
- No included case: Lacks a protective case, which can be a minor inconvenience for organization and protection in the field.
- Potential for tape stickiness: The tape can become slightly sticky in very warm or humid conditions, though this is easily managed.
Who Should Buy **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo**?
This FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo is ideally suited for turkey hunters of all experience levels, particularly those looking to expand their calling arsenal or transition to using diaphragm calls. Beginners will find the “GRAY DOUBLE” especially forgiving, allowing them to quickly learn the basics of producing functional turkey sounds. Intermediate and experienced callers will appreciate the variety offered by the other two calls, providing options for different weather conditions, turkey moods, and desired sound profiles.
Hunters who prioritize value and practicality will find this combo pack an excellent choice. It offers a significant step up in realism and consistency over generic, single-reed calls without the steep price tag of high-end, specialized calls. Anyone looking to practice and improve their turkey calling skills with reliable, versatile tools should strongly consider this set.
Those who might skip this are likely advanced callers seeking absolute, top-tier realism or hunters who have very specific, niche calling needs that might require a uniquely designed or custom-tuned call. For the vast majority of turkey hunters, however, this combo provides a robust foundation. A must-have accessory would be a small, breathable pouch or a dedicated call holder to keep them organized and easily accessible during a hunt.
Conclusion on **FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo**
The FoxPro Crooked Spur Mouth Call Combo delivers exceptional value and versatility for any turkey hunter looking to enhance their calling game. The combination of three distinct reed cuts—the raspy V-cut, the clear double, and the realistic bat-cut—ensures you have a tool for nearly any situation, from soft clucks to aggressive yelps. Its construction is durable, and the USA manufacturing adds a layer of quality assurance, all packaged at a price that makes it an easy recommendation.
While it may not replicate the ultra-fine nuances of the most expensive, custom-tuned calls on the market, this combo far exceeds expectations for its price bracket. It’s user-friendly enough for beginners to pick up quickly and offers enough range for experienced hunters to be effective. I would absolutely recommend this set to anyone serious about improving their turkey calling success, especially if they value a practical, reliable, and affordable solution.