Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call Review

Meet the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call: First Thoughts

The hunt for a reliable and versatile turkey call led me to the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call. For years, I’ve relied on a rotation of friction calls, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, but I was seeking something that offered a broader sonic range without sacrificing ease of use. This hand-crafted, double-sided call promised just that, with a unique combination of slate and glass surfaces. It piqued my interest because my current go-to was a bit too specialized, excelling only at high-pitched yelps but falling flat on softer clucks and purrs. I’d considered another slate call but found them often too limited in volume for windy conditions. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the wild cherry wood felt solid and well-finished, giving it a premium, handcrafted feel. The diamond wood striker also seemed robust and well-matched to the call’s surfaces. My immediate thought was, “This could be the one that covers all the bases.”

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call to the Test

My testing grounds for this friction call were primarily the early morning woods during turkey season, but also extended to backyard practice sessions. I wanted to see how it performed in both ideal, quiet conditions and more challenging, windy environments. The call was subjected to a variety of calls, from sharp, aggressive cutting to soft, nuanced clucks and purrs, attempting to mimic various turkey vocalizations throughout the day. I also tested it under slightly humid conditions, as dew can affect the striker’s grip and the sound quality of friction calls.

First Use Experience

My first few minutes with the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call were spent on my back porch, getting a feel for the striker and the two surfaces. The transition between the slate and glass was immediate and intuitive. I found that a gentle, short stroke on the slate produced a surprisingly soft, realistic cluck. Turning it over, a firmer, faster scrape on the glass yielded those high-pitched, attention-grabbing yelps that are crucial for locating gobblers. The diamond wood striker felt comfortable in hand, offering a good grip without being abrasive. There was a slight learning curve in mastering the pressure needed for the nuanced purrs on the slate, but overall, it was far less fiddly than some of the more temperamental calls I’ve used in the past.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several hunting trips and consistent practice, the Alter Ego friction call proved to be remarkably reliable. It held its tune remarkably well, meaning I didn’t have to constantly re-condition or re-learn the specific strokes for each sound. The wild cherry wood construction showed no signs of cracking or warping, even with daily carry in my vest. Cleaning was simple; a quick wipe down with a dry cloth was usually sufficient to remove any residue from the calling surfaces. Compared to some of the more mass-produced plastic or composite calls I’ve owned, the durability of this handcrafted unit felt significantly higher. I haven’t experienced any significant drop in performance; the slate still produces those mellow tones, and the glass remains sharp for aggressive yelps.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call

The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is designed with versatility in mind, featuring two distinct calling surfaces to cover a wide range of turkey vocalizations. Its construction emphasizes natural materials and a deliberate crafting process.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Bone Collector
• Material: Hand-crafted wild cherry wood pot with a slate playing surface on one side and glass on the other.
• Striker: Included diamond wood striker.
• Dimensions: The product details list a weight of 0.42 lb, a height of 1.5 in, a length of 11 in, and a width of 7 in. This suggests a substantial call with a comfortable feel, though the overall length and width seem to indicate the packaging rather than the call itself, which is typically smaller.
• Double-Sided Design: This is the core feature, offering two distinct sound profiles. The slate is designed for softer, more subtle sounds, while the glass is intended for louder, higher-frequency calls.
• Craftsmanship: Described as “hand-crafted,” implying attention to detail and quality control beyond mass-produced items.

These specifications translate directly to performance in the field. The choice of wild cherry wood contributes to the call’s resonant qualities and aesthetic appeal. The dual surfaces mean hunters don’t need to carry multiple calls, as one unit can produce a broad spectrum of sounds. The included diamond wood striker is crucial for achieving optimal sound from both the slate and glass, and its durability is a plus for long-term use.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is to accurately mimic turkey sounds, and in this regard, it largely succeeds. The slate surface is excellent for producing soft clucks and purrs that can entice a hesitant gobbler or a hen. When executed with the right touch, these sounds are incredibly realistic. On the flip side, the glass surface excels at generating loud, sharp yelps and cutting calls that are essential for locating birds at a distance or when wind conditions are challenging. The transition between these two sounds is seamless, allowing for quick adaptations during a calling sequence.

The main strength of this call lies in its duality. It effectively bridges the gap between soft and loud, subtle and aggressive vocalizations. However, achieving the absolute best performance from each surface requires a bit of practice. The glass surface can sometimes be too sharp if not handled carefully, potentially startling wary birds. Conversely, the slate requires a very delicate touch to get the subtlest purrs just right.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is both functional and attractive. The wild cherry wood pot is smooth to the touch and aesthetically pleasing, giving it a classic, rustic look. It feels substantial and well-balanced in hand, making it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods without fatigue. The diamond wood striker complements the wood pot with its own textured grip and appropriate weight.

The ergonomic design extends to the ease of switching between the two calling surfaces. A simple flip of the wrist or a change in grip allows for instant access to either slate or glass. The smooth finish of the wood prevents any uncomfortable snagging in a vest or pocket. There’s no significant learning curve for basic operation, though mastering the finer points of each surface takes a bit of dedicated practice.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a strong suit for this friction call. The hand-crafted nature suggests a level of quality control that often translates to better longevity. The wild cherry wood is known for its resilience and resistance to environmental changes, meaning it’s less prone to cracking or warping than softer woods. The slate and glass surfaces are inherently durable materials, assuming they are not subjected to significant impact.

Maintenance is minimal. After use, a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or moisture. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals or prolonged soaking, as this could damage the wood finish or affect the sound quality over time. The diamond wood striker is also very durable and resistant to wear. With basic care, this call should last for many hunting seasons.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call comes with a single, essential accessory: the diamond wood striker. This is a well-chosen companion, offering good grip and proper hardness to elicit sound from both the slate and glass surfaces. There are no other explicit accessories included.

Customization for friction calls is typically limited to the striker and how the user employs the calling surfaces. While the pot itself isn’t designed for user modification, the diamond wood striker is a high-quality piece that performs well. For those who prefer a different feel or sound from their striker, the generous opening allows for experimentation with other strikers, though this particular one is very effective.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call?

This friction call is an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who value versatility and quality. It’s ideal for those who regularly encounter a variety of situations, from calm mornings where subtle calls are key, to windy days where loud locating calls are necessary. If you are looking to consolidate your call collection and carry fewer items in your vest without sacrificing sonic capability, this call is a strong contender. It’s also a great option for hunters who appreciate the feel and sound of natural materials and handcrafted gear.

Those who might want to skip this purchase are beginners who are just learning the basics of turkey calling and might find the dual-sided nature slightly overwhelming initially. It’s also not the best fit for hunters who exclusively need a call for one specific type of sound, such as only needing very quiet clucks or only loud yelps. While you can certainly achieve these, the call’s strength is in its adaptability.

If you decide to invest in this call, consider pairing it with a good quality vest that has ample room for your accessories. While the included striker is excellent, having a backup striker of a slightly different density or material could also be beneficial for fine-tuning your sound.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call

The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is a well-executed piece of hunting gear that delivers on its promise of versatility and quality. Its hand-crafted wild cherry wood construction feels robust, and the dual slate and glass surfaces provide an impressive range of turkey vocalizations. The included diamond wood striker is a perfect match, facilitating both subtle purrs and loud yelps. While it requires a bit of practice to master the nuances of each surface, the payoff is a call that can adapt to almost any hunting scenario.

At $66.49, the price point reflects the quality of materials and craftsmanship. It offers exceptional value for hunters seeking a reliable, multi-functional call that will enhance their success in the field. I would readily recommend this call to any serious turkey hunter looking for a versatile, durable, and sonically superior option. It’s a tool that feels as good in the hand as it sounds in the woods, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my hunting vest.