Deep Dive into the Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers
The Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers offers a pair of essential friction call strikers, designed to coax realistic turkey vocalizations out of your calls. This two-pack from Bone Collector includes one Diamond Wood striker and one Hickory striker, both laser engraved for a touch of branding. My quest for these strikers was born out of a frustrating experience during last spring’s turkey season. I had a favorite slate call that suddenly went mute, and my trusty old striker had seemingly developed a mind of its own, producing nothing but raspy clucks and weak yelps. It was a stark reminder that even the best calls are only as good as the striker used to operate them. My immediate thought was to find replacements that offered a different feel and sonic profile than my current, now-defunct, striker. I briefly considered a generic pack of hardwood strikers from a big-box sporting goods store, but the allure of specialized woods and a recognized hunting brand like Bone Collector swayed my decision. Upon receiving these, my first impression was one of solid craftsmanship; they felt substantial and well-finished in hand, hinting at a promising acoustic potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers to the Test
My testing grounds for these strikers were the familiar wooded expanses of public land, specifically during the pre-dawn hours and mid-morning calling sessions of spring turkey season. I paired each striker with a variety of friction calls: a slate, a glass, and a ceramic pot call, to gauge their versatility across different surfaces. The conditions ranged from cool, damp mornings to warmer, drier afternoons, and I even subjected them to a light dusting of pine needles and soil when I fumbled a bit in the field.
First Use Experience
The initial use of both strikers was surprisingly intuitive. I picked up the Diamond Wood striker first and immediately got a clear, sharp cluck from my slate call. It required minimal adjustment, and the learning curve was practically non-existent; it felt natural from the first strike. The Hickory striker, however, demanded a slightly lighter touch on the same call, producing a softer, more nuanced yelp. This immediate difference in response between the two woods was a welcome surprise, indicating distinct sonic characteristics. There were no immediate issues or quirks; both strikers felt balanced and responsive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the remainder of spring season and into a bit of fall scouting, these strikers have held up remarkably well. They’ve been in and out of my vest numerous times, jostled against other gear, and have retained their integrity. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear; the wood still feels smooth, and the laser engraving remains crisp. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe with a dry cloth after each outing is all they’ve needed. Compared to some budget strikers I’ve used in the past, which often developed rough spots or lost their edge quickly, these Bone Collector units feel far more robust and consistent.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers
Specifications
The Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers comes as a 2 Pack of friction call strikers. One striker is crafted from Diamonwood, a composite material known for its density and consistent acoustic properties, while the other is made from Hickory, a classic hardwood favored for its warm tone and durability. Both strikers are laser engraved with the Bone Collector branding, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal. The manufacturer is Bone Collector, and the fabric/material is Wood. The intended species is Turkey, highlighting its specific application.
The use of two distinct wood types is a significant specification. Diamonwood, often seen in higher-end calls and even some musical instruments, offers a very consistent density, which translates to predictable sound production. This means it can deliver crisp cutts and sharp yelps with relative ease, providing a solid foundation for basic turkey vocalizations. The Hickory striker, on the other hand, is a more traditional choice. Hickory is known for its strength and ability to produce a wide range of tones, from high-pitched whistles to deeper, more resonant clucks. Its slightly more porous nature compared to Diamonwood can allow for a softer, more complex sound when used with certain calls. This combination provides a versatile toolkit for mimicking different turkey sounds.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of performance, the Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers absolutely delivers on its promise of varied tones. The Diamonwood striker excels at producing sharp, high-frequency sounds. When paired with a slate call, it produced incredibly realistic cutts and piercing yelps that carried well over distance. It’s ideal for situations where you need to get a tom’s attention from afar or when you want to simulate a young hen’s excitement.
The Hickory striker offers a different, yet equally valuable, performance profile. It shines when it comes to softer, more nuanced sounds. On a ceramic call, it created incredibly mellow clucks and purrs, perfect for the hesitant hen or for finishing a stubborn gobbler at close range. Its ability to produce a slightly less aggressive tone made it my go-to for subtle coaxing.
Strengths of this pack lie in the distinct tonal qualities of each striker. The Diamonwood’s crispness and the Hickory’s warmth offer a significant range of sound. The laser engraving is also a nice touch, providing a secure grip. Weaknesses are minimal, but the Hickory striker might require a bit more finesse to achieve the piercing sharpness that the Diamonwood can produce effortlessly. For an absolute beginner, learning the subtle pressure differences between the two might take a few minutes of practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these strikers is straightforward and functional. Both possess a comfortable, tapered shape that fits naturally in the hand. The laser engraving not only adds the Bone Collector branding but also provides a subtle texture that improves grip, especially with sweaty hands or in damp conditions. The wood construction feels solid and well-balanced, neither too light nor too heavy.
The overall feel is one of quality craftsmanship. There’s no excessive gloss or overly smooth finish that might cause slippage. The tapers are smooth, allowing for a consistent strike angle on a variety of call surfaces. I appreciated the consistent diameter along the striking end, which promotes a repeatable action, crucial for producing consistent sounds. There were no sharp edges or uncomfortable protrusions.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, these strikers appear to be built for the long haul. The Diamonwood, being a composite, is inherently resistant to moisture and cracking. The Hickory is also a very hard and dense wood, capable of withstanding repeated impacts without significant damage. After my testing period, I observed no splintering, no significant marring, and no loss of acoustic integrity.
Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or residue, followed by a dry wipe, is all that’s needed. For deeper cleaning, a mild soap and water solution could be used, but I found this unnecessary for typical field use. It’s worth noting that while they are durable, dropping them on hard surfaces like concrete could potentially cause damage, though this is true for any hardwood item. Still, their robust construction gives me confidence they will last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product is a straightforward 2-pack of strikers, meaning there are no additional accessories included in the package. However, the true “customization” comes from the inherent sonic differences between the two included strikers. The Diamonwood is perfect for aggressive, sharp calls, while the Hickory is better suited for softer, more nuanced tones.
While Bone Collector doesn’t offer specific modifications for these strikers, their design is compatible with nearly all standard friction turkey calls on the market. They adhere to typical striker dimensions, ensuring a proper fit for scraping across slate, glass, or ceramic surfaces. One might consider adding a thin coat of wood sealant to the Hickory striker for extreme moisture protection, but it’s generally not necessary.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers
Pros
- Includes two distinct wood types (Diamonwood and Hickory) offering a broad sonic range.
- The Diamonwood striker produces exceptionally crisp and loud yelps and cutts.
- The Hickory striker excels at softer, more nuanced clucks and purrs.
- Laser engraving provides an excellent, non-slip grip.
- Solid build quality from Bone Collector suggests good durability.
- Excellent value for a pack of two specialized strikers.
Cons
- May require a slight adjustment period for beginners to master the nuances of each wood type.
- While durable, Hickory is still wood and could be susceptible to extreme moisture if not cared for properly.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers?
This striker pack is ideally suited for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who understand the importance of varied vocalizations. It’s perfect for anyone looking to expand their turkey call sound repertoire beyond a single striker, or those who have had a favorite striker wear out and need reliable replacements. If you primarily hunt public land where competition for a tom’s attention is high, the distinctive tones offered here will be invaluable.
Conversely, absolute beginners might find the two distinct sounds overwhelming initially. They might benefit from starting with a single, simpler striker to get the basic feel of friction calling before diversifying. Those who prioritize extreme durability in all conditions and prefer synthetic materials might also look elsewhere, though these strikers are quite robust. A must-have accessory is, of course, a variety of friction calls (slate, glass, ceramic) to truly explore the sonic potential of each striker. Additionally, keeping a small dry cloth in your vest for quick wipe-downs will help maintain their optimal performance.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers
The Bone Collector Striker 2-Pack, Two Hardwood Turkey Call Strikers is a well-executed offering that provides significant value for its price. The combination of a dense Diamonwood striker for sharp, cutting sounds and a warmer Hickory striker for more subtle tones covers a remarkable range of turkey vocalizations. Their build quality feels robust, the laser engraving offers practical grip enhancement, and they perform admirably across various friction call surfaces.
Considering the $35.99 price point for two high-quality, specialized strikers, the value proposition is strong. It’s a modest investment for a significant upgrade in your calling arsenal. I would absolutely recommend this pack to any turkey hunter looking to refine their calling techniques and increase their chances of success in the field. It’s a practical, effective, and thoughtfully assembled pair of tools that truly enhance the effectiveness of your turkey calls.