Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call Review

Let’s Review the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call

As someone who’s spent over a decade in the trenches with gear across every imaginable environment – from the sterile confines of a laboratory to the unforgiving grit of a workshop, and the remote expanses of fieldwork – I approach new equipment with a blend of seasoned skepticism and hopeful curiosity. The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call landed on my bench with a simple promise: all-around performance with a hint of aggression in its sound profile. It’s a surprisingly compact piece of equipment, yet its potential impact on calling effectiveness is significant.

My acquisition of this particular call stemmed from a persistent need for a versatile tool that could reliably produce a range of tones, from subtle coaxing to sharp, attention-grabbing yelps. I was finding that some of my existing calls were either too specialized or lacked the rasp needed to cut through wind and brush. The descriptions hinting at a “snake tongue cut” and “wide half moon” piqued my interest, suggesting a design geared towards nuanced control and aggressive vocalizations. In my search, I briefly considered a few other triple-reed options from established brands, but none offered the specific cut and stated capabilities that this particular mouth call advertised. My initial impression upon handling it was one of functional simplicity; it felt well-constructed without any unnecessary frills, which is often a good sign for serious-use gear. There was a distinct sense of potential waiting to be unlocked.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call to the Test

My initial testing began not in the field, but in the controlled chaos of my home workshop, where ambient noise and varied acoustics can reveal a lot about a call’s inherent capabilities. I focused on replicating common vocalizations, experimenting with breath control and tongue pressure to gauge the ease of use and the range of sounds achievable. It was immediately clear that this call, unlike some stiffer triple-reed designs I’ve encountered, offered a surprisingly low learning curve. The reeds felt responsive, allowing for quick transitions between soft clucks and more aggressive hen-like sounds.

After the initial workshop evaluation, I took the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call out for more practical application. I used it during several early morning sessions in dense woodland, where the natural sounds are abundant and calls need to be both clear and convincing. The call performed admirably, producing a good balance of clarity and rasp even when I deliberately introduced a bit of moisture from heavy breathing or a light dew. I found its ability to produce really raspy sounds, as advertised, to be particularly effective in cutting through the ambient noise of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.

Over the course of several weeks, this mouth call became a regular fixture in my field kit. It endured being jostled around in my pack and even a brief, accidental drop onto a gravel path – thankfully without any discernible damage or performance degradation. The durability felt solid; the latex reeds maintained their tension and shape, and the frame remained rigid. Compared to some of the budget triple-reed calls I’ve used in the past, which often lose their distinct sound or develop leaks after heavy use, this model held its own remarkably well. Maintenance was straightforward: a quick rinse with water and a careful pat dry after each use was all that was needed to keep it in optimal condition.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call

The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is engineered with a few key features designed to enhance its versatility and sound production. At its core, it’s a triple-reed configuration, a common setup for mouth calls that allows for a wide range of tones. The unique aspect is its snake tongue cut and a wide half moon opening. This combination is intended to provide more control over the “frontend” of the sound, allowing for higher-pitched, sharper notes, while also facilitating those desirable raspy tones.

The technical specifications are fairly standard for a mouth call. While not explicitly stated in terms of reed material, it’s safe to assume high-quality latex is used, which is crucial for reed tension and sound fidelity. The manufacturer is Bone Collector, a brand known for its focus on hunting-specific gear. The overall dimensions are compact, measuring roughly 6 cm in length, 0.75 inches in height, and 3.75 inches in width, with a negligible weight of about 0.06 lb. These dimensions mean it fits comfortably and unobtrusively in the mouth and a vest pocket.

In terms of performance, the snake tongue cut and the wide half moon opening really do make a difference. The cut, in particular, seems to allow for precise manipulation with the tongue, enabling sharper yelps and more intricate clucks. The wider opening contributes to the call’s ability to produce that sought-after rasp, a critical element for mimicking an older or agitated hen. This is particularly useful when trying to cut through distance or draw the attention of wary game.

The design of this particular mouth call is focused on functionality. The frame is rigid enough to provide a stable platform for the reeds, ensuring consistent pressure application. The overall construction feels robust, with no obvious weak points that would suggest premature failure. The use of triple reeds is a deliberate choice for those seeking a broad sonic palette, and the specific cuts on this model are clearly aimed at optimizing that range, especially towards the higher and raspier ends of the spectrum.

Durability for a mouth call like this is generally determined by the quality of the reeds and the integrity of the frame. Given its performance over several weeks of regular use, the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call appears to be built for the long haul. I haven’t observed any signs of reed fatigue or frame distortion. Maintenance is simple, primarily involving keeping it clean and dry. Potential failure points for any mouth call can include reed tears or warping, but this model has shown no such issues thus far.

Regarding accessories, mouth calls are generally sold as standalone items, and this one is no exception. There are no bundled accessories. However, the compatibility with common practice and advanced calling techniques is inherent in its design. Many users will benefit from practice diaphragms or dedicated mouth call cases to keep them clean and protected when not in immediate use, though these are not included.

Specifications

• Product Name: Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call
• Manufacturer: Bone Collector
• Reed Configuration: Triple Reed – This setup provides a broad tonal range, allowing for both high-pitched yelps and lower, raspy sounds. It’s a standard for versatility in many hunting scenarios.
• Cut Style: Snake Tongue Cut – This specific cut on the latex reeds is designed to enhance control over the sound’s pitch and attack. It allows for sharper, more precise vocalizations.
• Frame Design: Wide Half Moon – This feature influences the airflow and resonance of the call. The wider opening aids in producing more frontend volume and higher pitches, while also contributing to the call’s ability to achieve a raspy quality.
• Overall Length: Approximately 6 cm. This compact size ensures it fits comfortably in the mouth without being obtrusive.
• Height: Approximately 0.75 inches. This contributes to its low profile and ease of handling.
• Weight: Approximately 0.06 lb. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods without fatigue.
• Width: Approximately 3.75 inches. While listed, this measurement seems slightly large for a mouth call’s typical overall dimensions; it likely refers to packaging or a broader aspect of the product if it included a frame or case. The functional width in hand or mouth is much smaller.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of this mouth call is to produce realistic and effective animal vocalizations. The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call excels at this, particularly in its ability to produce a wide spectrum of sounds. The snake tongue cut allows for surprisingly sharp and clear yelps that can cut through a lot of ambient noise. The triple reed setup, combined with the wide half moon, truly delivers on the promise of a good rasp when needed, essential for mimicking agitated or mature hens.

Its primary strength lies in its versatility. Whether I needed a soft, almost pleading cluck or a loud, aggressive scream, this call could deliver with practice. It’s easy to manipulate the airflow and tongue pressure to achieve subtle variations, which is key to fooling wary game. A slight weakness, inherent to most triple-reed calls, is the learning curve for beginners to achieve the full range of sounds without sounding unnatural. However, for an experienced caller, this is a tool that offers significant rewards.

Considering its price point of $10.99, this call significantly exceeds expectations. It performs on par with, and in some aspects better than, calls I’ve used that cost twice as much. It meets the demands of serious hunting scenarios and offers a remarkable level of control for such an affordable piece of gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is focused and practical. The materials feel durable, with the latex reeds showing resilience and the frame maintaining its integrity. The finish is simple and functional, without any added coatings that might affect grip or sound. In hand, it’s unobtrusive, and when placed in the mouth, it settles comfortably without creating excessive pressure points.

The ergonomics are excellent for a mouth call. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to hold between the teeth and manipulate with the tongue and lips. There is a slight learning curve, as with any new mouth call, to master the precise tongue placement needed to activate the specific cuts and reeds effectively. However, the wide half moon and the clarity of the snake tongue cut make this learning process more intuitive than with some more complex designs.

Practical design elements include the shape of the frame, which provides good surface area for tongue control, and the clearly defined cuts in the reeds. These elements work together to enhance usability, allowing for consistent sound production once the user finds their groove. There are no unnecessary markings or controls, keeping the focus squarely on performance.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, this mouth call is built to last for at least a full hunting season, and likely beyond, with proper care. The triple reed setup, when made from quality latex and properly mounted within a sturdy frame, holds up well against regular use. I have not experienced any tearing, fraying, or loss of elasticity in the reeds after extensive testing.

Maintenance is straightforward and does not require specialized tools or procedures. Keeping the call clean by rinsing it with water and allowing it to air dry thoroughly after each use is the most important step. This prevents saliva buildup from hardening and affecting reed performance. Storing it in a dry place, perhaps in a dedicated mouth call case, will further prolong its lifespan and prevent damage from other gear.

Potential failure points for any mouth call can include reed damage or warping. However, the Bone Collector design seems robust, and I have not encountered any issues. Being mindful not to overtack or damage the reeds during handling is always a good practice for any mouth call user.

Accessories and Customization Options

Mouth calls, by their nature, typically do not come with a wide array of accessories or extensive customization options. The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is sold as a single unit. There are no additional reeds, tips, or other interchangeable parts provided with this product.

However, the inherent customization comes from the user’s ability to manipulate their tongue, lips, and breath to produce different sounds. The snake tongue cut and wide half moon design are the primary elements that allow for this sonic customization. Users looking to enhance their experience might consider purchasing a protective mouth call case to keep it clean and prevent accidental damage when it’s not in use. There are also practice diaphragms available from various manufacturers that can help callers hone their skills before heading into the field.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call?

This mouth call is ideally suited for intermediate to experienced hunters who understand the importance of varied vocalizations and are looking for a high-performance tool without a premium price tag. If you’re a turkey hunter who needs a call capable of producing both subtle clucks and aggressive, attention-grabbing yelps with a good dose of rasp, this model should be high on your list. It’s particularly good for those who frequently hunt in windy conditions or dense cover where a loud, cutting sound is necessary.

Beginners might find the advanced capabilities of the snake tongue cut a bit challenging to master initially. They might benefit more from simpler, single or double-reed calls before graduating to this more complex design. Those who require extreme simplicity or are only interested in a very limited range of sounds might also consider other options, though the versatility here is a significant advantage. To enhance the experience, I’d recommend pairing this call with a dedicated mouth call case to keep it clean and protected.

Conclusion on Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call

The Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is a remarkable performer that punches well above its weight class, especially given its accessible price point. It successfully balances versatility with the ability to produce those crucial, attention-grabbing raspy tones that are essential in the field. The snake tongue cut and triple reed configuration, combined with the wide half moon, create a call that is both nuanced and potent.

For the $10.99 investment, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers a level of performance and durability typically found in calls costing significantly more. I would confidently recommend this mouth call to any serious hunter looking to expand their calling arsenal with a reliable, versatile, and effective tool. If you’re ready to elevate your game and want a call that can truly deliver a range of realistic vocalizations, the Bone Collector The Show Off Mouth Call is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.