Flextone Coon Squaller Review

Field Test Review of the Flextone Coon Squaller

For those of us who spend our nights tracking nocturnal critters, particularly raccoons, finding effective tools to do so is a constant pursuit. Enter the Flextone Coon Squaller, a call designed to tap into the inquisitive, and sometimes aggressive, nature of raccoons. I came across this particular call when my usual methods for drawing out treed raccoons seemed to be met with an unusual silence, a frustrating dead end on otherwise promising hunts.

The need for something new was evident; traditional calls sometimes lacked the nuanced realism required to elicit a strong response, especially from wary animals. My first impression of this squaller was its surprisingly compact size and what felt like a robust, yet pliable, construction. It seemed designed for the field, not just a display shelf.

While I considered a few other electronic calls, their complexity and higher price point steered me back toward simpler, more tactile options. This Flextone call promised a straightforward approach to a common hunting challenge. My initial thought upon holding it was one of cautious optimism – could this simple device truly make a difference in my success rate?

Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Coon Squaller to the Test

My testing for the Flextone Coon Squaller primarily took place during late autumn and early winter evenings in mixed woodland and agricultural fringe environments, typical raccoon habitats. I conducted these tests from late dusk through to the early hours of the morning, employing it when raccoons were already treed or when attempting to locate them by sound. The call was used primarily by hand, with an effort to mimic natural movements and sounds.

During extended use, I found the Flextone Coon Squaller to be a remarkably effective tool for its intended purpose. It consistently produced sounds that seemed to pique the curiosity of treed raccoons, often eliciting agitated responses or closer inspection. On one particularly memorable occasion, a group of raccoons, initially quiet, began chattering and moving within the branches after I used the call, indicating a successful engagement.

Durability has been a notable positive. Despite being repeatedly twisted, bent, and exposed to dew and occasional light rain, the soft body material has shown no signs of cracking or degradation. The sound production has remained consistent, with no discernible drop in quality. Maintenance is almost non-existent; a quick wipe down with a dry cloth after use is all that’s needed. Compared to some of the more finicky electronic calls I’ve used, this simple design’s reliability is a significant advantage.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Flextone Coon Squaller occurred on a crisp November evening. I was deep in a woodlot known for its raccoon population, specifically targeting a ridge where I’d heard activity earlier. I deployed the call by holding it in my hand, gently squeezing and twisting it to produce a series of raspy, fighting sounds.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; there was no complex setup or learning curve. The soft body allowed for intuitive manipulation, letting me adjust the tone and intensity of the sounds with subtle movements. I didn’t encounter any initial issues or quirks; it performed as advertised right out of my pack.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of regular use, this hunting call has proven its worth. I’ve found it to be a reliable go-to for drawing attention from wary raccoons. Its durable construction means it has survived being tucked into pockets, dropped gently on the forest floor, and subjected to varied weather conditions without complaint.

The flexibility of the body is key to its longevity and effectiveness. Unlike rigid calls that can crack under stress, this model bends and flexes without issue. There’s been no sign of stiffness developing over time, ensuring consistent sound generation.

Maintenance is practically zero. A quick rinse under a tap if it gets particularly muddy, followed by air drying, is usually sufficient. I haven’t had to worry about batteries or complex cleaning procedures, which is a huge relief when you’re out in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Coon Squaller

Specifications

The Flextone Coon Squaller is built with simplicity and efficacy in mind. It features a soft body construction, allowing for a wide range of natural-sounding inflections. The primary material is described as durable, suggesting it’s designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use without becoming brittle or cracking easily.

This design philosophy means there are no complex electronic components. The absence of a battery type specification further emphasizes its analog nature, which contributes to its lightweight and uncomplicated design. Its compact form factor makes it easy to carry in any hunting vest or pocket.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Flextone Coon Squaller is to mimic the sounds of two fighting raccoons. In practice, this translates to a series of sharp, agitated yelps and growls that are highly effective at piquing the interest of treed raccoons. It doesn’t claim to replicate every sound a raccoon makes, but it nails the specific vocalizations that provoke curiosity or aggression.

Its primary strength lies in its ability to produce varied pitches and tones by simply adjusting how you squeeze and manipulate the soft body. This allows for a more natural and less repetitive sound than many basic friction calls. The main drawback, if one can call it that, is that its effectiveness is tied to the user’s ability to vary the sounds; a monotonous application will yield less impressive results.

It meets and often exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. The ability to create realistic fighting sounds with such a simple mechanism is impressive.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this squaller is focused on practicality and ease of use in the field. Its soft body is the most prominent feature, making it comfortable to hold and manipulate for extended periods. The black color is discreet, blending in with hunting attire and minimizing any potential visual distraction for wary animals.

Ergonomically, it fits well in the hand, and the flexible material allows for precise control over the sound output. There’s virtually no learning curve; any hunter can pick it up and begin experimenting with different sounds. The simple, unadorned design means there are no buttons or controls to fumble with, which is a significant advantage when you’re trying to be stealthy.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its durable material and lack of complex parts, the Flextone Coon Squaller is built for longevity under typical hunting conditions. I expect it to last for many seasons of regular use. It’s designed to be a workhorse, not a delicate instrument.

Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving keeping it clean and dry. The pliable material is resistant to dirt and debris, and any residue can usually be wiped away with a damp cloth. I haven’t identified any obvious failure points, and its simple design suggests few areas where it could break down.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flextone Coon Squaller comes as a standalone item, with no additional accessories included. This aligns with its philosophy of simplicity and affordability. There are no obvious customization options for the call itself, such as interchangeable reeds or different mouthpieces.

However, its compact and lightweight design means it pairs well with other common hunting gear. It easily fits into a hunting pack alongside calls for other game, a flashlight, or calls for other types of hunting. While there are no built-in customization features, its straightforward design means it’s unlikely to interfere with other gear you might carry.

Pros and Cons of Flextone Coon Squaller

Who Should Buy Flextone Coon Squaller?

The Flextone Coon Squaller is an excellent choice for hunters specifically targeting raccoons, especially those who appreciate simple, reliable, and effective tools. It’s ideal for both beginner hunters looking for an easy-to-use call and experienced hunters seeking a no-frills option to supplement their existing gear. This call excels in situations where you need to draw a reaction from a treed raccoon, encouraging it to move or vocalize.

However, anyone looking for a call that can produce a wide variety of raccoon sounds, from contact calls to distress cries, might find this model too specialized. If you primarily hunt other types of game or require a more versatile call, you may need to look elsewhere. For those focused on raccoons and who value simplicity and effectiveness, this call is a solid investment. I would recommend a good quality flashlight and a sturdy pair of gloves to complement its use.

Conclusion on Flextone Coon Squaller

The Flextone Coon Squaller is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest designs are the most effective. It successfully replicates the sounds of fighting raccoons, a tactic that consistently proved to pique the interest of my quarry during my testing period. Its durable and flexible construction ensures it can handle the demands of regular outdoor use without issue.

For its incredibly modest price of $8.67, the value proposition here is exceptional. It delivers on its core promise without unnecessary complexity, making it an accessible and useful tool for raccoon hunters. I would wholeheartedly recommend this squaller to anyone serious about adding a simple yet effective call to their hunting arsenal for pursuing raccoons, especially if they value reliability and ease of use. It’s a small investment for a significant potential return in the field.