Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call Review

Putting the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call Through Its Paces

For years, I’ve been seeking that one turkey call that truly offers the versatility to mimic a flock of hens or the precise cluck of a wary gobbler. My search led me to the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call, a Pennsylvania slate call designed to offer unparalleled tone control. This quest for the perfect sound began after a frustrating season where my existing calls, while functional, lacked the nuanced range needed to engage more challenging birds. I needed something that could adapt to varying situations and gobbler personalities.

Upon unboxing, the initial impression of this call was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The Pennsylvania slate surface felt smooth yet receptive, and the molded body with its integrated tone ports immediately sparked curiosity about its functionality. I had considered a few other slate calls, some with more elaborate carving and others with different slate compositions, but the unique tone port system on this Primos model set it apart. My immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism – a sense that this call might just bridge the gap between simplicity and sonic complexity.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call to the Test

My testing began in the early morning dew of a familiar turkey hunting ground, a place I’ve spent countless hours honing my calling skills. I wanted to see how this slate call performed in a real hunting scenario, under pressure, and in the unpredictable environment of the spring woods. The conditions were typical for early spring: cool air, damp leaves, and the occasional gust of wind that can carry sound.

First Use Experience

My first attempts involved working the striker across the Pennsylvania slate surface to produce basic yelps and clucks. The responsiveness was immediate; even a light touch produced a clear, resonant sound. The true innovation, however, became apparent when I started experimenting with the tone ports. By simply covering or uncovering these ports with my fingers, I could dramatically alter the pitch and volume, moving from a soft, almost mournful purr to a sharp, cutting hen’s distress call.

I tested this model extensively over several weeks, taking it on multiple hunts and spending time practicing on my back porch during the evenings. I exposed it to light dew, a brief shower, and the occasional dust from dry trails without any noticeable degradation in performance. The ease of use was remarkable; after a short period of experimentation, adjusting the tone ports became second nature. There were no significant surprises or quirks, just a consistent and predictable response to my input.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use – both in the field and during practice sessions – the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call continues to impress with its reliability. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the slate surface or the striker, and the molded body remains solid and free from cracks or scuffs. Its performance has remained remarkably consistent, delivering the same range of tones and volumes it did on day one.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after use is usually sufficient, and storing it in a dry place prevents any moisture-related issues. Unlike some friction calls that can become finicky with excessive moisture or dirt, this slate call has proven remarkably resilient. Compared to some of the more budget-friendly slate calls I’ve used in the past, which often develop inconsistent sounds or require meticulous cleaning, this model offers a significantly more durable and user-friendly experience. It holds up remarkably well, even when compared to some higher-end calls that command a much steeper price.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call

The design of the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call centers around providing a versatile calling experience, allowing hunters to adapt their sounds to specific situations and gobbler responses. Its construction and features are geared towards creating a range of turkey vocalizations with nuanced control.

Specifications

The Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call is constructed with a Pennsylvania slate surface, a material known for its excellent acoustic properties in turkey calls. It features a unique molded body with integrated tone ports that are the key to its versatility. This call comes with a one-piece striker, which is designed to complement the slate surface effectively. The overall design is intended for a tan color finish, providing a natural look suitable for the field.

The Pennsylvania slate surface is highly responsive to the friction of the striker, allowing for a wide spectrum of sounds. The tone ports, which can be covered or uncovered, are the standout feature, offering infinite range in controlling sound. This means you can achieve a vast array of yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs simply by adjusting your finger placement. The one-piece striker is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, which is crucial for producing consistent sound.

Performance & Functionality

This call excels at its primary job: producing realistic turkey vocalizations with exceptional control. The ability to manipulate the sound through the tone ports is not just a gimmick; it’s a fundamental aspect of its functionality. I found it particularly effective in mimicking multiple hens by subtly shifting tones and volumes, creating a more convincing group sound that can draw out even hesitant gobblers.

The greatest strength of this model is undoubtedly its tone control. This allows for a dynamic calling experience, enabling a hunter to switch from aggressive cutting to softer purrs without changing calls. A minor area for potential improvement might be the learning curve associated with mastering the full range of the tone ports; it takes some practice to consistently achieve the desired sounds. However, once mastered, it easily meets and exceeds expectations for a slate call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call is robust. The Pennsylvania slate feels substantial, and the molded body is free of sharp edges or imperfections. The overall feel in hand is secure, especially with the textured surface of the body, which provides a good grip even with damp hands.

Ergonomically, the call is well-designed for its purpose. The one-piece striker fits comfortably in my hand, allowing for precise control over the pressure and angle applied to the slate. The placement of the tone ports is intuitive, making adjustments during a calling sequence natural. The simple, functional design means there’s very little learning curve for basic sounds, though mastering the tone ports does require some dedicated practice.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal use for its category, this call is built for durability. Slate calls are inherently long-lasting, and the addition of a sturdy molded body and a solid striker only enhances its lifespan. I anticipate this call will last for many seasons of rigorous use.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage for any piece of hunting gear. A simple wipe-down after each use is generally all that’s needed. It’s important to store it dry to preserve the slate’s responsiveness, but beyond that, there are no complex cleaning procedures. I haven’t encountered any significant failure points, and potential concerns are minimal, mainly revolving around accidental drops on extremely hard surfaces, which could potentially chip the slate.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call comes with a single, well-matched one-piece striker. There are no other significant accessories included, which is typical for a friction call of this nature.

As for customization, the primary “customization” comes from the user’s skill in manipulating the tone ports. While there aren’t aftermarket parts to swap in, the integrated design allows for infinite sonic adjustments. This call is not designed to be compatible with external accessories; its functionality is entirely self-contained.

Pros and Cons of Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call

Who Should Buy Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call?

The Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call is ideally suited for turkey hunters who want to add a new dimension of realism and control to their calling arsenal. It’s perfect for those who understand the importance of nuanced calling and are willing to invest a little time in mastering its unique features. This model would be a great addition for intermediate to advanced turkey hunters looking to refine their technique and better imitate a group of hens or produce specific calls that attract wary gobblers.

Hunters who prefer an all-in-one, no-fuss solution for creating a variety of hen sounds will find this call particularly appealing. Those who are strictly beginners and want the absolute simplest entry into turkey calling might find the tone port adjustment slightly more complex than a basic friction call, though it’s still very manageable. For those who primarily use diaphragm calls and are looking to add a versatile slate call, this is an excellent choice. I’d recommend pairing this call with a good diaphragm call for a complete calling setup.

Conclusion on Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call

The Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call stands out as a remarkably effective and well-designed turkey call. Its innovative tone port system, combined with a quality Pennsylvania slate surface, delivers a level of sonic versatility that can genuinely enhance a hunter’s ability to communicate with turkeys. The build quality is solid, promising durability for many seasons to come, and its ease of maintenance makes it a practical choice for the field.

Considering its performance, the price point of $44.09 offers excellent value for money. It provides a level of control and realism that often comes with much more expensive calls. I would absolutely recommend this call, particularly to hunters who are looking to elevate their calling game beyond basic yelps and clucks. If you’re willing to put in a bit of practice to unlock its full potential, the Primos Hunting Hensanity Slate Game Game Call is a highly rewarding tool that could significantly increase your success in the turkey woods.