Ready to Know the Truth About the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call?
As someone who spends more time than most in the field, workshop, and occasionally even a dusty lab, I’ve learned to appreciate gear that speaks for itself – gear that performs, endures, and doesn’t add unnecessary fuss to a task. When the distinct challenge of replicating nuanced turkey vocalizations arose in my pursuit of better turkey hunting acoustics, my attention turned to diaphragm calls. Specifically, the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call caught my eye for its advertised ease of use and realistic sound. After years of relying on tried-and-true methods and a rotating cast of equipment, I was eager to see if this model could genuinely elevate my game. My initial impression upon unpacking was one of functional simplicity: a compact, layered call, its green latex reeds promising a range of sounds. While I had considered other brands offering a similar reed count, the unique SealRite frame technology and the promise of effortless rasp intrigued me. This initial encounter offered a quiet confidence, a feeling that perhaps the solution to my vocalization quest had arrived.
Real-World Testing: Putting Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing grounds for the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call were primarily the quiet woods of early spring turkey season, but also extended to my backyard for practice sessions. I focused on replicating the calls of a mature hen, including clucks, yelps, and the increasingly important cuts and cackles. The initial attempts were surprisingly intuitive; the call settled comfortably against my palate. Within minutes, I was producing decent sounds, a stark contrast to some of the more finicky diaphragms I’ve encountered. The SealRite frame truly seemed to create a superior seal, minimizing air leakage that can plague less well-designed calls.
My extended use involved multiple early morning hunts and numerous practice sessions over several weeks, even through a period of damp weather. The call held up remarkably well, showing no signs of degradation in sound quality or comfort. Durability was a pleasant surprise; despite being stored in my vest pocket alongside other gear, the latex remained supple, and the frame showed no signs of cracking. Cleaning was straightforward—a gentle rinse with water and a careful pat dry were all that was needed. Compared to a more basic, un-framed diaphragm I’d used previously, this Quaker Boy model offered a significant leap in ease of use and consistency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use across multiple hunting seasons and practice sessions, the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call has proven itself to be a reliable performer. It has endured being packed and unpacked countless times, exposed to varying temperatures and occasional moisture without a hint of compromise. The latex reeds, though showing slight signs of use, maintain their elasticity and ability to produce accurate tones. Maintenance remains simple; a quick clean after each outing is sufficient to keep it in top condition.
When compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve employed over the years, this model stands out for its consistent performance and user-friendliness. While some high-end calls might offer slightly more complex sound profiles, they often come with a steeper learning curve. This Quaker Boy unit strikes an excellent balance, providing the necessary realism for effective calling without demanding an expert’s touch. It has become a go-to in my turkey hunting kit, a testament to its enduring quality and functional design.
Breaking Down the Features of Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call
Specifications
The Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call is a testament to thoughtful design and material selection, all intended to produce authentic turkey sounds with greater ease. Its core is constructed from two .006 latex reeds, a standard that allows for a good range of vocalizations. The standout feature is the patented SealRite cushioned frame technology. This innovative frame is designed to conform to a wide array of palate sizes and shapes, creating a superior seal that is crucial for consistent sound production.
This SealRite design fundamentally alters the interaction between the call, the user’s tongue, and palate. By increasing the “vibration zone,” it brings the reeds closer to the tongue, making it easier to manipulate them for desired sounds. Furthermore, the elimination of the traditional “tab to tongue” contact point simplifies the operation, allowing for cleaner vocalizations. The frame itself is crafted from aluminum, offering durability without adding significant weight. The call’s green color is standard for many latex diaphragm calls, though it’s purely aesthetic.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call is to mimic the vocalizations of a mature hen turkey, and it excels in this regard, particularly for medium rasp vocalizations. The two-reed design, combined with the specific cut on the longest reed, produces a pleasantly raspy tone that is highly effective in the field. This cut is instrumental in achieving those realistic cutts and cackles that can really turn a gobbler’s head. It’s not just about volume; it’s about the texture and nuance of the sound.
Where this diaphragm truly shines is in its ease of producing these raspy sounds. The SealRite frame significantly reduces the effort required to achieve a good seal, meaning less air escapes and more of your breath is channeled into creating sound. This translates to less fatigue during extended calling sessions and a more consistent sound, even when conditions are less than ideal. While it can produce softer yelps, its real strength lies in its ability to generate a convincingly rough and realistic hen talk.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call is driven by its innovative SealRite frame. This cushioned frame is the key to its ergonomic success. It gently presses against the roof of your mouth, creating a personalized fit that feels secure and comfortable, even during prolonged periods of use. This comfort is paramount, as a call that causes discomfort can distract a hunter and negatively impact their performance.
The absence of a distinct tab in the SealRite design contributes to a clean operation. This means you don’t have to worry about a rigid piece of plastic interfering with the subtle movements of your tongue that control the reeds. The latex reeds themselves are thin enough to be responsive, yet robust enough to withstand repeated use. The overall build quality feels solid for a diaphragm call; the reeds are securely seated within the frame, and the materials suggest good longevity.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, the Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call has held up exceptionally well under my testing. The latex reeds have maintained their elasticity and tone, showing only minor signs of wear after significant use. The SealRite frame, constructed from aluminum and cushioned material, has proven resistant to cracking or deformation, even when accidentally pressed against harder surfaces.
Maintenance is blessedly simple. After each use, I simply rinse the call under cool tap water to remove any residue and then gently pat the reeds dry with a soft cloth or allow them to air dry completely before storing. This minimal care regime has kept the call performing at its peak. There are no complex parts to maintain or special lubricants required. The straightforward nature of this diaphragm call means it’s built to be a reliable workhorse, not a delicate instrument requiring constant coddling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call arrives as a self-contained unit, typically sold individually. It does not come with a significant array of accessories, which is standard for most diaphragm turkey calls. Its strength lies in its design as a standalone, high-performance calling device.
Customization options are, by necessity, limited for diaphragm calls. While one might experiment with slightly different tongue pressures or mouth positions to alter the sound, the call itself is not designed for modification. It is intended to be used as-is, with its pre-set reed configuration and frame technology. However, its compatibility with standard storage methods, such as diaphragm call cases or a secure pocket in a hunting vest, is excellent.
Pros and Cons of Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call
Pros
- Exceptional ease of use: The SealRite frame technology makes achieving a good seal remarkably simple, even for beginners.
- Realistic rasp: The 1st cut on the longest reed effectively produces the desirable cutts and cackles of a mature hen.
- Comfortable fit: The cushioned frame conforms well to various palate shapes, reducing fatigue during long calling sessions.
- Durable construction: The combination of quality latex and an aluminum frame ensures longevity under field conditions.
- Reduced air leakage: The superior seal minimizes wasted air, allowing for more controlled and effective vocalizations.
Cons
- Limited versatility for complex sounds: While excellent for hen vocalizations, it might not be the top choice for mimicking the full spectrum of turkey sounds, such as complex gobbler sounds.
- Potential for reed wear over extreme use: Like all latex calls, eventually, the reeds will wear out, requiring replacement, though this is typical for the category.
Who Should Buy Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call?
The Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters who want a call that is easy to learn and produces realistic hen sounds. It’s also ideal for experienced hunters looking for a reliable, no-fuss diaphragm that consistently delivers quality vocalizations, especially when targeting pressured birds that respond well to hen calls. If you struggle with air leaks on other diaphragms or find them uncomfortable, this model is definitely worth considering.
Hunters who primarily focus on gobbler sounds or those who demand extremely nuanced, multi-layered calls might want to explore calls with more complex reed configurations or different cuts. For those who prioritize ease of use and authentic hen sounds, however, this call is hard to beat. I would recommend pairing it with a good quality diaphragm call case to protect the reeds and frame when not in use, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance in the field.
Conclusion on Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call
The Quaker Boy Elevation old Boss Hen Diaphragm Turkey Call has cemented its place as a valuable tool in my hunting arsenal. It delivers on its promise of realistic hen sounds with an impressive level of ease, largely thanks to its innovative SealRite frame technology. For its price point of $14.99, the performance and durability it offers are outstanding, providing significant value for both novice and seasoned hunters.
I would confidently recommend this diaphragm call to anyone looking to improve their turkey calling, particularly those seeking authentic hen vocalizations without a steep learning curve. Its blend of comfort, consistency, and effective sound production makes it a standout option in the crowded market of turkey calls. If you’re serious about your spring hunts and want a call that works with you rather than against you, the Elevation old Boss Hen is a smart investment.