Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como

The Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como is a multi-call turkey hunting setup, designed to offer versatility in a single package. As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for gear that proves its worth in the field, and this combo from Quaker Boy certainly caught my eye. It arrived promising a solution for various calling scenarios, a compelling proposition when dealing with the notoriously finicky nature of wild turkeys.

My initial interest in this particular call set stemmed from a recent season where my existing calls felt a bit too specialized. I found myself wanting a more adaptable arsenal to respond to different turkey moods and situations, from a hesitant hen to a boisterous gobbler. This combo seemed to promise just that, with distinct call types aimed at covering a wider range of vocalizations.

Unboxing the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como, my first impression was one of functional simplicity. The materials felt reasonably robust, and the calls themselves had a practical, no-frills aesthetic. There were no excessive embellishments, suggesting a focus on performance over flash.

In my evaluation, I briefly considered other multi-call packs, but few offered the specific combination of a friction call, a waterproof option, and a versatile diaphragm call in one bundled price point. The appeal of having three proven designs from a reputable brand like Quaker Boy was undeniable.

My immediate reaction upon seeing the collection was a pragmatic sense of anticipation. It felt like a sensible upgrade to my turkey hunting kit, offering the potential to unlock more effective calling strategies without needing to carry an unwieldy collection of individual items.

Real-World Testing: Putting Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como were the early morning woods of early spring turkey season, a setting that demands nuanced communication. I spent several hours working with each call, mimicking different hen sounds and attempting to draw out a response from unseen birds. The “Easy Yelper,” a friction call, was my first port of call due to its advertised simplicity.

The “Waterproof Hurricane,” designed for wet conditions, proved its mettle on a particularly dewy morning where moisture usually degrades the performance of other calls. I intentionally exposed it to light rain and even submerged it briefly (in a controlled manner, of course) to truly test its “waterproof” claim. The “Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen,” a diaphragm call, was used in more challenging wind conditions where its crisp, clear tones were particularly valuable.

Ease of use varied slightly between the calls. The Easy Yelper was indeed intuitive, requiring minimal practice to achieve basic clucks and yelps. The Hurricane’s Ergo-Grip handle offered a comfortable hold, though mastering the dual-sided hen sounds took a little deliberate practice. The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen, as with most diaphragm calls, presented a slight learning curve to produce consistent, controlled sounds.

One of the initial surprises was how distinct the sound profiles of the friction calls were, despite both being designed for hen sounds. The Easy Yelper offered a slightly raspy, more mature hen sound, while the Hurricane tended to produce a higher-pitched, younger hen vocalization. This distinction proved surprisingly useful in adapting to different scenarios.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of intense turkey hunting, the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como has endured. Day-to-day tasks involved long treks through the woods, repeated calling sequences, and exposure to varying weather. The calls have consistently performed without significant degradation, a testament to their design and construction.

Durability has been impressive so far. The Easy Yelper’s wood construction has resisted warping or cracking, and the striker maintains its grip. The Waterproof Hurricane shows no signs of leakage, and its paddle handle remains solid. The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen diaphragm has maintained its memory, crucial for consistent fit and sound production, even after being stored in my vest for extended periods.

Maintenance for this set is refreshingly simple. The Easy Yelper occasionally needs a light dusting of chalk on its surface to maintain optimal friction, a standard practice for this type of call. The Waterproof Hurricane requires no maintenance, which is its key advantage. The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen simply needs to be rinsed and air-dried after use to prevent build-up.

Compared to some budget friction calls I’ve used in the past, which would quickly become unreliable after a few wet hunts or develop a hollow sound, this combo holds up remarkably well. While it may not have the bespoke artisanal quality of some high-end, single-purpose calls, its all-around performance and reliability at its price point are commendable.

Breaking Down the Features of Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como

Specifications

The Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como is a three-piece turkey call set designed for a comprehensive hunting experience. It includes “The Easy Yelper,” a popular friction call known for its one-handed, simple operation. This call is crafted from wood, a traditional material that provides good acoustics, and it’s designed to produce a range of hen sounds.

Next is “The Waterproof Hurricane,” a standout feature being its waterproof construction. This allows hunters to use it effectively regardless of weather conditions, a significant advantage in unpredictable environments. It boasts an Ergo-Grip paddle handle, enabling distinct “Old Hen” or “Young Hen” sounds from either side of the call without the need for chalk or sanding.

Finally, the set includes “The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen,” a versatile diaphragm call. This call is noted for its ability to produce clean and crisp vocalizations, making it suitable for effective hunting every day. The material is a specialized latex blend, offering both durability and a wide vocal range.

The manufacturer specifications list the call type as Box Call, Mouth Call, Push Button Call, which accurately reflects the three distinct styles included. The manufacturer is Quaker Boy, a well-established name in the hunting call industry. The color is listed as “Mixed,” referring to the varied aesthetics of the three individual calls. The species targeted is, of course, Turkey. While specific dimensions for each call aren’t provided, the overall impression is of compact, portable units that fit easily into a hunting vest.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como is to produce realistic turkey vocalizations, and it largely succeeds across its three components. The Easy Yelper is a workhorse friction call; its ease of use is not an exaggeration. It produces reliable clucks and yelps with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for beginners and a dependable tool for seasoned hunters who need a quick, effective sound.

The Waterproof Hurricane truly shines in adverse conditions. Its waterproof design means you don’t have to baby it in the rain or dew, and the sound quality remains remarkably consistent. The ability to switch between a deeper and higher-pitched hen sound by simply rotating the call is a subtle but effective feature that can help match the vocalizations of different birds you might encounter.

The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen diaphragm call offers impressive versatility. It can produce sharp, cutting yelps that carry well over distance, as well as softer, more intimate clucks and purrs. Its crisp tone is particularly useful for cutting through background noise and attracting a curious gobbler’s attention.

However, no call is perfect. While the Easy Yelper is simple, achieving truly complex or nuanced sounds might require more advanced techniques or a different type of call. The Hurricane, while waterproof, might not offer the same subtle rasp or depth of tone as some high-end wooden box calls in ideal conditions. The diaphragm, as with all mouth calls, requires breath control and practice to master its full potential.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy behind the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como appears to be focused on practicality and effectiveness. The Easy Yelper is a classic box call design, featuring a sturdy wood construction. Its dimensions are comfortable for one-handed operation, fitting well in the palm. The surface of the call feels smooth, ready for chalking to achieve optimal sound.

The Waterproof Hurricane’s design is clearly dictated by its “waterproof” mandate. The Ergo-Grip paddle handle is a notable ergonomic feature, providing a secure and comfortable grip even with wet hands. Its plastic construction feels durable and resistant to the elements, which is a significant design consideration for a call meant for all weather.

The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen exemplifies the practical design of a diaphragm call. Its frame is designed for a comfortable fit within the mouth, and the material of the latex reed is chosen for its ability to produce clear, sharp sounds. The “Screamin Green” aspect refers to its color, a bright, easily identifiable hue that helps prevent it from getting lost in the foliage of your vest.

Overall, the build quality across the set is solid. There are no obvious signs of cheapness or flimsy construction. The finish on the wood of the Easy Yelper is decent, and the plastic of the Hurricane feels robust. The diaphragm call’s materials also appear to be of good quality for its intended use.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como is built for the rigors of regular turkey hunting. The Easy Yelper, being wood, will require some care. While it has held up well, prolonged exposure to extreme moisture without proper drying could lead to swelling or cracking over many seasons, a common trait for wooden calls. Regular chalking and drying after use are key to its lifespan.

The Waterproof Hurricane is likely the most durable in the set. Its waterproof plastic construction means it can withstand drops, moisture, and general abuse that might damage a wooden call. It is essentially a “set it and forget it” type of call in terms of maintenance, only requiring an occasional wipe-down.

The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen diaphragm call’s lifespan is dependent on the reed’s memory and integrity. With proper care – rinsing and air drying after each use, and avoiding kinks or tears – it should last for a significant portion of a hunting season, if not longer, depending on how frequently it’s used and the specific conditions. Diaphragm calls are generally considered consumables over time, but this one seems to be holding up well.

Compared to disposable friction calls that can lose their sound quality after just a few outings, or cheaper diaphragm calls that quickly lose their shape, this set offers good value in terms of durability. The Quaker Boy brand’s reputation for producing reliable hunting gear is evident here.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como comes as a complete package with three distinct calls, so there are no separate accessories included beyond the calls themselves. The manufacturer has designed these calls to be effective right out of the box.

Regarding customization, the individual calls offer limited scope. The Easy Yelper can be customized in terms of its sound by the amount and type of chalk used on its surface and the striker technique. The Waterproof Hurricane’s customization is primarily through the user’s ability to manipulate the paddle handle to produce different hen sounds, as it requires no physical modifications.

The Screamin Green Nasty Old Hen, being a diaphragm call, offers a degree of customization through the user’s tongue and mouth pressure to alter the pitch and tone of the yelps and clucks. While these calls are not designed to accept aftermarket parts like a firearm or a more complex piece of equipment, their strength lies in their inherent design and the hunter’s skill in using them.

Pros and Cons of Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como

Who Should Buy Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como?

The Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como is an excellent choice for entry-level to intermediate turkey hunters looking for a reliable, versatile call set without breaking the bank. It’s also ideal for experienced hunters who want a dependable all-weather option and a good backup friction call. Anyone who frequently hunts in variable or wet weather conditions will greatly benefit from the Waterproof Hurricane.

This call set is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the simplicity of friction calls but also want to incorporate the distinct sounds of a diaphragm call into their repertoire. It’s for the hunter who understands that having multiple tools can lead to more success in the field.

However, highly advanced turkey hunters who are accustomed to very specific, high-end, single-purpose calls might find that this set, while very good, doesn’t offer the absolute finest nuances required for extremely pressured birds. Those who dislike any form of call maintenance might also find the Easy Yelper slightly more involved than a purely synthetic call, though its needs are minimal.

Essential accessories to complement this set would include a good quality turkey hunting vest with ample pocket space to keep the calls organized and accessible, along with a box of chalk specifically for friction calls. A game bag or strap would also be useful for carrying harvested game.

Conclusion on Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como

The Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como delivers a well-rounded and practical turkey call solution. Its combination of a user-friendly friction call, a robust waterproof option, and a crisp diaphragm call makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of hunting situations. The value proposition is strong; for its price, you receive three distinct and effective calls that are designed to perform reliably.

While it might not satisfy the most demanding purists seeking extreme tonal complexity from a single friction call, it more than meets the needs of most hunters. The Waterproof Hurricane is a standout feature that genuinely enhances usability in adverse conditions, and the Easy Yelper provides reliable hen sounds with ease.

I would personally recommend the Quaker Boy Kirby Klassic Como to any hunter looking for a dependable, multi-faceted call set that offers significant utility without a hefty price tag. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about improving their turkey hunting success, especially if you appreciate having options ready for whatever the turkey woods throw at you.