Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps Review

What Makes the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps Stand Out?

As an experienced gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that delivers authentic performance, and the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps immediately caught my attention. This friction call aims to capture the nuanced sounds of a turkey, and its construction hints at a serious commitment to auditory fidelity. My pursuit of this call stemmed from a desire to refine my own turkey calling repertoire, particularly for those moments when a more subtle, raspy yelp is needed to draw in a wary gobbler.

Upon unboxing, the call presents an immediate impression of quality craftsmanship. The mahogany cup feels substantial and smooth to the touch, while the purple-heart sound board is visually striking. It’s a piece of equipment that feels good in the hand even before any sound is produced. I’d briefly considered a few other crystal calls, but none offered the distinct material pairing and the promise of hand-matched strikers that this Woodhaven model did. My initial reaction was one of quiet anticipation, a feeling that I might have found a tool capable of adding a new dimension to my calling.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps to the Test

My initial testing of the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps took place on a crisp spring morning in a familiar patch of oak and pine woods known for its wary gobblers. I found a comfortable spot with good visibility, set up my decoys, and began working the call. The conditions were ideal – a slight breeze, clear skies, and the anticipation of a full hunting day ahead.

From the first few strokes of the striker against the crystal surface, the sound was remarkably clear and resonant. The call responded well to varying pressure and speed, allowing me to produce a range of yelps, from softer, more questioning sounds to louder, more insistent calls. It was quite intuitive; the mahogany cup seemed to cup the sound perfectly, directing it where I intended. The only minor surprise was how sensitive the call was to striker angle, requiring a moment to dial in the sweet spot for consistent tones.

After several weeks of consistent use, including multiple early morning hunts and practice sessions in my backyard, the WH355 has proven to be a reliable companion. It has held up well to being carried in my vest and used repeatedly. There are no signs of premature wear; the crystal surface remains smooth, and the mahogany cup shows no significant scuffing or damage from normal use.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each outing is usually sufficient, and the included conditioning kit keeps the striker and surface in optimal shape. Compared to some of the louder, more basic friction calls I’ve used in the past, this crystal model offers a significantly more refined sound. While some of the more budget-friendly options can become scratchy or produce a tinny sound after extended use, this Woodhaven call maintains its clarity and tone.

First Use Experience

The mahogany cup of this friction call felt immediately comfortable in my hand. Its weight was balanced, and the smooth finish prevented any unwanted slippage during operation. I first tested it in my backyard, aiming to get a feel for its tonal range before taking it into the field.

The combination of the crystal surface and the purple-heart soundboard produced surprisingly clean, sharp yelps with minimal effort. I found it easy to control the volume and pitch by adjusting the pressure and speed of the striker. Any initial learning curve was minimal, mostly involving finding the perfect pressure for different vocalizations.

After the first session, I noticed that a small amount of chalk dust from the striker tended to accumulate on the crystal surface. A simple wipe with a dry cloth easily removed it, preventing any disruption to sound quality.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of a full turkey season, this friction call became a staple in my hunting vest. It was subjected to dew-covered mornings, dry afternoons, and the occasional brush against thicket. The mahogany held up exceptionally well, showing only minor cosmetic marks that are to be expected with any well-used hunting tool.

The sound fidelity remained consistent throughout the season, a testament to its durable materials and careful construction. Even after being dropped once on soft pine needles, there was no discernible crack or degradation in its sound-producing capabilities. Cleaning remains a simple process; a soft cloth and occasional conditioning are all that’s needed.

When compared to some of my older slate or aluminum calls, the Woodhaven Mahogany Crystal offered a distinct advantage in its ability to produce clear, sharp yelps. It also proved more forgiving than some of the highly sensitive glass calls that can easily produce undesirable squeaks if not handled perfectly.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps

The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is designed with specific materials and a focus on producing authentic turkey vocalizations. The core of the call is its mahogany vision cup, chosen for its acoustic properties and its comfortable feel in the hand. Inside this cup lies a purple-heart sound board, a dense hardwood known for its rich tonal qualities and durability.

This call comes with a hickory and a Deluxe Striker, meticulously hand-matched to the specific call for optimal performance. The combination is intended to produce “Pure Turkey” sound, with a distinct front end that rolls into good, raspy yelps. It also includes a surface saver lid to protect the calling surface when not in use, a conditioning kit to maintain the striker and call surface, and two matched strikers.

Specifications

The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps features a mahogany vision cup for its primary structure. This cup houses a purple-heart sound board, which is crucial for generating the desired turkey vocalizations. The call includes two hand-matched strikers, one typically made of hickory and another described as a Deluxe Striker, designed to complement the unique acoustic properties of the call.

The inclusion of a surface saver lid is a practical specification, ensuring the delicate crystal calling surface is protected from scratches and debris when stored. The conditioning kit is also vital, containing materials needed to keep the striker and sound board in prime condition for consistent sound production. The overall design prioritizes a balance of acoustic performance and user-friendly handling.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this friction call is to mimic turkey sounds, and it excels at this. Its ability to produce clear, sharp yelps with a good amount of rasp is impressive. I found it particularly adept at creating softer, more subtle yelps that are often crucial for luring in wary birds.

The strength of this call lies in its versatility; it can be pushed to produce louder, more aggressive calls when needed, yet it retains its tonal quality. Its main weakness, if one could call it that, is the learning curve associated with mastering the subtle nuances of any high-quality friction call. Achieving the perfect balance of pressure and striker angle requires practice to unlock its full potential.

Considering its intended use, this friction call not only meets but often exceeds expectations. It provides a level of authenticity and control that is often missing in simpler or less expensively constructed calls. The price point reflects the quality materials and the care taken in its hand-matching and assembly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The mahogany cup feels natural in the hand, providing a solid grip without being bulky. The finish is smooth, enhancing its comfortable feel during extended use in the field.

Ergonomically, the call is well-balanced, allowing for precise control over striker movements. The slightly concave interior of the mahogany cup naturally funnels the sound forward, aiding in projecting the calls effectively. The included strikers are also designed for comfort, with well-shaped handles that prevent fatigue.

The overall build quality is evident in the seamless integration of the purple-heart soundboard into the mahogany cup. There are no rough edges or awkward transitions, contributing to a premium feel. The attention to detail in the design significantly enhances its usability for seasoned callers and those looking to improve their skills.

Durability & Maintenance

This friction call is built for longevity. The combination of dense mahogany and the hard purple-heart soundboard suggests it will withstand considerable use. Under normal hunting conditions, I anticipate this call will last for many seasons, with its sound quality remaining consistent.

Maintenance is pleasantly minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth to remove chalk dust or debris. The included conditioning kit is essential for keeping the striker and the surface of the soundboard in optimal condition, preventing drying or cracking, especially in variable weather.

A potential minor concern could be the vulnerability of the crystal surface to direct, hard impacts. While the included lid offers protection, care should still be taken when handling it to avoid dropping it directly onto hard surfaces. This is a common consideration for all crystal friction calls.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps comes with a well-thought-out set of accessories designed to enhance its usability and longevity. The inclusion of two matched strikers, a hickory and a Deluxe Striker, is a significant benefit, allowing users to experiment and find which striker produces their desired sounds best.

The surface saver lid is a crucial accessory for protecting the delicate calling surface and preventing accidental damage. Furthermore, the conditioning kit is invaluable for maintaining the call’s performance over time, ensuring the striker and sound board remain in optimal condition. While there isn’t direct “customization” in terms of altering the call itself, the provision of two different strikers offers a form of sonic customization. This package aims to provide everything needed for immediate and ongoing performance.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps?

This friction call is an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who are looking to elevate their calling game. It’s ideal for those who understand the importance of subtle vocalizations and want a reliable tool to produce authentic turkey sounds in a variety of situations. Hunters who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are willing to invest in quality gear will find great value here.

Conversely, absolute beginners might find the nuances of a crystal call require more patience than a simpler friction call. Someone looking for an extremely loud, high-volume call might also want to explore other options, though this call does produce sufficient volume for most scenarios. For those who are serious about turkey hunting and want a call that offers both performance and aesthetic appeal, this is a strong contender.

For optimal use, ensure you practice regularly with the included strikers to become intimately familiar with their sound-producing potential. Keeping the call protected with its lid when not in use is also a simple but effective way to preserve its longevity.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps

The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is a finely crafted piece of turkey-hunting equipment that delivers exceptional auditory performance. Its blend of premium materials like mahogany and purple-heart, coupled with hand-matched strikers, results in a call capable of producing nuanced and authentic turkey yelps. The thoughtful inclusion of a protective lid and conditioning kit further enhances its value.

While its price point is higher than many entry-level options, the superior sound quality, build, and user experience justify the investment for dedicated hunters. It offers a distinct advantage in its ability to produce clear, raspy tones that can turn a shy gobbler’s head. I would highly recommend this call to any hunter looking to add a reliable, high-performance friction call to their arsenal. If you value authentic sound and appreciate quality craftsmanship, this Woodhaven call is a serious contender that won’t disappoint.