Let Me Walk You Through the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call
For years, the pursuit of that perfect turkey vocalization has driven countless hours in the woods and just as many hours fiddling with calls at home. My search for a call that could authentically mimic both the sharp challenge of a dominant gobbler and the soft cluck of a contented hen led me to the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call. This unique call promised a dual personality, blending the seasoned resonance of slate with the brighter, distinct tone of cherry wood.
The genesis of this acquisition wasn’t a sudden whim, but a specific need that arose after a particularly frustrating spring season. My existing friction calls, while capable, felt one-dimensional. I yearned for a single tool that could navigate the complex sonic landscape of a wary gobbler’s mind, offering both aggressive cutting and subtle mating calls without fumbling for multiple strikers or calls.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of understated craftsmanship. The Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call felt substantial in my hand, the wood grain smooth and inviting, and the slate surface appeared perfectly prepared. It didn’t scream “tactical” or “ultramodern,” but rather spoke of a deliberate design rooted in tradition. I briefly considered a few high-end, single-material calls, but the allure of Woodhaven’s dual-material approach, promising a broader tonal palette, was too strong to ignore. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a feeling that I might have finally found the sonic chameleon I’d been seeking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call to the Test
My initial testing of the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call began not in the field, but on my porch, overlooking a quiet patch of woods. I immediately noticed how responsive the call was to varying pressure and striker speed. Even with a light touch, it produced soft, mellow yelps and clucks that sounded incredibly natural. As I applied more pressure and varied the striker’s angle, the call transitioned seamlessly into sharp, aggressive cuts and the raspy challenge I needed for a dominant tom.
Extended use over several hunting seasons has only solidified my appreciation for this call. It has endured countless trips into the elements, from humid mornings where dew settled on its surface to dry, dusty afternoons. The cherry wood has held its finish well, and the slate remains true, showing no signs of cracking or degradation. Cleaning is straightforward; a gentle wipe-down with a dry cloth after each use is usually sufficient, and the included conditioning kit ensures the striker and slate surface remain in optimal condition.
Compared to other friction calls I’ve used, both budget-friendly options and higher-end single-material calls, this Woodhaven call stands out. While some specialized calls might excel at one specific sound, this model offers a remarkable breadth of vocalizations. It consistently outperforms calls that require excessive break-in time or are overly sensitive to striker technique, providing reliable performance across a spectrum of turkey sounds.
First Use Experience
The first moments with the Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call were spent on my back deck, just trying to get a feel for its voice. The striker felt balanced in my hand, and its match to the call’s surface was evident from the first few scrapes. I focused on producing basic yelps and clucks, and the clarity was immediately impressive.
As I experimented with different pressures and striker movements, the call responded with surprising versatility. A gentle, slow sweep produced soft, rolling clucks, while a faster, firmer stroke yielded loud, clear yelps. It was intuitive; the call seemed to anticipate the sound I wanted to make, translating my intentions into realistic turkey vocalizations with minimal effort.
My only initial surprise was how quickly I could transition from a soft cluck to a loud, sharp cut. This seamless transition felt more natural than with many other friction calls I’ve operated. It felt like a familiar tool, yet with an expanded vocabulary.
Extended Use & Reliability
Months of rigorous use in various hunting scenarios have proven the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call to be a workhorse. I’ve used it extensively during turkey season, and it has consistently produced the sounds needed to draw attention from gobblers. The combination of cherry and slate has not shown any signs of wear that would affect its performance.
Durability has been excellent. The cherry wood, while beautiful, has proven resilient to minor bumps and scrapes that inevitably occur in the field. The slate surface remains true, maintaining its texture and acoustic properties, a testament to Woodhaven’s craftsmanship.
Maintenance is minimal, which is a huge plus for any hunting gear. A quick wipe-down after use, and the occasional conditioning of the slate with the provided pad, keeps it in top shape. I have not encountered any issues like stiffness, stickiness, or a decline in sound quality, even after being exposed to damp environments.
This friction call consistently performs at a higher level than many other friction calls I’ve used, especially those in a similar price bracket. It avoids the sometimes finicky nature of single-material calls, offering a more forgiving and consistent experience. It has earned a permanent spot in my turkey hunting vest.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call
Specifications
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is a testament to thoughtful design and material synergy. Its core construction features a hand-made cherry wood sound board meticulously paired with a high-quality Pennsylvania slate striker surface. This combination is not merely aesthetic; it’s engineered for acoustic synergy, aiming to reproduce the distinct tonal qualities of both a buck and a doe. The striker is hand-matched to the slate, ensuring optimal contact and sound production from the outset.
The specifications highlight the call’s versatility. It’s designed to produce a clear yelp and challenge call, essential for attracting gobblers. Furthermore, it excels at the push-pull call, a technique that allows for nuanced tonal variations. The mention of producing sounds like “the old boss” and a “doe” underscores its ability to mimic a range of turkey vocalizations, from aggressive dominance displays to softer, more lonesome sounds.
These specifications translate directly into user experience. The dual-material construction means the call isn’t limited to a single sonic profile. The cherry wood contributes a brighter, sharper edge, ideal for cuts and excited yelps, while the slate provides the classic, slightly raspier, and more rounded tones for clucks and purrs. The hand-matched strikers are crucial for achieving the desired sound with less effort, reducing the learning curve and enhancing the call’s responsiveness.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is to produce realistic turkey vocalizations, and it excels at this. Its performance is marked by its remarkable ability to produce a wide range of sounds with surprising fidelity. The clear yelp is sharp and carries well, making it effective for long-range communication with gobblers.
What truly impresses is its capacity for nuanced sounds. The push-pull technique allows for subtle variations in pitch and tone, mimicking the natural inflections of a real hen. It can produce soft, contented clucks that sound like a foraging bird, as well as aggressive, loud cuts that simulate an agitated hen or a territorial dispute. This versatility is its greatest strength.
The only minor area for improvement could be the sheer range of very subtle nuances a seasoned caller can wring out of a single-material call. However, for most users, and certainly for my hunting needs, the performance and functionality of this call far exceed expectations, especially considering its price point. It strikes an excellent balance between ease of use and sonic realism.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The cherry wood is not just for show; it offers a warm, comfortable grip. The natural grain of the wood provides a subtle, tactile surface, ensuring a secure hold even with sweaty hands.
The overall build quality feels robust. The join between the cherry wood and the slate surface is seamless, indicating precise manufacturing. There are no rough edges or unfinished areas; everything feels thoughtfully constructed.
Ergonomically, the call is well-balanced. It sits comfortably in the palm, and the striker feels natural in hand. There’s a slight learning curve in mastering the full range of sounds, but the inherent design makes it accessible. The markings, though subtle, clearly delineate the striking surface, aiding in consistent sound production.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is built to last. For its intended use, which involves regular exposure to outdoor conditions, it appears to be a long-term investment. The combination of dense cherry wood and durable slate is a proven recipe for longevity in friction calls.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each use, a quick wipe-down with a soft, dry cloth removes any residue from the striker. The included conditioning kit, which contains a small abrasive pad, is essential for maintaining the slate’s surface texture. A few gentle passes with this pad periodically will keep the striker gliding smoothly and producing consistent sounds.
Potential concerns are minimal. Like any friction call, extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged submersion in water could potentially affect the materials, but under normal hunting conditions, I anticipate years of reliable service. There are no obvious failure points; it’s a solid, well-constructed piece of equipment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call comes with a thoughtfully curated set of accessories. It includes two hand-matched strikers, ensuring you have a backup or can experiment with slightly different profiles if desired. A crucial addition is the surface lid, which protects the slate surface during transport and storage, preventing accidental damage.
The package also contains a conditioning kit, which is vital for maintaining the call’s performance. This kit allows you to refresh the slate’s surface, ensuring optimal friction for clear and consistent sound production over time. While there aren’t extensive customization options in terms of swapping out major components like you might find with other gear, the included accessories and the call’s inherent design make it highly functional out of the box. The focus here is on a complete, ready-to-hunt package.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call
Pros
- Dual-material construction of cherry wood and slate provides a broader, more realistic tonal range.
- Excellent clarity on yelps and challenging cuts, as well as soft, authentic clucks and purrs.
- Hand-matched strikers ensure optimal sound production right out of the box.
- Durable and well-crafted, designed to withstand rugged outdoor use.
- Easy to use and maintain, making it suitable for both experienced hunters and beginners.
- Includes essential accessories like a surface lid and conditioning kit.
Cons
- While versatile, it may not offer the absolute extreme nuances that some highly specialized single-material calls can achieve.
- The price point of $89.99, while justified by quality, might be higher than basic friction calls.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call?
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is an ideal purchase for any serious turkey hunter looking to expand their sonic arsenal. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the complexity of turkey vocalizations and want a single call capable of mimicking both aggressive gobbler sounds and softer hen calls. This call is particularly well-suited for hunters who value quality craftsmanship and reliable performance in the field.
Experienced turkey hunters will appreciate the nuanced sounds it can produce, allowing for a more sophisticated communication strategy with wary toms. Newcomers to turkey hunting will benefit from its ease of use and forgiving nature, which can help them develop their calling skills more quickly. Those who often find themselves in situations requiring a quick switch between different vocalizations will find its versatility invaluable.
Anyone seeking a durable, well-built friction call that offers exceptional value and performance should consider this model. It’s also a great choice for those who have been frustrated with single-material calls that are limited in their sonic range. If you’re looking for a reliable tool that can help you sound like a dominant boss gobbler or a content hen, this call is definitely worth your attention.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call is, without a doubt, a standout piece of turkey hunting equipment. Its innovative combination of cherry wood and slate creates a call that is not just versatile, but genuinely effective in replicating a wide spectrum of turkey vocalizations. The clarity of its cuts and yelps, coupled with the subtle realism of its clucks and purrs, makes it an indispensable tool for any hunter serious about bringing a gobbler into range.
Considering its robust construction, the thoughtful inclusion of accessories like the hand-matched strikers and protective lid, and its consistent, reliable performance, the $89.99 price tag represents excellent value. This isn’t just another friction call; it’s a finely tuned instrument designed for serious hunters.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Cherry Classic Slate Friction Call to anyone looking to elevate their turkey calling game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran needing a more nuanced sound, or a beginner looking for a call that’s easy to master and incredibly effective, this call delivers. It has earned its place as a permanent fixture in my hunting gear, and I’m confident it will do the same for yours.