Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call Review

Was the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call the Right Choice?

When the season approaches, the pressure to perform is palpable. This year, my usual go-to calls felt… predictable. I needed something that offered a more nuanced, almost primal sound, something that could cut through the woods with raw authenticity. That’s when I started looking for a friction call that promised more than just volume.

My search led me to the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call, a call that immediately caught my eye with its blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern acoustic principles. The description spoke of a Walnut Burl top and a Slate bottom, hinting at a rich tonal palette. My previous calls, while functional, sometimes lacked that distinct character, that subtle rasp that can make all the difference.

A quick scan of alternatives, like more mass-produced slate calls or even diaphragm calls, reinforced my inclination towards this specific model. The promise of a comfortable, ergonomic feel and a slate surface designed for sonic complexity felt like exactly what I was missing. My initial impression upon receiving it was one of quiet confidence; the weight felt substantial, and the wood grain was striking.

The Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call arrived with a promise of “incredible volume, complexity and tone” achieved through precise internal pressure and hand-tuning. This sparked a sense of anticipation, a feeling that this call might just be the secret weapon I needed. It wasn’t just about finding a replacement; it was about finding an upgrade that could elevate my calling game.

Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call was on a crisp morning in a dense oak and pine stand, a classic early-season scenario. The goal was to mimic a mature hen’s yelp and cluck, and I wanted to see how this slate call handled subtle nuances. The ergonomic design of the Walnut Burl top felt natural in my hand from the very first grip; it’s a comfortable fit that inspires confidence.

I found that with a little practice, I could produce a range of sounds, from soft, breathy purrs to sharp, cutting clucks, all with surprising ease. The calls are tuned in such a way that the internal pressure from the piston against the Slate creates the friction necessary to create incredible volume, complexity and tone. Even in the damp morning air, the slate surface maintained its integrity, producing clear tones without any noticeable muffling or loss of quality.

Initially, I was concerned about the learning curve associated with a friction call of this nature. However, the cuts in the slate vary from 2 to 3 mm, but are more than adequate to produce all the different calling sounds that you will want to make, which made it surprisingly intuitive. The combination of the Walnut Burl top and the high-grade slate seemed to provide an immediate connection to the desired sounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of field testing, including early mornings and late evenings, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call has proven to be a remarkably reliable companion. Its performance hasn’t degraded, even with consistent use across various weather conditions. The wood and slate construction has held up admirably, showing no signs of cracking or warping, even after being exposed to light rain and cool temperatures.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a huge plus in my book. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each use is usually sufficient. The included surface conditioning kit is a thoughtful addition for maintaining optimal performance over the long haul. Compared to some composite friction calls I’ve used in the past, this slate call feels built to last.

The durability is impressive; it’s a call that I feel confident tossing into my vest without constant worry. I’ve found it consistently outperforms simpler slate calls, offering a greater dynamic range and a more authentic sound profile. The Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call has become my go-to for its blend of robustness and sonic capability.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call

Specifications

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call is a mechanical call featuring a Walnut Burl top and a Slate bottom, indicating a blend of natural materials chosen for acoustic properties. Its dimensions are approximately 1.40 x 6.85 x 10.80 inches, providing a comfortable size for handling. The slate is described as high-grade slate & sanded to precise thickness, a crucial factor for consistent sound production.

The cuts in the slate vary from 2 to 3 mm, which are designed to offer a wide range of vocalizations. This call is hand set in the walnut cup for the most realistic and raspy sounding slate call available. The overall design aims for an ergonomic feel, making it comfortable for extended use.

These specifications are not just abstract numbers; they translate directly into performance. The precise thickness of the slate and the careful hand-setting ensure that the friction generated by the striker produces clear, resonant notes. The Walnut Burl top not only adds aesthetic appeal but likely contributes to the resonance and warmth of the sounds produced.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core performance, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call excels at producing a wide spectrum of turkey vocalizations. The slate offers great variety in sound as well as a very easy to use call. It truly delivers on the promise of incredible volume, complexity and tone.

The sweetest double not yelps and the softest, most realistic purrs & clucks are easily achievable with minimal effort. The internal pressure system works remarkably well, generating a rich, authentic sound. My only minor critique is that achieving extreme high-end volumes can require a bit more practice than with some simpler calls, but this is a trade-off for the superior tonal quality.

Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a premium friction call. It’s a call that allows for an expressive range of sounds that are highly responsive to subtle changes in striker pressure and angle.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call is a clear strong point. The Walnut Burl top not only looks beautiful but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The ergonomic feel is very comfortable, reducing hand fatigue during long calling sessions.

The slate surface itself is precisely prepared, providing an excellent mating surface for the striker. The hand set in the walnut cup speaks to the attention to detail in its construction. The overall build quality feels solid and durable, a testament to the craftsmanship involved.

Even after extended periods of use, the call remains comfortable to hold and manipulate. The smooth finish of the walnut and the precisely cut slate create a tactile experience that inspires confidence. It’s a tool that feels as good as it sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call appears to be built for the long haul. Constructed from Walnut wood/slate, it’s inherently robust. I haven’t encountered any signs of wear or degradation, even with frequent use in varying conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward: keep it dry and clean. The included surface conditioning kit is a welcome addition for long-term care, ensuring the slate remains in optimal condition. There are no complex mechanisms to worry about or parts that are prone to failure.

I expect this call to last for many seasons, a significant advantage over calls with more delicate components. Its simple yet effective design contributes to its impressive durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call comes with a comprehensive package designed for immediate use and long-term care. It includes a surface conditioning kit, which is essential for maintaining the slate’s performance. Additionally, it comes with 2 hand-matched strikers and a lid.

The inclusion of two strikers is a smart touch, offering options for different sound profiles or as a backup. The lid helps protect the calling surface and can be useful for storing the striker when not in use. While there aren’t direct customization options in terms of swapping components like with some other gear, the two included strikers offer a degree of sonic adjustment.

These accessories enhance the overall value and usability of the call right out of the box. The focus is on quality and functionality rather than extensive modularity, which suits this type of product well.

Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call

Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call?

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call is ideally suited for experienced hunters who demand a high level of authenticity and nuance from their calls. If you’re looking to add a sophisticated layer to your calling arsenal, this call will not disappoint. It’s also a fantastic option for intermediate callers looking to upgrade to a more professional-grade instrument.

Hunters who value craftsmanship and natural materials will appreciate the Walnut Burl top and precisely prepared slate. Those who struggle with overly loud or artificial-sounding calls will find its tonal versatility a significant advantage. Individuals seeking a durable, reliable call that offers a clear sonic advantage in the field would do well to consider this model.

Those who are on an extremely tight budget or who only hunt very occasionally might find a simpler, less expensive friction call sufficient. However, for serious turkey hunters aiming for realism and effectiveness, this call is a strong contender.

Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call

The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call stands out as a premium friction call that delivers on its promises of quality, versatility, and authentic sound. Its combination of a beautifully crafted Walnut Burl top and a meticulously prepared slate bottom creates an instrument that is both a joy to hold and incredibly effective in the field. The ergonomic feel and the wide range of sounds it can produce make it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter.

Considering its price of $95.99, the value proposition is strong for those who understand the impact a high-quality call can have. The inclusion of 2 hand-matched strikers and a surface conditioning kit further enhances this value, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. While it might be an investment, the incredible volume, complexity and tone it offers justifies the cost for dedicated enthusiasts.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call to any hunter looking to refine their calling technique and increase their chances of success. It’s a testament to Woodhaven Custom Calls’ commitment to producing top-tier equipment. If you’re ready to move beyond basic calls and unlock a new level of realism, this call is certainly worth considering.