Any of you use custom calls rather than mass produced/store bought models? I just got 2 custom made slate calls in the mail and can't believe how much better they sound than my store bought slates. A lot easier to use as well.

I heard about this maker (Wendell Rye, Lights Out Custom Calls) when somebody recommended him on here. Glad I followed up and gave him a shout. Got him to make calls out of some mesquite wood I sent him. Good looking calls, and they are sweet sounding. I have never been comfortable enough with my slate calling to use one in a hunt, but I am definitely breaking these out this weekend. I'm giving away my old store bought models... They're just wasting room in my vest.

Anyway custom calls vs mass produced? What's your take??

Wendell builds a fine call, no doubt. I have several in my collection, and each one has turkey built right in them.

I still carry a Woodhaven Cherry Crystal pot and peg afield.



Gman

About all I use is custom calls now. I do have one primos box call that the birds seem to really like. I've used Lights Out calls for going on 3 years now, so that might have been me you saw posting about them on here.

I do think it was your post I saw. I really like the anodized aluminum in mesquite call he made for me. Got a slate as well.

It was such a WOW moment for me when I tried them out yesterday. I would see others pull out their slates and use them well, but mine still sounded like a sick chicken. I know a big part is user skill, but what a difference when you start with a better tool. Doesn't hurt that its purdy.

Doug

Gman, I looked at Woodhaven's site, and saw they also make box calls. I'm not that unhappy with my commercial box call, but wondered if there was an advantage to going custom with that too. Have you used Woodhaven's box calls? Will I ever pick up a box call again if these slates work as good as I think they will???

Doug

Hillbilly custom calls
http://www.hillbillygamecalls.com/

I use to always use Hunters Specialties calls until this last year. i started using calls from Bruce Saale with Talkin' the talk custom calls out of Louisiana. They are great sounding and easy to use. i like using custom calls now because i think the makers spend more time making sure each call is perfect(properly stretched, tunes, etc.), sometimes that fails to happen with mass produced calls.

Have a couple Duff custom calls and one Box call that I carved out of a block ceder which was my first turkey call, and a Wing Bone call from one of my first turkeys. The rest are from various manufactures. Call I have used the most over the last 5 years is a M.A.D.D. slate type call that is all steel, used with a hardwood striker can work it on edge or center or anywhere in between to go from high pitched young hen to deeper more raspy of older hen.

I carry a Woodhaven Cherry box call to the field everytime I go. Box calls will reach out much further than any pot and peg call can. Good for windy days and firin up that tough 'ol gobbler that won't gobble at nothing else.

Just another tool in a bag of tricks.



Gman

Not sure about that Gamblinman. the MADD call I referred to above on windy days has reached out very well. I was surprised when one of the other guys on the lease said he could hear me clearly from over half mile away cross wind on a day when the wind was 20+mph gusting to over 30