Have you ever heard the haunting, beautiful sound of a slate call echoing through the woods? It’s a sound that can make your heart beat a little faster, especially if you’re a hunter. But picking the perfect slate call isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are so many different types, and each one promises to bring in those elusive birds. It can be confusing to know which one will actually work for you.
Many hunters find themselves overwhelmed by the choices. Do you need a glass surface or a slate surface? What about the striker material? These little details can make a big difference in the sounds you can produce. Getting it wrong means frustration in the field and missed opportunities. But don’t worry, this blog post is here to help!
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a great slate call. We’ll break down the key features and explain how they affect the sound. You’ll learn how to choose a call that fits your skill level and your budget. Get ready to discover the secrets to mastering the slate call and bringing home your next trophy!
Our Top 5 Slate Call Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Slate Call Detailed Reviews
1. Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 9.0/10
Calling in a gobbler is all about sounding like a hen turkey, and the Primos Hunting Rare Breed Slate Turkey Pot Call is designed to help you do just that. This call features a quality wood cup and sound board, paired with a sturdy one-piece striker. It’s built to create a variety of realistic turkey sounds that will attract those wary birds.
What We Like:
- The wood cup and sound board create authentic turkey sounds.
- You can produce high-pitched yelps, sharp cuts, and clucks using the outer edges of the call.
- The middle of the call lets you make deeper, more resonant tones.
- It’s designed for both male and female hunters (Unisex-adult).
- The one-piece striker is durable and easy to handle.
What Could Be Improved:
- New hunters might need some practice to master all the sound variations.
- The “rare breed” aspect might imply a higher price point for some.
This Primos call offers a great range of sounds for any turkey hunter. It’s a solid tool to add to your gear for a more successful hunt.
2. Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call
Rating: 8.5/10
This Hunters Specialties HS Strut Cookie Cutt’R Tracer Turkey Clucks Yelps Purrs Hunting Friction Lid Slate Pot Call in Yellow is designed to make turkey calling easier for everyone. It’s a friction pot call that takes the guesswork out of making realistic turkey sounds.
What We Like:
- It’s made with premium quality materials, so it should last a long time.
- The removable cap has clear arrows and slots, making it super easy to produce perfect clucks, yelps, and purrs, even for beginners.
- Once you get the hang of it, you can take the cap off for more advanced calling.
- The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot in your hunting gear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cap is great for learning, some very experienced callers might prefer a call without any guide to have complete freedom.
This pot call simplifies turkey calling, helping you sound like a pro. It’s a smart tool for any hunter looking to improve their success rate.
3. Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call – Realistic Turkey Vocals Pot Game Call
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hunters Specialties Camo Cutt’R Slate Mossy Oak Bottomland Pot Call is a game-changer for turkey hunters. Its realistic turkey sounds and effective camouflage help you get closer to your target. This call lets you make all the right noises to attract gobblers.
What We Like:
- The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern helps you hide well in the woods. Turkeys won’t see you coming.
- You can choose between a slate surface for soft sounds or a glass surface for louder calls. This means you can make many different turkey sounds.
- It comes with special strikers. The hickory striker makes classic, deep sounds. The carbon striker makes clear, loud calls that travel far.
- You can make soft purrs, clucks, and loud yelps. This flexibility helps you match the turkeys’ mood and where they are.
- A lanyard eyelet lets you hang it easily. Your call is always ready when you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While both surfaces are good, some hunters might prefer an even wider variety of surface material options for even more sound control.
- The effectiveness of any call can depend on the user’s skill. Practice is key to mastering its full potential.
This call offers hunters great versatility and concealment. It’s a solid tool for anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
4. Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call
Rating: 8.7/10
The Primos Hunting Primos Hensanity Molded Slate Turkey Pot Call is built to help you talk turkey. This call lets you control the sounds you make, from soft clucks to loud yelps. It’s designed to sound like a group of hens or just one, helping you get the attention of those gobblers.
What We Like:
- Tone Control: The Hensanity lets you easily change the pitch and volume of your calls. This is done by covering or uncovering special tone ports on the call.
- Realistic Sounds: You can make all the right turkey noises, like yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs. This helps you sound like multiple hens to attract turkeys.
- Pennsylvania Slate: The slate surface is very responsive. It works well with the included one-piece striker to create clear and natural turkey sounds.
- Built by Hunters: Primos Hunting makes game calls for hunters, by hunters. They focus on making great products that work in the field.
What Could Be Improved:
- Striker Design: While the one-piece striker is functional, some hunters might prefer a different style for personal preference.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the tone ports to get the perfect sound might take some practice for beginners.
This call offers great versatility for turkey hunters. With its focus on realistic sounds and user control, it’s a valuable tool for your next hunt.
5. Woodhaven Cherry Classic Series Friction Turkey Call
Rating: 9.2/10
The Woodhaven Cherry Classic Series Friction Turkey Call is a fantastic tool for any hunter looking to bring in a gobbler. This call is designed to produce a wide variety of sounds. You can make the highest, sweetest notes. It also makes a raspy, deep sound that drops off suddenly across the shelf. This makes it sound like a real hen turkey.
What We Like:
- It makes many different turkey sounds.
- The call has a smooth, sweet sound.
- It also makes a very raspy sound.
- The Surface Conditioning Kit helps keep the call in top shape.
- The Surface Saver Lid protects the call’s surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- International products have different terms and may come from abroad.
- These international products might not fit or have different language labeling or instructions.
This Woodhaven call offers great versatility for hunters. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to improve their turkey calling skills.
Your Essential Guide to Choosing a Slate Call
Why Choose a Slate Call?
Slate calls are a favorite among turkey hunters. They make realistic turkey sounds, like clucks and yelps. These sounds can attract gobblers. A good slate call is easy to use and sounds natural. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
- Sound Quality: The most important thing is how it sounds. A good slate call makes clear, sharp sounds. It should mimic a real hen turkey. Listen for a call that can produce a range of tones, from soft clucks to loud yelps.
- Material and Construction: The materials used affect the sound and how long the call lasts.
- Ease of Use: Some calls are easier to learn than others. If you’re new to turkey hunting, look for a call that’s forgiving.
- Durability: You want a call that can withstand the elements. It should be made from tough materials.
Important Materials
Slate Surface
The playing surface is usually made of slate. Different types of slate have different sounds. Some slates are smoother, while others are rougher. A good slate surface will be free of cracks or imperfections. These can affect the sound quality.
Striker (Peg)
The striker is what you use to rub on the slate. Most strikers are made of wood. Common woods include hickory, maple, or carbon. The shape and material of the striker matter. A good striker feels comfortable in your hand. It should also be able to create friction on the slate easily.
Pot (Hole)
The pot is the hollowed-out part of the call. It’s usually made of wood. Common woods are cedar, walnut, or mahogany. The depth and shape of the pot influence the resonance and volume of the sound. A well-made pot will amplify the turkey sounds clearly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Slate Call Great
- Hand-Tuning: Many high-quality slate calls are hand-tuned. This means someone has carefully worked on the call to get the best sound.
- Consistent Surface: A smooth, even slate surface helps create consistent sounds.
- Good Striker-to-Slate Match: The striker and slate need to work well together. A good match makes it easier to produce realistic sounds.
- Solid Construction: The call should feel sturdy. There should be no loose parts.
What Can Hurt the Quality
- Cracked Slate: A cracked slate surface will produce muffled or irregular sounds.
- Rough Striker: A striker that is too rough or has a poor shape can damage the slate. It also makes it hard to get a good sound.
- Poorly Fitted Pot: If the pot isn’t shaped right, the sound won’t be as loud or clear.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality wood or slate can result in a call that doesn’t sound realistic.
User Experience and Use Cases
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to use a slate call takes practice. You’ll need to learn different techniques for clucking, yelping, and purring. Start by practicing in a quiet place. Get a feel for how much pressure to use with the striker.
In the Field
Slate calls are versatile. You can use them for different turkey sounds. They work well in various hunting situations. Whether you’re calling a hesitant gobbler or trying to locate birds, a slate call can be your go-to tool. Many hunters like them because they are relatively quiet to carry. They also produce a natural sound that can fool even wary turkeys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slate Calls
Q: What is the most important part of a slate call?
A: The most important part is the sound quality. A call that sounds like a real hen turkey is best.
Q: Can beginners use slate calls?
A: Yes, many slate calls are designed for beginners. They are easier to learn with.
Q: How do I make a good sound with a slate call?
A: You need to practice. Rub the striker on the slate with different pressures and speeds.
Q: What kind of wood is best for a striker?
A: Woods like hickory, maple, or carbon are good choices for strikers.
Q: Does the type of slate matter?
A: Yes, different slates produce different sounds. Smoother slates often have clearer tones.
Q: How should I care for my slate call?
A: Keep it dry. Avoid getting dirt or moisture on the slate surface.
Q: Can slate calls get wet?
A: It’s best to keep them as dry as possible. Wet slate can make it hard to get a good sound.
Q: What is a “pot call”?
A: A slate call is a type of pot call. The “pot” is the hollowed-out part that amplifies the sound.
Q: How long do slate calls usually last?
A: With good care, a quality slate call can last for many hunting seasons.
Q: Are slate calls loud enough?
A: Yes, good slate calls can produce a range of volumes, from soft clucks to loud yelps that carry far.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.