In 2009, Zink Calls introduced the Power Hen Custom Friction Calls in aluminum, crystal, and slate. The Power Hen Custom Friction Calls were very good calls capable of producing a wide range of sounds with great features for the turkey hunter. Now for 2010, Zink Calls has introduced their Thunder Ridge Series of friction calls and I recently received the Thunder Ridge Slate Call to test. The Thunder Ridge Series has a pot constructed from injection molded poly carbonate. The first thing that I noticed with the slate call is that it�s heavier than most poly calls I've held in the past.

The new Thunder Ridge Series Calls have the same great features as the Custom Calls, such as the E-Z Gripper Ring and built in Striker Conditioning Pocket. The call comes in a flat olive drab color making it perfect for the turkey woods. These calls come with one 2 piece hardwood striker. After conditioning the slate surface with a piece of Scotch Brite pad that is included with the call, I gave the call a quick run. I was truly impressed with the volume of the call and the range of sounds it can produce.

I'm looking forward to using this call for working birds on open fields and power lines, but I think it will be just as effective working birds in tight in those back wood swamps. The Thunder Ridge Calls also come with an excellent instructional DVD, Turkey Time University 2. (Click HERE for a review of TTU2)

The new Thunder Ridge Series Slate Call from Zink Calls is going to be a great hit for the turkey hunter this season. It is a quality call at an affordable price...a deadly combination. After testing it, I can't wait to get this call in the field this spring. Teamed up with my Power Hen Custom Crystal, I will have a great combination of calls that will cover all range of sounds that can put a long beard at the end of my gun barrel.