Best Turkey Calls · #4
Wicked Series Slate
Zink
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Slate surface with deep rasp and quiet purrs for close-range work when the bird is committed.
Pros
- Produces incredibly realistic, nuanced hen vocalizations
- Excellent control over tone and volume for subtle calling
- Durable construction handles typical field conditions well
- Lightweight and highly packable for mobile hunters
- Effective at close range for finishing wary birds
Cons
- Limited long-range projection compared to other call types
- Requires proper surface conditioning for optimal sound
- Can be susceptible to moisture if not protected
Best uses
- Finishing wary gobblers
- Soft calling in tight cover
- Locating close-range birds
- Decoy setups
Specifications
- Call Type
- Slate friction call
- Surface Material
- Natural slate
- Included
- Call, matched striker
- Sound Profile
- Deep rasp, soft purrs
- Primary Use
- Close-range calling
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Finishing wary gobblers, Soft calling in tight cover, Locating close-range birds, Decoy setups
Where to buy the Wicked Series Slate
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
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The Zink Wicked Series Slate call holds its spot at #4 on our list for its reliable performance in critical, close-range scenarios. This isn't a call designed to wake up the woods from afar; rather, it shines when that tom is already in the vicinity and you need nuanced, authentic sounds to seal the deal. It features a high-quality slate surface paired with a striker designed for consistent friction, translating into clear, convincing hen talk. For hunters who prioritize precision and realism over sheer volume, this call offers a versatile range of tones that can make all the difference when a bird is within spitting distance. It's a tool for the dedicated caller who understands the subtle art of coaxing a wary gobbler the final few yards. What sets it apart is its ability to produce both sharp, attention-grabbing yelps and those soft, seductive purrs and clucks that imitate a contented hen, crucial for close-in work. The Wicked Series Slate is built to withstand typical field conditions, featuring a robust pot that handles moisture and temperature fluctuations without significant degradation in sound quality. Its compact design means it fits easily into a vest pocket, making it an accessible option for those moments when a quick, convincing sound is needed. This call proves that sometimes, less volume but more authenticity is the key to filling a tag.
Materials & Construction
The Zink Wicked Series features a carefully selected slate surface, known for its ability to produce realistic turkey vocalizations. This isn't just any slate; it's chosen for its consistent texture and density, which are critical for sound production. The pot itself is typically made from a durable, non-resonant material, designed to allow the slate to vibrate freely, enhancing clarity and projection. The included striker is specifically matched to the slate, ensuring optimal friction and control. This pairing is crucial; a mismatched striker can severely degrade the call's performance. The overall build is solid, designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes of a long day in the turkey woods, holding up to moisture and temperature shifts without issue.
Real-World Performance
Out in the field, this call consistently delivers. Its primary strength lies in its ability to generate incredibly realistic soft purrs, clucks, and subtle yelps, which are invaluable when a tom is already in bow or shotgun range and you need to keep him committed. The slate surface allows for excellent control over volume and tone, meaning you can go from a quiet, contented purr to a slightly louder, inquisitive yelp with minimal effort. While it won't project across vast distances like a box call or a loud diaphragm, its sounds are undeniably authentic, cutting through the natural sounds of the woods effectively at closer ranges. This authenticity is its biggest asset.
Weight & Packability
One of the practical advantages of the Wicked Series Slate is its minimal footprint. It's a lightweight piece of gear, barely noticeable in a vest or pack. The pot call design, while slightly bulkier than a diaphragm, is still very compact. It slips easily into a dedicated call pocket or a general compartment without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to your kit. For hunters who move frequently or prefer to carry only essential items, its svelte profile is a definite plus. The striker, typically made of wood or a synthetic composite, is also light and usually fits alongside the call or in a separate small loop, making for quick, silent access when needed.
Durability & Longevity
This call is built to last. The slate surface is resilient, holding up well to repeated use and minor abrasions. While all slate can scratch, typical field use does not significantly degrade its sound quality. The pot itself is robust, resistant to cracking or warping under normal conditions. Like any friction call, keeping the surface clean and occasionally conditioning it with an abrasive pad (often included) will ensure consistent performance over many seasons. The striker, too, is generally durable, though occasional replacement might be necessary if it becomes excessively worn or damaged, impacting its friction and sound production.
Comparable Alternatives
At this price point, alternatives like the HS Strut Slate Over Glass or Quaker Boy Old Boss Hen offer similar features. Those calls also focus on realistic, nuanced sounds for close-range work. However, the Zink Wicked Series often stands out for its slightly deeper rasp capabilities while still retaining the ability to produce very quiet, contented calls. Some alternatives might excel in volume but sacrifice some of the subtle tones that make the Wicked Series so effective in those final moments. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for the specific tone and feel of the striker on the surface, but the Zink consistently holds its own among top-tier slate calls.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best turkey calls that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 9 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Wicked Series Slate — frequently asked questions
- Is the Wicked Series Slate worth it?
- We rank it #4 in Best Turkey Calls. Slate surface with deep rasp and quiet purrs for close-range work when the bird is committed.
- What is the Wicked Series Slate best for?
- Best for finishing wary gobblers, soft calling in tight cover, locating close-range birds and decoy setups. Standouts: produces incredibly realistic, nuanced hen vocalizations and excellent control over tone and volume for subtle calling.
- What are the downsides of the Wicked Series Slate?
- Limited long-range projection compared to other call types, Requires proper surface conditioning for optimal sound and Can be susceptible to moisture if not protected.
- What are the key specs of the Wicked Series Slate?
- Call Type: Slate friction call · Surface Material: Natural slate · Included: Call, matched striker · Sound Profile: Deep rasp, soft purrs · Primary Use: Close-range calling
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Wicked Series Slate?
- The Zink Wicked Series features a carefully selected slate surface, known for its ability to produce realistic turkey vocalizations. This isn't just any slate; it's chosen for its consistent texture and density, which are critical for sound production.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Wicked Series Slate?
- Out in the field, this call consistently delivers. Its primary strength lies in its ability to generate incredibly realistic soft purrs, clucks, and subtle yelps, which are invaluable when a tom is already in bow or shotgun range and you need to keep him committed.
Compare side by side
Put the Wicked Series Slate against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.