Thats all relative. A good slate is a good starter call too.... they just don't have a starter price. Slates are the easiest call to use in my opinion, at least the easiest call that does just about everything. They are very very forgiving for the neophyte turkey chaser.
I personally prefer Woodhavens and Bud and Betty's. Woodhavens run about $60-$70... Bud and Betty's are $50. Both are world class hunting calls that will last you the rest of your life. This isn't like learning how to drive in a semi... or how to ride a bike in the tour de france.... a good call will help you be a better caller.
__________________ You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. - Kid Rock
I tend to favor the Woodhaven brand of pot and peg calls, because of their excellent quality and tone.
One thing about slate...if it gets wet or is damp outside, the tone quality tends to degrade significantly. If this is to be the only friction call in your bag, I would definitely look at one of the other surfaces, such as glass, crystal or aluminum. They tend to hold their tone in all weather.
With slate:
If it's black, put it back..if it's gray, let it play.
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"We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing."
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Im a turkey hunting addict
Bow Oneida Eagle Tomcat
Easton Arrows
And the most reliable release Fingers
Gun Mossberg 500 & T/C Hawken
Fire and Iced custom calls Field pro staff
Custom made slates are usually better and if you are willing to spend the money that what I would recomend you looking into. There are tons, bud and betty, cody, robertson brothers,dads turkey calls, and on and on. But if you are looking to spend a little less money then I would recomend theprimos power chrystal, in my opinion it is the best mass marketed call out there.
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You! You can be my wingman anytime.
buckrubboy i make a real nice double sided call its a slate top and blasted crystal bottom comes with 2 strikers there custom made by me if intrested let me know here or by emailing me at MrGobbler43@aol.com