There’s a lot of talk out there about what the “best” pot call is, but the truth is, it depends on how you hunt, where you hunt, and what kind of sound you like to run.
I get asked all the time:
“Lyle, what’s the difference between a glass, slate, and aluminum pot call?”
So let’s break it down real simple. I’ll walk you through how each one sounds, when I like to use 'em, and how to pick the right call for your hunting style.
Slate Pot Calls
Soft. Smooth. Forgiving.
Slate’s the classic choice, and for good reason. It’s easy to run and great for soft yelps, purrs, clucks, and tree calls. If you’re just starting out or need a call that works well in close quarters—this is it.
Best for:
- Quiet mornings
- Close-up birds
- Tree yelps and soft clucks
- Hunters who want full control
Lyle’s Note: Slate’s not as loud as glass or aluminum, but it’s deadly when a gobbler’s already close and you need to finish him.
Glass Pot Calls
Crisp. High-Pitched. Reaches out.
Glass calls carry. If you’ve got wind or need to cut through thick timber, a glass pot with the right striker will sing. It’s great for locating birds or running aggressive yelps and cuts that demand attention.
Best for:
- Windy days
- Long-range calling
- Aggressive yelping and cutting
- Confident callers who want to reach deep
Lyle’s Note: If I’m trying to pull a gobbler from a ridge over or across a field, glass is usually what I grab first. If you’re working birds that respond well to aggressive calling, glass will usually cut through when other calls fall flat.
Aluminum Pot Calls
Sharp. Raspy. Piercing.
Aluminum is the wild card of the bunch. It’s got its own unique sound; high-pitched with a sharp rasp that’s great for getting a reaction from tight-lipped birds. Don’t sleep on it. Some days, aluminum will light one up when nothing else will.
Best for:
- Mid- to long-range calling
- Striking pressured gobblers
- Cutting through wind or thick woods
- Turkey hunters who like something different
Lyle’s Note: If I’m running and gunning and want a sound that stands out from every other call in the woods, I’ll pull out an aluminum.
Which One Should You Carry?
Honestly?
I rotate carrying all three.
Each has its own use in different situations. I might start the morning with slate when I think a bird’s roosted close, switch to glass to reach across a ridge, and pull out aluminum if things go quiet and I need to mix it up.
Turkeys don’t always read the script. That’s why you need options.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re not sure which one fits your calling style best, shoot me a message or drop me a comment. I’ll be happy to show you the difference firsthand.
We hand-build and tune every Houndstooth pot call to sound the way they’re supposed to, pure turkey. And if you want your pot calls to sound their best all season, make sure you’re keeping up with proper tuning and care.
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