Re: Coyote Call
In general, I think FoxPro makes some of the best calls. Also, they have great Customer Service and after purchasing a CS-24 have had no reason to look elsewhere. Outside of that brand I can't help, but I'm curious to hear others feedback.
There are some units that are in the ~300 range from FoxPro.
HOWEVER, they all use the TX-9 transmitter, and I see one problem with them. No "hotkeys" (Numeric keypad).
This would be an issue in how I use a caller. Let me explain:
When I started using the CS-24 with the TX500 remote, it was definitely a learning experience. It was quite frustrating to use it at first by turning the knob, picking a sound, playing it, putting it on mute, finding another sound, playing it, etc.
One scenario: Play a sound. Audio works, ramp it up, Stop audio. Adjust volume back down. Pick another call, fiddle with volume, mute it instead (sometimes remote is finicky so stopping doesn't stop..or muting doesn't mute and you end up replaying something you didn't want to. This all affects the "Realism.").
Now, keep in mind, while fiddling with the remote you just missed your yote opportunity because your eyes weren't where they should be.
Here is why I like the TX500 (and the presets).
You can create presets for all your audio at different volumes.
0 = Silent Audio or sound preset to 0 volume
Row 1-3 (Least use Vocals - 1 Is foxbang so I put my kiyi on it).
4-6 (Distress calls. Most of the time you only need 3 good ones)
7-9 (More distress or more vocals depending on time of year)
You can also have a Preset 1 or Preset 2 group so all these "hotkeys" change. I can now have presets specific to areas or time of year.
All my calls are also preset to sound levels. Distress all start at 10 or 15 so if a critter is close I don't blast him away. It's easy to always ramp up. No matter what fiddling I do with manual calling (not using hotkeys) I always ensure I go back to a consistent audio level if I push a hotkey.
For my vocals I can have it a little bit louder. Remember to size the sound to the animal.
When I want to stop audio, I push 0. 0 plays silence. No fiddling with mute and audio. No unmute. When I want to play next sound I push 1-9 and it's exactly how I want it.
For my type of calling, I don't see how I could do it with the other remotes. Before I came up with this system, I could understand why the old timers / hand callers never had a good taste in their mouth about e-callers. It was a pain! You fiddle with the remote more than enjoying being outdoors. Even with this system, sometimes I wish I was experienced with handcalls.
