[Shovelheadave]

Admittedly, I don’t use mouth calls much so. I’m asking the question.

My kids got me a Backstabber for Christmas, really nice but the short end didn’t quite sound right, really deep. If you give it a good hard blow it seems to free up and sound about right for a while.

I took it out the first time on Sat night and both ends froze up after one short sequence, like 15 sec. I was careful to blow as dry as possible. That was it for the night, even inside my jacket it wouldn’t free up.

Same thing Sunday night. Once on the short end and it was frozen but, the long end was ok.

Last night the short end kept sticking but, I could get it freed up but, the tone was really low. The long end would freeze a little but was ok once I had it inside my jacket for a while.

I’m careful to blow as dry as I can but, I think it’s just the condensation from warm breath. I’m in S.E. PA so it’s not nearly as cold as other parts of the state.

Anyone else having problems with a Backstabber ?? (other than the obvious joke)

 

[4c_game_chaser]

i'd be calling foxpro asap! I had an issue ONCE with mine when KCC was making them, it was cleared up immediately.

 

[bigben]

All close reeds will freeze up unless some modifications are done to em. The two i have that hasnt froze up yet both come from custom call makers.

 

[swpa87]

You could try a bit of wd-40 on the reeds because it is "water-dispersant" hence the name "wd", BUT I have not tried this so it might work if they are metal reeds Im sure it wont hurt, Iv also used hand warmers with a rubber band around it. Please let me know if it works for you I was looking at the same call, I know its suposed to work very well for fox.

 

[Shovelheadave]

I was thinking about a drop of vegetable oil (WD40 has a strong odor) but, didn’t want to ruin a new call.

I can't be the only one using this call where it's cold....and it's not really super cold here.

 

[Lookn4Fur]

You don't want to use wd-40 or veggie oil as it will more than likely only make things worse. Those type of calls are prone to freeze when it's this cold. Carry multiple calls and various styles. You could also blade the reed a little wider if you know how but it's really tuff if you can't get the reed out of the call. Are you sure you don't have any lint or dirt from your pocket in the reeds? Take an air hose and blow some air through the sound ports towards the end you blow on. This should dislodge any debris that may be in there. The backstabber is a great call. As suggested call Foxpro if all else fails. Good Luck.

 

[david/dave]

the coaxer end of mine freezes after about 1 min of calling. its done this since i bought it. It doesnt seem to matter what i do to stop it, freezes everytime! really annoying, I dont use it because of this.

 

[6.5-284BMF]

I have used a backstabber for years and never had it freeze. Ever. In some very extended cold periods and it also stays in my truck in all temps. Theres a possibility you have dirt or lint stuck in it somewhere. I had that happen before. Ruined a reed trying to fix it myself. Bootmud cleared it up real fast for me I'm sure foxpro will also.

 

[bigben]

Oh they freeze. Try breathing back in through the call when you pull air in. Sometimes this will help keep the call unfrozen.

 

[buckweat]

Dave
I would run it under hot water, some times sliva builds up quick on calls.
Do not hold it up against the sink spicket, water pressure can damage the reed. Just let hot water run through the holes in the call and let the water run out the reeds for a minute or two, shake out water and try it. If it does not work rince it again. If this time it does not work you have a problem. You should rince out closed reeds calls every now and then to keep them clean.
Ernie

 

[Shovelheadave]

Sounds like maybe I should bail on it while I still can get get my $40 back from Cabela's.

I don't normally carry a mouth call and this sounds like it's going to be a problem longterm.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Samuel]

It's the nature of the beast that is inherit to closed reed calls.

 

[swpa87]

I cant imagine a hot handwarmer in an insulated pocket not defrosting it, im looking to get one... there are plenty of times Im hunting in non freezing temps, and atleast you can carry it while deer hunting or small game incase you get the idea to call a spot, thats why I want one.

 

[Shovelheadave]

Just spoke with Foxpro......as always, they were way cool.

They said it should be a rare occasion that it would freeze, certainly not the norm. They're sending me a replacement.

Those guys have great customer service.

 

[david/dave]

I tried. the hot water thing, it didn't work? I bought the call when kettle creek owned it. Any ideas on what to do to fix this? I doubt foxpro will help me. Thing, is I love the coaxer end ! Im unable to call anything w it!

 

[Guest]

Foxpro is great...they always get my business. Just ordered some more stuff from them yesterday.