Quick question on bite reed call tubing...

[Lonehowl]

Those of you that use these calls often: do you prefer to have rubber tubing on the toneboards or not? Does it matter? I always thought it was for cusioning your teeth. Some factory calls have it and some dont.
Thanks
Mark.

[Al_at_THO]

I spoke to the guys at one of the big companies about it a long time ago.   I was told it was done to prevent air loss because the molding process was not always perfect and the cost of the tubing was less than having to check every single call that went out the door.

I'm not sure it adds anything and might even be not so hot an idea.   The reason I called them is because the call I had was chewed up from being blown.   Now it was a crow call, but the exact same tubing is used on the bite calls just a smaller diameter. 

I would rather have it off.  If I get air loss, that's what they make duct tape for 

I think it would detract from your calls.   They look pretty nice to be putting a piece of rubber over them.

Al @ THO

[Lonehowl]

Thanks Al. The air loss thing makes sense really, was kinda wondering about that. I dont like it on there at all ,myself. Appreciate the input!

[alscalls]

I have called in coyotes with catnip which has this tubing and I find it annoying and in the way....
I hunt hard and often so wear is an issue....I have called more coyotes in without any tubing and with a variety of hand calls howlers as well as E-callers my point is the animals could care less....
I would keep it simple and like AL said they look better without it. M2C

[Parker]

I find I can get a more consistent cow elk call out of one by having the tubing on.

Parker

[alscalls]

never thought of that....but I have never hunted Elk....