Review: FOXPRO X24 Electronic Predator Call
The FOXPRO X24 is a top-tier electronic predator call that has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality sound output, versatile functionality, and rugged design. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, the X24 offers an impressive array of features to help you attract a variety of predators, including coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and more. Below is a detailed review of its key aspects:
Design & Build Quality
The X24 is designed for durability and portability, featuring a compact, lightweight body that is both rugged and easy to carry in the field. The dimensions are relatively small (approximately 9.25″ x 7.25″ x 6″), which makes it convenient for hunters who need to move quickly or pack light. The unit weighs around 2 pounds, which is manageable for extended use in the field.
The call itself is housed in a weather-resistant casing, providing protection against rain, snow, and other elements commonly encountered in the outdoors. It has a robust, sturdy feel, which instills confidence that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
Sound Quality & Volume
The X24 is equipped with dual speakers that provide excellent sound quality, including both high and low frequencies, ensuring it can effectively mimic a wide range of predator sounds. FOXPRO’s innovative Xtreme Audio Technology ensures that the sound remains crisp, clear, and realistic, even at longer distances.
The X24 has the ability to produce extremely loud volumes, capable of reaching over 120 decibels, which is essential for hunters who need to attract predators from a distance or in windy conditions. The volume can be adjusted easily through the remote control, allowing you to tailor the sound intensity to the environment. This makes it ideal for large, open areas like plains or forests, where calls need to travel long distances.
The sound clarity is exceptional—whether you’re playing distress calls, prey sounds, or coyote vocalizations, the tones come through in high fidelity. The FOXPRO X24 has a large sound library (more than 100 pre-loaded sounds), and you can also add additional sounds via the SD card slot.
Remote Control & Operation
One of the standout features of the X24 is its remote control, which allows hunters to operate the call from a distance of up to 100 yards (depending on terrain and conditions). The remote has an intuitive layout with a backlit LCD screen, making it easy to use even in low-light conditions.
The controls are simple and responsive, and the layout of buttons is user-friendly, allowing you to change sound, volume, and settings quickly. There’s also a rapid sound switching function, which allows you to switch between sounds almost instantly during a hunt—this is especially valuable when you need to adjust tactics on the fly.
Additionally, the remote includes a memory function for saving your favorite calls, allowing you to quickly access them without scrolling through long lists of sounds. The backlit display also features an easy-to-read interface for tracking sound, battery life, and system status.
Sound Library & Customization
The X24 comes pre-loaded with a vast array of sounds. FOXPRO offers an expansive library of calls designed to attract a wide range of predators. Sounds include coyote howls, distress calls, fox sounds, rabbit and bird distress calls, and more. In addition, the X24 has the ability to store even more sounds via an SD card slot, so you can tailor your sound library to your specific hunting preferences.
The ability to upload and organize sounds makes the X24 a highly customizable tool, which is one of its biggest selling points. With the FOXPRO Sound Library app or their website, you can browse and download additional sounds for any scenario. This allows you to experiment with different calls and adapt to various predator behaviors.
Battery Life
The X24 operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides long-lasting performance. On a full charge, it can operate for up to 15 hours on lower volume settings. The battery life will vary depending on the volume used, the frequency of sound switching, and other factors like weather. However, in most conditions, the X24 delivers ample run time to support a full day of hunting. For added convenience, FOXPRO offers an optional vehicle charging adapter, allowing hunters to recharge on the go.
Performance in the Field
Field performance is where the X24 really shines. The combination of sound clarity, volume control, and portability makes it a top contender for serious hunters. The dual speakers are designed to broadcast sounds in a wide radius, and the unit’s ability to project sounds over long distances is impressive.
The X24 excels in windy conditions, where its powerful volume can help project calls further. It’s also effective in both open and dense environments, with the ability to attract predators at a significant distance even in heavily wooded areas.
While most electronic calls can be tricky to operate in the field—requiring a delicate balance of volume control and sound selection—the X24 simplifies this process with its easy-to-use remote and fast sound switching capabilities.
Additional Features
- Audio Mixing: The X24 has the capability to play multiple sounds simultaneously, allowing for more natural and complex audio that can mimic the chaos of a real-life situation (for example, a predator attacking a group of prey). This is a unique feature that gives the call more versatility.
- Customizable Sound Sequences: The X24 supports the creation of custom sound sequences. Hunters can program a series of sounds to play in a particular order, which is useful for mimicking the progression of predator-prey interactions.
- Rugged Carrying Case: The call comes with a weather-resistant, protective carry case that makes it easy to transport and helps keep the device safe from damage during travel.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with clear, realistic tones.
- Powerful volume, capable of reaching over 120 dB.
- Dual speakers for enhanced audio projection.
- Long battery life for extended field use.
- Customizable sound library, including the option to add more sounds.
- User-friendly remote with intuitive controls and a backlit display.
- Durable, weather-resistant design that can handle harsh outdoor conditions.
- Optional sound mixing and sequencing features for greater flexibility.
Cons
- Price: The X24 is on the pricier side compared to other predator calls on the market. While it offers premium features and performance, it might be overkill for casual or budget-conscious hunters.
- Size: While compact, it’s slightly larger than some of the other compact models on the market, which could be a concern for hunters who need the absolute smallest equipment for extreme portability.
- Learning Curve: While the remote is easy to use, there may still be a slight learning curve for newcomers to electronic calls who are unfamiliar with navigating through a range of sounds and settings.
Conclusion
The FOXPRO X24 is a powerful, reliable, and highly customizable electronic predator call that delivers exceptional sound quality, range, and ease of use. It’s particularly suited for serious hunters who need versatility and high-performance features for a wide range of hunting environments. While the price point may be steep for some, the features and performance justify the investment for those looking for a top-tier predator calling system.
If you’re a dedicated predator hunter looking for a call that combines cutting-edge technology with field-tested durability, the FOXPRO X24 is a fantastic option that will serve you well for years to come.