FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call Review: Comprehensive 2018 Review
This FOXPRO Banshee review will show you why Electronic Predator Calls raise the bar when it comes to portable game call devices. Its lightweight and high-volume capabilities make it one of the best products available on the market today. It has been a while since I made a purchase.
Game call proves quite useful for recreational hunters as these devices speed up the process of hunting, thus making the hunt less boring. Having this gear on-hand guarantees you of a more enjoyable hunting experience.
Aside from the enjoyment, the ability to mimic the sounds of animal predators and preys is actually essential for a successful hunt. If you are looking for the best device to do that, then check out the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call. This device worked for me, so this might work for you, too.
FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call – Overview
The FOXPRO Banshee is one of the newest models of game calls from the said brand. It is American-made, which indicates it comes with a top-notch quality and a meticulous design. The device is highly portable, weighing less than 3 pounds including the batteries, which I carry without too much effort every hunt, and can produce extremely loud sounds.
Carrying this lightweight game call is truly an indulgence when you are out in the wild. Any serious hunter wants to pack the least possible weight to improve mobility, and the Banshee does that for me.
This model uses the same speaker as those of the popular older models, such as the Hellfire and CS24. Operated by 10 AA batteries, the speaker horn produces ear-shattering sounds with utmost realistic clarity.
However, unlike the Hellfire and CS24, it utilizes the TX915 long-range remote control, which is also used in the new Inferno model. The remote control is a simplified version of the previous models, which makes it more user-friendly. It has a large back-lit LCD screen that helps you operate it comfortably even in darkness. The interface is easy to understand and navigate, which is perfect whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Indeed, day or night hunting has never been so easy until I’ve experienced it with the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call.
FOXPRO Banshee – Features and Benefits
The FOXPRO Banshee comes with free 100 custom sounds of your choice. Furthermore, it has the capacity to contain up to 200 sounds all-in-all. When purchasing, you can choose between standard factory programming and custom programming to specify the sounds you want to be included in your unit.
Standard factory programming means that you get the unit with FOXPRO’s standard factory sound list of predator calls. Some of the standard sounds included are different calls by male, female, and young coyotes and foxes. I also encountered other noises including mountain lions, wolves, and other predators.
The standard program also includes prey sounds such as those by rabbits, woodpeckers, ducks, and many more. Check out the complete list here.
Meanwhile, the custom programming allows you to select 100 calls of your preference. Having the option to customize calls is a great advantage. This is especially true for those who are experienced hunters as they already have an established routine or system.
Truly, the FOXPRO Banshee covers all the needs of recreational hunters whether they are still a novice or already an expert.
Like many of FOXPRO’s high-quality products, the FOXPRO Banshee also has the automatic FOXBANG option. This is a great feature that I like the most. More experienced hunters, who want to leverage the sound-generating capabilities of game call devices further, usually prefer this kind of feature.
FOXBANG is quite a useful feature as it allows you to program a specific sound that will be triggered after you fire your gun. You can encode up to seven assignable functions; namely, presets 1 to 5, toggle mute, and toggle decoy. From those, you can then choose one in the P1 (preset 1) position, which is set to activate immediately after your weapon is discharged.
FOXBANG allows you to change the sound coming from the unit without taking your hands off your rifle. Having this hands-free function enables me to remain focused on my target, especially on situations when it matters the most.
Other Key Features
The FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call has a lot of other key features aside from the two mentioned above.
First, let me dive deeper into the included remote control: the FOXPRO TX915. It has a large, easy-to-read screen feature that is appropriate for those who have eyesight issues. The screen is back-lit, which allows night-time use.
The TX915 transmitter can arrange sounds by category. Its six user buttons can also be assigned at your preference; namely, preset 3, preset 4, preset 5, recall, and timer reset. The transmitter is easy to use and navigate. To even make this added feature more exciting, it also has the FOXBANG option.
The FOXPRO Banshee remote control has a mute button that can be turned on and off by simply pressing it. The device has a scroll button for selecting your desired sound, which can be changed whether in the active or mute mode.
You can also program your sound presets using the TX915. There are five presets in total, with P1 typically reserved for the FOXBANG option. P1 is triggered by the sound of your weapon firing. Presets 2 to 5 can also be activated using the remote control.
The FOXBANG sensor is found inside the TX915 transmitter, which means that your gun should be within five feet of the remote control for FOXBANG to work. To ensure optimal performance, I "wore" the remote using a lanyard hung around my neck.
The remote control also has an auto-off feature. It automatically shuts down when no buttons are pushed for a set amount of time. The available time settings include 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours. Aside from that, the Banshee remote has a visual alarm that you can also set for a specific span of time.
The TX915 transmitter requires three AA batteries to operate. Alkaline AA batteries are recommended over Lithium ion ones.
Meanwhile, the FOXPRO Banshee speaker has an external jack for attaching an additional speaker in order to make the animals sounds louder. When I connected another FOXPRO speaker to the Banshee, the volume level was significantly increased.
It also has an auxiliary jack that can be used for connecting a FOXPRO decoy, such as the FOXPRO Jack Daddy or FOXPRO Jack Junior decoy. Decoys are devices that attract predators using visual baits.
Another additional feature that the speaker brings is the USB port, which lets you connect it to your computer in case you want to reprogram or add more sounds. It also has a battery indicator that emits an amber-colored light when turned on and blinks when the batteries are already low.
Product Specifications
Note: Lithium ion batteries are not appropriate for the FOXPRO Banshee speaker. Lithium ion AA batteries give off about 1.7 to 2.0 volts of electricity per battery, which is quite high for the Banshee.
The Banshee speaker is designed to protect itself from over voltage by having the capability to detect voltage higher than 17 volts. Ten AA batteries will discharge 17 volts at the very least. If you use Lithium ion batteries, then the Banshee would simply trip its protective circuit and block the unit from even turning on.
What Comes in the Box
Pros
There are many advantages in using the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call. While some still prefer traditional manual game calls, digital ones have become the trend for recreational hunters these days.
Some of these benefits and advantages are the following:
This product is a simplified version of the CS24 model that veteran hunters have always loved. Still, it is an efficient tool for skilled hunters while also being practical enough to be used by beginners or amateurs.
Moreover, the affordable price of the Banshee has made it a sought-after game call device. You can get one set for only less than $300, lower than most leading brands in the market right now.
The price point makes this game call a worthwhile investment, especially if you are still learning about the hobby. Taking into account its functionality and effectiveness on the field, it is really a wise buy.
Overall, the best advantages one can get from the FOXPRO Banshee are its versatility, user-friendliness, and affordability. You can get it to work with all your preferences, without much trouble, at a budget-friendly cost.
Cons
Despite all the advantages and benefits, there are also some things to consider before buying a FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call.
Here are some of the cons of this product:
The batteries on this product drain quite fast, so you need to prepare extra batteries beforehand. Single-day hunting would be alright, but it would not be able to sustain multiple-day or week-long trips. A rechargeable battery system may be needed to fix this issue, although you have to figure out how to recharge in the wild during longer voyages.
Some hunting practitioners have also commented about inadequate sound volume, as its maximum value only goes up to 20. Other more expensive and more complicated models can go as high as 40.
When it comes to operation, you should find a flawless line-of-sight between the FOXPRO Banshee speaker and the transmitter for optimum performance.
FOXPRO Banshee: Final Verdict
Despite some minor issues, the Banshee is still a worthy investment for recreational hunters of all levels. Its versatility, manageability, and cost-effectiveness outweighed the drawbacks. Indeed, buying a FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call is one of the wisest purchasing decisions I ever made.
This FOXPRO Banshee review will show you why Electronic Predator Calls raise the bar when it comes to portable game call devices. Its lightweight and high-volume capabilities make it one of the best products available on the market today. It has been a while since I made a purchase.
Game call proves quite useful for recreational hunters as these devices speed up the process of hunting, thus making the hunt less boring. Having this gear on-hand guarantees you of a more enjoyable hunting experience.
Aside from the enjoyment, the ability to mimic the sounds of animal predators and preys is actually essential for a successful hunt. If you are looking for the best device to do that, then check out the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call. This device worked for me, so this might work for you, too.
FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call – Overview
The FOXPRO Banshee is one of the newest models of game calls from the said brand. It is American-made, which indicates it comes with a top-notch quality and a meticulous design. The device is highly portable, weighing less than 3 pounds including the batteries, which I carry without too much effort every hunt, and can produce extremely loud sounds.
Carrying this lightweight game call is truly an indulgence when you are out in the wild. Any serious hunter wants to pack the least possible weight to improve mobility, and the Banshee does that for me.
This model uses the same speaker as those of the popular older models, such as the Hellfire and CS24. Operated by 10 AA batteries, the speaker horn produces ear-shattering sounds with utmost realistic clarity.
However, unlike the Hellfire and CS24, it utilizes the TX915 long-range remote control, which is also used in the new Inferno model. The remote control is a simplified version of the previous models, which makes it more user-friendly. It has a large back-lit LCD screen that helps you operate it comfortably even in darkness. The interface is easy to understand and navigate, which is perfect whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Indeed, day or night hunting has never been so easy until I’ve experienced it with the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call.
FOXPRO Banshee – Features and Benefits
- Standard Factory Programming vs. Custom Programming
The FOXPRO Banshee comes with free 100 custom sounds of your choice. Furthermore, it has the capacity to contain up to 200 sounds all-in-all. When purchasing, you can choose between standard factory programming and custom programming to specify the sounds you want to be included in your unit.
Standard factory programming means that you get the unit with FOXPRO’s standard factory sound list of predator calls. Some of the standard sounds included are different calls by male, female, and young coyotes and foxes. I also encountered other noises including mountain lions, wolves, and other predators.
The standard program also includes prey sounds such as those by rabbits, woodpeckers, ducks, and many more. Check out the complete list here.
Meanwhile, the custom programming allows you to select 100 calls of your preference. Having the option to customize calls is a great advantage. This is especially true for those who are experienced hunters as they already have an established routine or system.
Truly, the FOXPRO Banshee covers all the needs of recreational hunters whether they are still a novice or already an expert.
- Automatic FOXBANG Option
Like many of FOXPRO’s high-quality products, the FOXPRO Banshee also has the automatic FOXBANG option. This is a great feature that I like the most. More experienced hunters, who want to leverage the sound-generating capabilities of game call devices further, usually prefer this kind of feature.
FOXBANG is quite a useful feature as it allows you to program a specific sound that will be triggered after you fire your gun. You can encode up to seven assignable functions; namely, presets 1 to 5, toggle mute, and toggle decoy. From those, you can then choose one in the P1 (preset 1) position, which is set to activate immediately after your weapon is discharged.
FOXBANG allows you to change the sound coming from the unit without taking your hands off your rifle. Having this hands-free function enables me to remain focused on my target, especially on situations when it matters the most.
Other Key Features
The FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call has a lot of other key features aside from the two mentioned above.
- FOXPRO TX915
First, let me dive deeper into the included remote control: the FOXPRO TX915. It has a large, easy-to-read screen feature that is appropriate for those who have eyesight issues. The screen is back-lit, which allows night-time use.
- TX915 Transmitter
The TX915 transmitter can arrange sounds by category. Its six user buttons can also be assigned at your preference; namely, preset 3, preset 4, preset 5, recall, and timer reset. The transmitter is easy to use and navigate. To even make this added feature more exciting, it also has the FOXBANG option.
- FOXPRO Banshee Remote Control
The FOXPRO Banshee remote control has a mute button that can be turned on and off by simply pressing it. The device has a scroll button for selecting your desired sound, which can be changed whether in the active or mute mode.
You can also program your sound presets using the TX915. There are five presets in total, with P1 typically reserved for the FOXBANG option. P1 is triggered by the sound of your weapon firing. Presets 2 to 5 can also be activated using the remote control.
The FOXBANG sensor is found inside the TX915 transmitter, which means that your gun should be within five feet of the remote control for FOXBANG to work. To ensure optimal performance, I "wore" the remote using a lanyard hung around my neck.
The remote control also has an auto-off feature. It automatically shuts down when no buttons are pushed for a set amount of time. The available time settings include 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours. Aside from that, the Banshee remote has a visual alarm that you can also set for a specific span of time.
The TX915 transmitter requires three AA batteries to operate. Alkaline AA batteries are recommended over Lithium ion ones.
- External and Auxiliary Jack
Meanwhile, the FOXPRO Banshee speaker has an external jack for attaching an additional speaker in order to make the animals sounds louder. When I connected another FOXPRO speaker to the Banshee, the volume level was significantly increased.
It also has an auxiliary jack that can be used for connecting a FOXPRO decoy, such as the FOXPRO Jack Daddy or FOXPRO Jack Junior decoy. Decoys are devices that attract predators using visual baits.
- USB Port and Battery Indicator
Another additional feature that the speaker brings is the USB port, which lets you connect it to your computer in case you want to reprogram or add more sounds. It also has a battery indicator that emits an amber-colored light when turned on and blinks when the batteries are already low.
Product Specifications
- Color: gray
- Speaker dimensions: 9" x 6.5" x 5"
- Weight with batteries: 2.9 lbs.
- Formats accommodated: MP3, FXP, and WAV
- Batteries needed (not included): 10 pcs AA, preferably NiMh, Alkaline also accepted
- Connectivity: wireless
- Connections available: USB port, 1 x 3.5mm auxiliary jack, 1 x 3.5 mm speaker jack, charging jack
- Backlight brightness range: from 10 percent to 100 percent
- Warranty: 3 years
Note: Lithium ion batteries are not appropriate for the FOXPRO Banshee speaker. Lithium ion AA batteries give off about 1.7 to 2.0 volts of electricity per battery, which is quite high for the Banshee.
The Banshee speaker is designed to protect itself from over voltage by having the capability to detect voltage higher than 17 volts. Ten AA batteries will discharge 17 volts at the very least. If you use Lithium ion batteries, then the Banshee would simply trip its protective circuit and block the unit from even turning on.
What Comes in the Box
- Banshee Electronic Predator Call
- TX915 remote control
- 5 mm stereo patch cable
- Operation manual
- Warranty registration
Pros
There are many advantages in using the FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call. While some still prefer traditional manual game calls, digital ones have become the trend for recreational hunters these days.
Some of these benefits and advantages are the following:
- Versatility to produce different animal sounds at once when needed
- Extreme portability
- Adaptability for night time use
- Ability to connect to other devices to further enhance functionality
- Remote transmitter that's easy to use and understand
- Large text on the transmitter makes it more comfortable to use
- Remarkable sound quality
- Programmable and customizable depending on the user’s needs
This product is a simplified version of the CS24 model that veteran hunters have always loved. Still, it is an efficient tool for skilled hunters while also being practical enough to be used by beginners or amateurs.
Moreover, the affordable price of the Banshee has made it a sought-after game call device. You can get one set for only less than $300, lower than most leading brands in the market right now.
The price point makes this game call a worthwhile investment, especially if you are still learning about the hobby. Taking into account its functionality and effectiveness on the field, it is really a wise buy.
Overall, the best advantages one can get from the FOXPRO Banshee are its versatility, user-friendliness, and affordability. You can get it to work with all your preferences, without much trouble, at a budget-friendly cost.
Cons
Despite all the advantages and benefits, there are also some things to consider before buying a FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call.
Here are some of the cons of this product:
- User has to turn the volume back up each time you turn off an active call and change to a different one
- Speaker and transmitter must have a good line-of-sight in order for the system to work
- Battery life needs improvement
- Perhaps, too simple for some more experienced hunters
The batteries on this product drain quite fast, so you need to prepare extra batteries beforehand. Single-day hunting would be alright, but it would not be able to sustain multiple-day or week-long trips. A rechargeable battery system may be needed to fix this issue, although you have to figure out how to recharge in the wild during longer voyages.
Some hunting practitioners have also commented about inadequate sound volume, as its maximum value only goes up to 20. Other more expensive and more complicated models can go as high as 40.
When it comes to operation, you should find a flawless line-of-sight between the FOXPRO Banshee speaker and the transmitter for optimum performance.
FOXPRO Banshee: Final Verdict
Despite some minor issues, the Banshee is still a worthy investment for recreational hunters of all levels. Its versatility, manageability, and cost-effectiveness outweighed the drawbacks. Indeed, buying a FOXPRO Banshee Electronic Predator Call is one of the wisest purchasing decisions I ever made.