You need a couple of calls. One size does not fit all. Box call for long range / windy days. Push button for close in stuff when you're not up to snuff with a diaphragm. Slate with multiple strikers for all reasons.

Some days they just respond better to different pitches & frequencies. When I chased them hard I mostly used diaphragms and slates.

I buy an assortment of the cheapest-I-can-find diaphram calls every year. I think I got five in the assortment this year. I immediately go through them all and keep the ones that make the right sound the first time I try it. It's a reliability thing. I want it to work when it needs to and I don't want to keep up with how to particularly use any of them; diaphram or otherwise. If it doesn't call right the first try, I discard it. This year, of the five I have two that I can use reliably...and they're already molded. I soaked them in Listerine to clean and refresh them.

I like the no-hands of the diaphrams. I like their realistic tone though folks do get good with boxes etc. It's harded to hear a sound originating from inside your head than it is to hear the same sound originating from your hands (in my opinion,) but if you have a knack for mimicing sounds, you'll probably find the diaphram to be natural and easy.

I'm not nearly a good enough hunter to tell what particular call (tone) to use at whatever time. I'm not convinced the ones who say they know, really know. I think they carry an assortment because of box and slate's vulnerability to humidity etc.. Turkey hunting to me is about going where they are and being patient; not running toward the first one you hear. Listen to determine if he's in one spot or moving. I've never gotten a tom to come to me that was obviously going away from my position (unless I could get in front of him.) I shouldn't even bother trying anymore, but I can't help it.

Don't call too much. In the woods, I try to get within 100 yards of one gobbling and then sit down, and call once; maybe twice. If he's moving, get in front of him. If he's in a small area, just get close and sit down. Sometimes the ones traveling are making rounds and will be back to where he's already been; sometimes hours later.

Slate is heavy to me. Boxes are fragile. Both have reliability issues that I don't get with diaphrams––dry mouth being the exception, but a quick swig of water solves it. Water has become part of the checklist: look for a good place to sit; get a drink of water, insert call, head net, gloves, chambered.

Diaphrams are light and small, but can get nasty without (almost effortless) cleaning. They don't have an indefinate life. (Be sure to check them for the rubber reeds drying out if you don't buy new every year.)

I talked to people who use boxes etc. who wish they could get the hang of a diaphram; I've talked to some who'd never use a diaphram for several reasons. Some people just can't get over the tickle of using a diaphram––I got used to it.

I've killed two toms so far this year: One in Alabama and one in Georgia. I could have killed four in two days, but I'm not greedy.