I don't post on here often, but threads like this are just to good to pass up. It's amazing the people that claim to be proficient with all types of calls & then follow that statement up by saying that they think friction calls sound more realistic. That to me immediately screams lack of ability when it comes to diaphragms because as said before there is simply no comparison. The diaphragms are the most realistic by far. For a beginner, yeah, take the quick, easy, expensive route & buy a slate or box. Better yet, why not get a push button, he11 they will call in a turkey so they must sound great! Yeah right! Seriously, if you want realism, & the satisfaction of being able to use a call that most people can't, (but often claim to) then get a diaphragm. Put in the time, practice, & dedication it requires to truly run a diaphragm & you'll be in a league that only a few ever make it to. Then you can sit back read & laugh at all the people that wish they could & cover their inability to do so by saying "I prefer a friction call because they sound more realistic". Better keep selling that BS to the new guys cause the boys in the know ain't gonna buy it. AND as far as not being able to use a diaphragm goes, what's your excuse? Anything other than having a deformed mouth or no tongue says I'm lazy & have no dedication or drive!