** I need folks to validate or correct what I'm saying here because this is what I learned when researching the same question..... Here goes nothing.
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I've been researching that myself. I still have a Johnny Stewart convert-a- caller and am looking to upgrade to a remote to get a better edge.
Anywho, in $$ wise you have Wildlife technologies at 800+ (Yikes!), then the Loudmouth call at 500+, then the foxpro at 400-500 depending on the model you get, and I'm not sure what the new johnny steward bushwaker costs.
In terms of features.
I really looked more at running cost of having new sounds. The Johnny stewart has memory cards, so does the loudmouth. The Foxpro has "uploaded" sounds that you can change (they have a device to modify sound for ~50 bucks, and they have a new decoy "jack in the box" that kick's butt.
At the end of the day, I think the Foxpro gives a good balance of features at the best value. I am looking at getting a FoxPro 416B, if I don't like the sounds I can always change them over time.
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On the business side (manufact. pricing) I think anyone over 400 bucks for their entry level product is making a huge mistake. Now I'm just a plain old hunter who likes chasing coyotes, bobcats, and crows every once and a while.
In the end you have the 800, 500, and 400 dollar tiers. If you think of the body of hunters that are going to plunk down that amount of cash (amoung the aspring young and middle aged $$ guys) 80+ % will go for the $400 unit because it meets their needs and is flexible enough to get the sound the others offer via speakers and new sound tracks. (Again.. fox pro)
In the end they can't keep the foxpro units on the shelf. That speaks for itself, I kind of wish they weren't so successful so I could find unit's cheaper but the facts are they can sell them at $400 flat (without special offers) because of the other manufact. pricing mistakes, and because they're are hands down more versitle.
Business wise they're kick'n butt, hats off to the Foxpro crew... The only thing they change that I can see is their fairly ugly case which looks like a $2 flashlight (they can afford to fix that but it's a looks only thing)
Disclaimer - I don't work for them and I'm not a proffesional caller. I'm a middle aged elk hunting type of guy... I'm Telecom Engineer, who likes investing in my equipment wisely. But I also know business, pricing, and competition. Foxpro will have the extra $$ because they're priced right to make moves the others won't.
Good luck in your choice.. remember this is only my opinion.
Talisman..
Aka.. Spot Shooter from other boards (there's already one here so I had to use a different login)
