PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF Review

The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF Made a Bold First Impression

The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF isn’t just another elk call; it’s a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose: replicating the sounds of cow and calf elk. Primos, a well-known name in hunting accessories, promises ease of use and realistic sound production with this call. This single-reed call features the Primos “Sound Plate™”, pre-angled at 16 degrees to optimize those specific vocalizations. The price point of $6.49 also makes it extremely accessible to both seasoned and novice elk hunters.

My elk hunting strategy relies heavily on mimicking the soft, reassuring sounds of cow and calf elk to lure in bulls during the rut. I’ve used a variety of diaphragm calls, some more successfully than others, but have always struggled with consistent sound production. The promise of the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF‘s fixed “Sound Plate™” intrigued me, as it suggested a consistent and easier way to achieve those crucial elk calls.

Upon receiving the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The build quality felt durable enough for the price. Unlike some diaphragm calls that require extensive trimming and tuning, this one appeared ready to use right out of the package.

I typically use Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls‘ Bully Bull Extreme and a custom-made diaphragm from a local call maker. While both produce a wider range of elk sounds, I was looking for a dedicated call specifically for cow and calf sounds, something easier to manage in high-pressure situations. The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF promised a simpler, more focused approach.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight and straightforward design, combined with Primos‘ reputation, gave me hope that this call would be a valuable addition to my elk hunting arsenal. Only real-world testing would reveal its true capabilities.

Real-World Testing: Putting PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF during a pre-season scouting trip in the high country of Colorado. The weather was typical for late summer, with warm days and cool nights. The terrain was a mix of open meadows and dense timber, ideal for elk.

The call was surprisingly easy to use. The pre-set “Sound Plate™” angle eliminated the guesswork involved in positioning the call in my mouth. It quickly produced convincing cow and calf sounds with minimal practice.

I didn’t encounter any major issues during the initial use, although the sound seemed somewhat “raspy” compared to some of my higher-end diaphragm calls. It still sounded like an elk, but lacked the nuanced tones I was accustomed to. Nevertheless, its ease of use made up for some of that.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple scouting trips and the opening week of elk season, the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The latex reed, however, is showing slight discoloration.

The call is simple to clean and maintain. A quick rinse with water after each use is usually sufficient. I store it in a small, airtight container to prevent the reed from drying out and cracking.

Compared to my previous experiences with more complex diaphragm calls, the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF offers a much simpler and more consistent user experience. It doesn’t outperform my higher-end calls in terms of sound quality, but it’s significantly easier to use, especially when my focus is on movement and other elements of the hunt. For a beginner it would be perfect.

Breaking Down the Features of PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF

Specifications

• This single-reed diaphragm call is specifically designed for cow, calf, and spike bull vocalizations. The Primos ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF is pre-tuned and ready to use out of the package.
• It features the Primos “Sound Plate™” set at a fixed 16-degree angle. This angle simplifies sound production and allows for more consistent calls.

The fixed angle of the “Sound Plate™” is the key specification here. It significantly simplifies the learning curve for novice elk callers. The single reed design also limits the range of possible sounds, focusing the call on its intended purpose.

Performance & Functionality

The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF performs admirably within its intended range. It produces convincing cow and calf mews, as well as the occasional spike bull whine. It is simple to use, and consistently creates the necessary sounds.

The primary strength is its ease of use, making it ideal for beginners or experienced hunters seeking a simple and reliable cow and calf call. A minor weakness is its limited sound range compared to more versatile diaphragm calls.

The call largely meets expectations for a budget-friendly, specialized elk call. It provides a consistent and user-friendly way to produce essential cow and calf sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The call’s design is minimalistic and functional. The Primos ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF is small and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The single-reed design and pre-set “Sound Plate™” eliminate the need for fine-tuning. This makes it incredibly user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The call appears reasonably durable for its price point. With proper care and storage, it should last for at least a few hunting seasons.

Cleaning is straightforward. A simple rinse with water after use is generally sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF does not come with any additional accessories. Its design is not intended for customization.

Because of its limited feature set, there are no real customization options. The call is what it is, a simple and specialized tool for replicating cow and calf elk sounds.

Pros and Cons of PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF

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Who Should Buy PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF?

Perfect for beginner elk hunters who are learning to call. Also useful for experienced hunters who want a simple and reliable cow and calf call. This product is well suited for hunters who want a no-frills, easy-to-use elk call without a steep learning curve.

Hunters looking for a versatile call capable of producing a wide range of elk sounds should skip this product. Those who prioritize sound quality over ease of use may also find it lacking.

A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF

The PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF is a solid, no-nonsense elk call that delivers on its promise of ease of use and consistent cow and calf sounds. While it may not be the most versatile or high-fidelity call on the market, its simplicity and affordability make it an excellent choice for beginners.

At $6.49, the price is definitely justified for what it offers. It is an easy to use introduction to elk calling.

I would recommend it to anyone just starting out with elk hunting or for those who want a simple and reliable addition to their calling arsenal. If you’re looking for a call that’s easy to master and won’t break the bank, give the PRIMOS ELK PALATE PLATE SENTRY COW AND CALF a try. It might just be the sound that brings that bull into range.

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