The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase Made a Bold First Impression
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase from Rmhc promises to simplify elk calling, especially for those just starting out. Elk hunting is a passion of mine, and I’ve spent years honing my calling skills. However, I remember the initial frustration of mastering diaphragm calls.
My journey began with a desire for a more consistent and user-friendly diaphragm call, especially for teaching my son the art of elk hunting. The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase caught my eye because of its “Next Step Up” (NSU) design, which claims to aid proper tongue placement. It also advertised a comfortable fit for flatter palates, something I’ve struggled with in other calls.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed its compact design. The materials seemed durable enough for the price point. It definitely felt different than my traditional diaphragm calls, with a noticeable recessed latex area.
I had been primarily using a Primos Hyper Lip Single and a Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Wapiti Whacker, both proven performers but with a steeper learning curve. I chose the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase hoping its innovative design would offer easier sound production. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if the NSU system lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase during a scouting trip in the Montana backcountry. The weather was dry and cool, typical for early September. I wanted to see how quickly I could produce realistic elk sounds with minimal practice.
The NSU frame initially felt awkward in my mouth compared to traditional calls. However, after a few minutes, I began to understand how it guided my tongue placement. I was able to produce basic cow and calf sounds relatively quickly.
The call performed adequately, but my initial attempts at replicating more complex bugles were less successful than with my trusted Primos. There were some initial issues getting comfortable with the fit, even though it was designed for my palate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice, I became more proficient with the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase. I integrated it into my calling sequence during a week-long elk hunt in Colorado. While the call didn’t become my primary tool, it proved useful for creating subtle cow calls to draw bulls in close.
The diaphragm held up well to repeated use, showing no signs of latex degradation or frame warping. Cleaning was simple: rinsing it with water and letting it air dry. I found the call to be a reasonable addition to my kit, but it hasn’t replaced my go-to diaphragms.
Compared to previous experiences with other beginner-focused diaphragm calls, the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase offered a slightly faster learning curve for basic sounds but lacked the versatility for advanced calling techniques. It’s a decent tool, but it needs more refinement to excel.
Breaking Down the Features of Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase
Specifications
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase features the following:
NSU “Next Step Up” Design: This includes a recessed latex and palate plate. It’s designed to guide tongue placement for easier sound production.
Moon Phase Frame: The frame is specifically designed for individuals with a “Flatter Profile Palate Plate.” This aims to provide a more comfortable fit.
Single Latex Reed: The call uses a single layer of latex. This is intended for producing a range of sounds from cow/calf calls to spike and satellite bull vocalizations.
Medium Low Profile Advanced NSU Frame: This describes the overall frame design. It is built to be comfortable and promote efficient call use.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s ease of use, comfort, and sound versatility. The NSU design is crucial for beginners, while the Moon Phase frame addresses fit issues.
Performance & Functionality
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase performs adequately for basic elk calling. It excels at producing consistent cow and calf sounds. However, replicating more complex bugles and growls requires significant practice and may not achieve the same realism as more advanced calls.
Its strengths lie in its beginner-friendly design and consistent sound production for basic calls. The weakness is the limited range of achievable vocalizations. It meets the basic expectation of producing elk sounds, but falls short of exceeding expectations for experienced callers.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase is constructed with a lightweight frame and a single latex reed. The material feels reasonably durable, considering the price point. The fit in the mouth is generally comfortable, especially for those with flatter palates, although some users may require an adjustment period.
The design is user-friendly, especially for novices. The NSU frame guides tongue placement, reducing the initial learning curve. It’s easy to understand how to position the call, though mastering advanced techniques still demands dedication.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase appears reasonably durable for its intended purpose. The latex is susceptible to wear and tear, but with proper care, it should last a full hunting season. Maintenance is straightforward: rinse with water after use and store in a dry location.
Repairing the call is generally not feasible, as the latex is bonded to the frame. Replacement is the most common solution. The lifespan depends heavily on usage frequency and care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as the call is a single, integrated unit. It’s unlikely to be compatible with aftermarket reeds or frames from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly Design: The NSU frame significantly simplifies tongue placement, making it easier for novices to produce elk sounds.
Cons
- Limited Sound Versatility: Lacks the range and realism of more advanced diaphragm calls for complex bugles and growls.
* Consistent Cow/Calf Sounds: Produces reliable and consistent cow and calf vocalizations with minimal effort.
* Comfortable for Flatter Palates: The Moon Phase frame caters specifically to individuals with flatter palates, enhancing comfort and reducing irritation.
* Affordable Price Point: At $11.99, the call is an accessible entry point for those wanting to learn elk calling without a significant investment.
* Durable Construction: Holds up reasonably well to repeated use and simple cleaning procedures.
* Potential Initial Awkwardness: The NSU frame might feel strange to users accustomed to traditional diaphragm designs.
Who Should Buy Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase?
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase is perfect for beginner elk hunters, individuals with flatter palates seeking a more comfortable diaphragm call, and hunters on a budget looking for an affordable entry point into elk calling. This tool will benefit greatly those needing structured guidance on tongue placement.
This product isn’t ideal for experienced elk callers who require a versatile and nuanced diaphragm for advanced calling techniques. Hunters seeking professional-grade sound quality should also skip this product. A lanyard to keep the call readily available might be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase is a decent entry-level diaphragm call that delivers on its promise of simplified elk calling for beginners. Its NSU design and Moon Phase frame offer a comfortable and intuitive learning experience, especially for those with flatter palates. While it lacks the versatility of more advanced calls, it provides a solid foundation for developing basic elk calling skills.
The price is certainly justified, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious hunters. I would recommend it to novice elk hunters and those seeking a more comfortable diaphragm fit. Start your elk calling journey today with the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Moon Phase!