Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound Review

Table of Contents

First Impressions of Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound is a mouth call designed for elk hunting. Marketed by Primos Hunting, it promises to accurately replicate the high-pitched sounds of cow and calf elk. The “Kid” is designed to accommodate hunters with medium to small palates, offering a customizable fit through its trimmable tape.

Like many elk hunters, I was looking for a reliable and versatile call. The goal was to effectively mimic a range of elk vocalizations. I’ve tried numerous diaphragm calls over the years, often finding them too bulky or difficult to manipulate. This led me to the Primos “The Kid” due to its smaller frame and the promise of easy cow and calf calls.

The packaging was simple and straightforward. My initial impression upon holding the call was its seemingly compact size. It felt lighter than some of my other diaphragm calls. The yellow finish was visually appealing, and the trimming tape was a welcome feature, hinting at a customizable fit.

I compared it with a Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bully Bull Extreme and a Hunters Specialties Versa Tone diaphragm call. I chose the Primos “The Kid” because of its specific focus on high-pitched cow and calf sounds and the trimmable tape, features not prominent in the other calls. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the call felt well-made, but the proof would be in its sound quality and ease of use in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test took place during an early season elk hunt in the high country of Colorado. The weather was crisp, with morning temperatures dipping into the low 40s and minimal wind. I primarily used the call to simulate cow and calf calls while passively observing a meadow known for elk activity.

The Primos “The Kid” required a bit of practice to get the tone just right. At first, my calls sounded more like a strangled cat than a convincing elk. However, after about 30 minutes of adjustment, I started to produce consistent, high-pitched cow and calf vocalizations. There were no immediately apparent failures, and the call held up well against moisture from my breath.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the hunting season, the Primos “The Kid” held up reasonably well. There were some initial concerns about the tape loosening with repeated use. However, the tape remained secure after trimming it for optimal fit.

The call’s durability proved satisfactory. It showed no significant signs of wear and tear beyond minor discoloration from repeated use. Maintenance was minimal; I simply rinsed it with water and allowed it to air dry after each hunting trip. Compared to some of my older calls, the Primos “The Kid” felt more user-friendly, although the sound quality wasn’t drastically better than comparable calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound

Specifications

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound features a single reed design. This is specifically engineered to produce high-pitched elk vocalizations. It is designed for bull, calf, and cow elk sounds. The call’s yellow finish makes it easy to identify in your hunting pack.

The call includes trimmable tape. This allows users with medium to small palates to customize the fit. The sound plate is set at a 16-degree angle. This should automatically position the call for making cow, calf, and spike bull calls.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound excels at producing realistic cow and calf sounds, which is its primary function. Its accuracy in replicating these vocalizations is adequate, and it requires some practice to master. The call’s strengths lie in its smaller size and customizable fit, making it accessible to a wider range of hunters.

A weakness is its limited ability to produce deeper, more resonant bull sounds compared to multi-reed calls. While the 16-degree sound plate aids in positioning, it isn’t a magic bullet. Proper breath control and diaphragm manipulation are still necessary for optimal sound. Overall, it meets expectations for a dedicated cow and calf call, but falls short as a versatile, all-in-one elk calling solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound is designed with a focus on comfort and ease of use for hunters with smaller palates. The materials used are standard for diaphragm calls. The frame is lightweight and doesn’t cause excessive discomfort during extended calling sessions.

The ability to trim the tape is a significant design advantage. However, there’s still a learning curve associated with mastering diaphragm call techniques.

Durability & Maintenance

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound is reasonably durable for a diaphragm call. With proper care, it should last several hunting seasons. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only rinsing and air drying.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Customization options are limited to trimming the tape for a personalized fit. The diaphragm call’s universal design makes it compatible with various call lanyards for easy access.

Pros and Cons of Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound

Pros

Good for beginners due to its smaller size and single reed design.
Effective for producing high-pitched cow and calf sounds.
Trimmable tape allows for a customized fit.
Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
Lightweight and comfortable for extended use.

Cons

Limited versatility; not ideal for producing deep bull sounds.
Requires practice to master proper technique and consistent sound.

Who Should Buy Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound?

This call is perfect for beginner elk hunters. It’s also great for hunters with smaller palates seeking a comfortable and easy-to-use diaphragm call. The product is ideal for those who primarily focus on attracting elk with cow and calf vocalizations.

Hunters looking for a versatile call capable of producing a wide range of elk sounds, including deep bull bugles, should skip this product. Must-have accessories include a call lanyard for easy access and a diaphragm call case to protect the call when not in use.

Conclusion on Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound

The Primos 1657 Raghorn Ridge The Kid Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sound is a solid choice for hunters needing a specialized cow and calf call, particularly beginners and those with smaller mouths. Its value proposition is strong, given its affordable price and customizable fit. I would recommend it to hunters seeking an easy-to-use, focused calling tool for elk hunting. It may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but it excels in its intended purpose. If you’re targeting cow and calf sounds, give the Primos “The Kid” a try.