Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call Review

First Thoughts on the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call promises a compact and affordable solution for attracting game. Western Rivers aims to provide hunters with a versatile tool, pre-loaded with 50 different calls, for various species. This call aims to simplify the hunting experience, especially for beginners.

I was looking for a backup call, something lightweight and easy to carry on scouting trips, that wouldn’t break the bank if it got lost or damaged. I wanted something with a decent range of sounds for different game types. The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call, with its pre-loaded sound library and low price point, seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the Mantis 50 felt surprisingly light. The plastic casing felt somewhat basic, but serviceable. The unit felt relatively solid for its size and price.

Compared to higher-end calls I’ve used, like the Primos Alpha Dogg or FoxPro Shockwave, the Mantis 50 is significantly smaller and lacks the advanced features like custom call uploads and remote control. However, those calls cost hundreds of dollars more. Compared to simpler diaphragm calls, the electronic call offers consistency.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call seemed like a no-frills, budget-friendly option that might be perfect for specific scenarios. Whether it could deliver on its promise of attracting game remained to be seen.

Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call on a coyote hunt in a relatively open field. The temperature was cool, around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I set the call about 50 yards away and used the “Coyote Pup Distress” sound.

Initially, the sound quality was acceptable for the price range. However, the volume wasn’t as loud as I expected. I had to crank it up almost to maximum to get decent projection over the breeze.

After about 20 minutes, a coyote appeared on the ridge line about 300 yards away. It definitely heard the call, but it was hesitant to approach, possibly due to the wind direction. This was a surprise considering the low cost.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, I found that the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call held up reasonably well. The plastic casing showed some minor scratches from being carried in my pack. The battery life was surprisingly good, lasting through multiple hunting sessions on a single set of batteries.

Cleaning was easy; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth was sufficient. I have used it in light rain and the call continued to function. However, I would not recommend using it in heavy downpours due to potential water damage.

Compared to my higher-end calls, the Mantis 50 lacks the range and sound quality. However, for its intended purpose as a lightweight backup call, it performed adequately. Its pre-loaded sounds were simple to use and could attract prey in the right situations.

Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call

Specifications

• Pre-loaded Calls: The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call boasts 50 pre-loaded calls for various game species including wolf, elk, deer, hog, turkey, bobcat, coyote, moose, rabbit, duck, and fox. This eliminates the need for external sound downloads or cartridges.
• Random Repeat Time: It offers a random repeat time option. This feature adds realism to the calls and prevents game from becoming call-shy.
• LCD Screen Readout: The LCD screen displays the selected call and volume level. This provides clear and easy-to-understand information, even in low-light conditions.
• Species Covered: The variety of pre-loaded calls makes the Mantis 50 suitable for hunting a wide range of game animals. This versatility can be very appealing to hunters who target multiple species.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the effectiveness and usability of the call. The pre-loaded calls offer immediate functionality, while the random repeat and LCD screen contribute to a more realistic and user-friendly experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call performs adequately for its price point. The pre-loaded sounds are generally convincing, although some are noticeably better than others. The volume is sufficient for close-range calling, but it struggles in windy conditions or over long distances.

The strength of the Mantis 50 lies in its simplicity. The straightforward controls and LCD screen make it easy to select calls and adjust the volume. One major weakness is the limited volume output.

The Mantis 50 meets expectations as a basic, entry-level electronic call. It’s not going to outperform higher-end models, but it offers a decent set of features for a low price.

Design & Ergonomics

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call features a compact and lightweight design. It is made of relatively inexpensive plastic. The unit is comfortable to hold, but the plastic feels somewhat cheap.

The design is user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and a simple LCD screen. There is virtually no learning curve. However, the durability of the plastic casing is a concern.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call is a potential concern. The plastic casing seems prone to scratches and could crack under significant impact. With careful use, it should last for a few seasons.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is sufficient. Avoid exposing it to excessive moisture.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call does not come with any included accessories. There are no customization options available. This limits its versatility compared to higher-end models that offer interchangeable speakers, remote controls, and custom sound uploads.

The Mantis 50 is a self-contained unit. It’s not designed to be expanded or modified.

Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call

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Who Should Buy Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call?

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call is perfect for beginner hunters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use electronic call. It is a suitable option for experienced hunters who need a lightweight backup call. It’s also great for those hunting in close-range scenarios where extreme volume isn’t needed.

Those who should skip this product include hunters who require high volume and long-range calling capabilities. Also hunters who require a durable call for harsh environments should look elsewhere. If you hunt in very noisy environments, consider a more powerful option.

A must-have accessory would be a durable carrying case or pouch to protect the plastic casing from damage during transport.

Conclusion on Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call

The Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call is a budget-friendly entry into the world of electronic game calls. It’s not a top-of-the-line performer, but it offers a decent set of features for a very low price.

The value proposition is strong. The price is justified by the convenience of pre-loaded sounds and the ease of use.

I would recommend the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call to beginner hunters or those seeking a backup call. This affordable little device can be a useful addition to your hunting gear. If you are looking for a cheap and easy entry point to game calling, give the Western Rivers Mantis 50 Electronic Call a shot!

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