Let’s Dive into Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D diaphragm call promises to deliver realistic hen turkey sounds with its dual-reed design. Hunters Specialties is a well-known name in the hunting industry, promising quality and affordability. I’ve used countless diaphragm calls over the years, from cheap, single-reed models to custom-made calls costing upwards of $50. This Double D aims to provide a versatile call at a budget-friendly price point.
My old reliable diaphragm call finally gave out during last spring’s hunt, leaving me scrambling for a replacement before the season ended. I was specifically looking for a call that could produce both clear, crisp yelps and raspy, seductive purrs to entice those wary gobblers. The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D, with its “two ultra-thin reeds with special cut top reed,” seemed like it might fit the bill.
Upon receiving the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D, my initial impression was mixed. The neoprene frame felt comfortable enough, but the reeds seemed thinner than those on my previous calls. I have used diaphragm calls for years, so while a beginner may struggle, I am confident in my assessment and abilities. For the price, I wasn’t expecting perfection.
I was debating between the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D and a Primos diaphragm call with similar features, as well as a custom call from a local maker. I chose the Double D because of its low price and the reputation of Hunters Specialties. I wanted to test if a budget option could truly deliver. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the call would live up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D at my local hunting property, a mix of hardwoods and fields. It was a cool morning with a slight breeze – perfect turkey hunting weather. I focused on mimicking the sounds of a mature hen, attempting yelps, clucks, and purrs. The response from the surrounding woods was immediate, with a gobbler sounding off in the distance.
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D call seemed to perform adequately in dry conditions. As the day wore on however, calling in humid conditions proved difficult. The call became saturated with moisture, rendering it nearly useless. This will create great difficulties in the field.
It took me a few minutes to find the sweet spot on the Double D. The ultra-thin reeds required a more controlled airflow than I was used to. It felt like I was having to blow harder just to get a response out of the call. After adjusting my technique, I was able to produce some convincing sounds.
Right out of the package, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D produced an artificial sound. After approximately 30 minutes of working the call, I was able to produce more organic and natural sounding sounds. However, for the first 30 minutes it performed poorly and caused disappointment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D has shown some signs of wear. The neoprene frame is holding up well, but the reeds are starting to fray slightly. I have hunted in varying weather conditions. I have noticed that the call performs poorly in conditions where the call gets wet.
The reeds of the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D are beginning to separate. The sound of the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is noticeably changing as a result. I always dry my calls after use and store them properly, so this wear is simply due to the low quality materials.
Cleaning the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is relatively simple. Rinsing it with water and letting it air dry seems to be sufficient. The call requires this attention after every use.
Compared to my previous diaphragm calls, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D falls short in terms of durability and sound quality. It is a budget-friendly option that performs adequately in certain situations. I will likely replace it soon.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D features a neoprene rubber frame designed for comfort and flexibility. The call utilizes a rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, which is a major advantage over traditional latex calls. It incorporates two ultra-thin reeds with a special cut top reed intended to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It comes in a single Black color. The Manufacturer is Hunters Specialties.
These specifications are significant because they dictate the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The rechargeable battery is a great asset. The two reeds allow the user to achieve a larger range of sounds. The thinness of the reed impacts the overall sound quality of the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D functions reasonably well for its intended purpose. It creates yelps, clucks, purrs, and other basic turkey sounds. The call is usable.
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D excels at producing raspy purrs, but struggles with high-pitched yelps. A major weakness is the degradation of the reeds. It meets expectations only within a limited scope.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is constructed with a flexible neoprene frame, providing decent comfort. The call is light-weight. The fit in the mouth is adequate for extended use.
The design is mostly user-friendly, although achieving consistent sounds requires practice. Beginners may experience a slight learning curve. Once mastered, the call becomes more intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D has a moderate lifespan if properly cared for. However, the reeds are prone to fraying. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery greatly extends its use compared to a latex call.
Maintaining the call involves rinsing and air-drying after each use. Replacing the reeds may be necessary after heavy use. The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is a simple design that requires very little maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available beyond potentially trimming the reeds to alter the sound. The neoprene frame is not replaceable or modifiable.
It is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases for storage and protection. It does not integrate with any specialized electronic calling systems. These limitations restrict its adaptability.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Decent sound quality for basic turkey vocalizations.
- Comfortable neoprene frame for extended use.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for extended use.
Cons
- Reeds are prone to fraying and degrading quickly.
- Limited range of vocalizations compared to higher-end calls.
- Unrealistic sounds at first; requires time and effort to master.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D?
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is perfect for beginner turkey hunters on a budget. It is also great for experienced hunters needing a backup call. Those seeking a high-end, professional-grade call should skip this product. Those seeking an option that’s easy to use right out of the package should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory would be a diaphragm call case to protect the reeds. Some hunters might consider additional reed-trimming tools for customization. Purchasing extra diaphragm calls is a smart option if one fails in the field.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D offers a budget-friendly entry point into diaphragm turkey calling. While it has some limitations, it can be an effective tool with practice and proper care. For under $6, it’s hard to argue with the price.
The value proposition is decent, considering its affordability, decent initial sound quality, and rechargeable battery. However, the limited lifespan of the reeds detracts from its long-term value. I would recommend it to beginners or as a backup call, but not as a primary call for serious turkey hunters.
Ultimately, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Double D is a serviceable diaphragm call that gets the job done, especially given the low cost. Give it a try and see if it fits your calling style. Just remember to practice!