First Thoughts on the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed promises to be an easy-to-use elk call, perfect for hunters of all skill levels. Primos is a trusted name in hunting calls, and the “Outlaw” aims to simplify elk vocalizations. This call focuses on high-pitched cow and calf sounds with its double reed design, making it attractive for drawing in bulls during the rut or coaxing out hesitant elk.
My journey to this call started with a frustrating elk season last year. I needed something easier to master than my complex reed setups. The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed seemed to offer just that: simplicity and consistent sound.
The call comes in a simple blister pack, revealing a blue-colored diaphragm. The build quality seems good for the price, the latex feels durable, and the sound plate is a welcome feature. The Sound Plate promises to auto-position the call in my mouth, which addresses a common issue I have with diaphragm calls slipping or being improperly placed.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, like the Bugling Bull Game Calls Palate Plate series, the Primos Outlaw feels less intimidating. The Bugling Bull calls, while capable of wider range of sounds, require more skill and practice. This Primos call felt like it could potentially bridge that gap and be useful for quick calling sequences.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see if the Sound Plate lived up to its claims and the ease of use translated to effective elk calling. The price point ($12.99) made it a low-risk investment to try something new.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed during a scouting trip in the Colorado Rockies. I focused on mimicking cow and calf sounds in areas where I had observed elk activity in previous years. The conditions were dry and cool, typical for early September.
The Sound Plate initially felt strange, almost like having a small plastic object glued to the roof of my mouth. However, after a few minutes, I got used to it. The call was surprisingly easy to use. The Sound Plate did seem to help maintain a consistent position, allowing me to produce fairly consistent cow calls with minimal effort.
The first few calls felt a bit raspy, but after adjusting my air pressure and tongue placement, the sounds became cleaner and more realistic. After about an hour of testing, I actually did have a response. A spike bull responded with a chuckle, though it didn’t come any closer than a couple hundred yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed continues to hold up well. The latex reeds haven’t stretched or cracked, despite regular use and cleaning. There is no significant wear or tear observed.
Maintenance is simple; I rinse the call with water and allow it to air dry after each use. I occasionally use a small amount of mouthwash to keep it clean. It outperforms some of the cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used that deteriorate quickly after a few weeks.
Compared to my experiences with other elk calls, the Primos Outlaw isn’t as versatile as some higher-end models. However, its ease of use and consistent sound make it a reliable choice for producing basic cow and calf calls. This is especially true for beginners or hunters who want a simple, dependable option.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed
Specifications
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed features a latex double reed design. It is specifically designed for producing high-pitched cow and calf elk sounds. The call features a Sound Plate that positions the call correctly. The difficulty level is rated as “Easy”. It is designed for elk and the call type is a diaphragm.
These specifications are important because they determine the sound quality, ease of use, and target audience for the call. The double reed aims for realistic sound while the Sound Plate minimizes the learning curve. The targeted “Easy” difficulty is significant for beginners.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed performs its intended job well. It produces clear and consistent cow and calf calls. The Sound Plate genuinely simplifies the calling process, ensuring proper positioning.
The main strength is its ease of use; even novice callers can quickly produce realistic sounds. A weakness is the limited sound range; it’s not designed for complex bugles or aggressive bull calls. For its intended purpose, it meets expectations and even exceeds them in terms of simplicity.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed features a blue-colored latex diaphragm and a plastic Sound Plate. It is lightweight and relatively comfortable in the mouth, once you get used to the plate. The Sound Plate design is user-friendly; it removes much of the guesswork from call placement.
Durability & Maintenance
The call should last for at least one season with proper care. The latex reeds appear to be of good quality and should withstand repeated use. Maintenance is straightforward; rinse with water and air dry. This makes it a practical choice for the demanding conditions of elk hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed comes as a standalone unit; no accessories are included. There are no real customization options for this type of diaphragm call. It is designed for immediate use out of the package.
The call can be used in conjunction with other calls, such as a bugle tube or a cow call locator. However, the Outlaw itself is a complete calling unit. There isn’t a real need for customization unless you’re trying to modify the shape of the latex.
Pros and Cons of Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, even for beginners. The Sound Plate really does simplify the calling process.
- Consistent sound quality. Maintains a good cow and calf sound with minimal effort.
- Affordable price at only $12.99. This makes it a low-risk investment for hunters to try.
- Durable construction. The latex reeds hold up well after repeated use and cleaning.
- Effective for attracting elk. Proven to elicit responses from bulls and cows.
Cons
- Limited sound range. Not suitable for complex bugling or aggressive bull calls.
- Sound Plate takes some getting used to. Some users may find the Sound Plate uncomfortable initially.
Who Should Buy Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed?
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed is perfect for beginner elk hunters. It is also a great addition for experienced hunters who want a simple, reliable cow call. It’s also well suited for youth hunters learning the ropes.
Those who need a highly versatile call capable of producing a wide range of elk vocalizations should skip this product. Serious competition callers or hunters targeting specific trophy bulls might prefer a more customizable diaphragm. Those who are very sensitive to mouth feel may not like the Sound Plate.
Consider pairing this call with a quality bugle tube to expand your calling repertoire. A good scent eliminator and comfortable boots would be great additions too. Practicing using this call in conjunction with other calls to perfect a realistic sound sequence is also advised.
Conclusion on Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed
The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed is a worthwhile investment for elk hunters seeking an easy-to-use and effective cow call. The Sound Plate is a game-changer for simplifying diaphragm calling. While it lacks the versatility of more advanced calls, its simplicity and reliability make it a valuable tool in the elk woods.
At $12.99, the price is absolutely justified. The call provides a good value for its performance and durability. I would personally recommend it to beginner and intermediate elk hunters.
Get out there, practice those cow calls, and good luck filling your freezer! The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Outlaw Diaphragm Call Double Reed will help you get closer to the elk this season.