ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL Review

First Thoughts on the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL

The crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the anticipation of a bull elk responding to my call – that’s the feeling I chase every hunting season. For years, I’ve relied on a variety of elk calls, from bugles to diaphragms, always searching for that perfect tone that will entice a mature bull into range. This year, the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls piqued my interest with its promise of extra excitement in cow calls and aggressive bugles, all within a compact, user-friendly design.

What led me to this product was a persistent problem: achieving that perfect inflection in my cow calls to simulate a young cow elk in heat. I needed something that could add that extra layer of realism. Many diaphragm calls I’ve used require significant practice and lung control to achieve the desired sound. I was hoping this ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL would offer a more accessible route to realistic elk vocalizations.

Upon receiving the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL, I was immediately impressed by its simplicity. It’s a double latex call with a distinctive notch cut in the latex. The “Palate Plate” design is unique, seemingly intended to sit comfortably in the mouth. The build quality appeared solid, considering the price point.

Compared to my existing diaphragm calls, such as the Primos Hyper Lip Single and the Bugling Bull Game Calls All-Star, the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL stood out due to its Palate Plate design. I chose it over others because of the claim that it reduces gagging and provides easier control, which sounded ideal for extended calling sessions.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt different, and the notch in the latex hinted at a unique sound potential. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it lived up to the hype. It seemed like a promising tool, and I was excited to test its capabilities.

Real-World Testing: Putting ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL came during an early-season archery elk hunt in the high country of Colorado. I set up near a known wallow, hoping to entice a bull heading in for a midday drink. I tested the call in various conditions including crisp morning air and warmer afternoon temperatures.

Initially, I found the “Palate Plate” design took some getting used to. The call is designed to sit further forward in the mouth, behind the front teeth. It definitely reduced the gag reflex compared to some of my other diaphragm calls, as the description promised. Once I found the correct placement, producing cow calls became noticeably easier.

The first few attempts resulted in some squeaks and squawks, but after about 15 minutes of practice, I began to find the sweet spot. I found it easy to make cow calls. The special notch cut in the latex really did seem to add a unique inflection to the sound, providing a more realistic, pleading tone. No immediate issues or surprises were noted, besides the initial adjustment to the palate plate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL proved to be a reliable addition to my call arsenal. It consistently produced realistic cow calls, and the unique tone definitely seemed to grab the attention of nearby elk. The latex remained intact, even after repeated use in varying weather conditions.

Durability was surprisingly good for a call at this price point. The latex showed minimal signs of wear and tear, and the frame held its shape well. Maintenance was simple: rinsing it with water after each use and storing it in a dry container seemed to be sufficient. It’s not as durable as a custom-made call with a thicker frame, but it holds up well for what it is.

Compared to my previous experiences with other diaphragm calls, the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL outperformed many in terms of ease of use and consistency. The Palate Plate design and special notch cut made it easier to produce realistic and enticing cow calls with less effort. While more expensive custom calls might offer a wider range of tones, the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL provides excellent value and performance for its price.

Breaking Down the Features of ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL

Specifications

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL is a diaphragm-style elk call built on the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls wildly successful GTP frame. It features a double latex construction. The key specification is the special notch cut in the latex, designed to produce extra excitement in cow calls and aid in aggressive bugles. The Palate Plate design is another key feature, intended for placement further forward in the mouth to prevent gagging and improve control.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the ease of use and the realism of the elk calls produced. The double latex construction provides the necessary vibration to create sound, while the special notch adds a unique inflection that mimics the sound of a young cow elk in heat. The Palate Plate improves user comfort and control, allowing for longer and more consistent calling sessions.

Performance & Functionality

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL performs exceptionally well in producing realistic cow calls. The special notch delivers a distinct and enticing tone that consistently grabs the attention of nearby elk. It also allows for the production of reasonably convincing, although not top-tier, aggressive bugles.

The main strength of this call lies in its ease of use and consistent cow call production. A weakness is that achieving truly complex or nuanced bugles takes more effort compared to dedicated bugle tubes or more advanced diaphragm calls. However, for its intended purpose – producing enticing cow calls – it meets and even exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL is adequate for its price point. The materials used, primarily latex and a plastic frame, are lightweight and comfortable in the mouth. The Palate Plate design contributes significantly to the ergonomics, reducing the gag reflex and allowing for extended calling sessions without discomfort.

The call is user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce realistic cow calls. The Palate Plate design makes it easy to position correctly, and the special notch simplifies the process of adding inflection to the calls. There’s a minimal learning curve, making it a great option for beginner and intermediate elk hunters.

Durability & Maintenance

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL, with proper care, should last at least one to two hunting seasons with regular use. The latex is the most vulnerable component, and its lifespan will depend on usage frequency and storage conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply rinsing the call with water after each use and storing it in a dry container will prolong its life. The latex diaphragm can be replaced if it becomes damaged, but the frame itself should remain intact for an extended period.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this specific call. However, it is compatible with any standard diaphragm call case or storage solution. Since it is a diaphragm call, there are limited customization options. One could potentially experiment with different latex thicknesses for custom sounds.

Pros and Cons of ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL

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Who Should Buy ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL?

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL is perfect for beginner to intermediate elk hunters who want an easy-to-use and affordable diaphragm call for producing realistic cow calls. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters looking to add a unique and effective cow call to their arsenal.

Those who should skip this product are hunters seeking a single call capable of producing a wide range of complex bugle sounds with minimal effort. A dedicated bugle tube or a more advanced diaphragm call might be a better choice for them.

A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case to protect the call from damage and keep it clean. Practicing with the call before heading into the field is also highly recommended to become familiar with its unique tone and optimal mouth placement.

Conclusion on ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL

The ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL is a solid and reliable diaphragm call that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its ease of use, realistic cow call production, and comfortable design make it a great option for elk hunters of all skill levels.

The price of $9.49 is definitely justified by the performance and durability of this call. It’s a small investment that can significantly increase your chances of success in the elk woods.

I would personally recommend the ROCKY MTN TINES UP DIA ELK CALL to anyone looking for an affordable, effective, and easy-to-use diaphragm call for producing realistic cow calls. Grab one, practice your calls, and get ready to entice that trophy bull! It’s a great addition to any elk hunter’s pack.

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