PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD Review

First Thoughts on the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD from PITTMAN promises to deliver powerful and realistic turkey calls with its four-reed design. At a price point of just $10.49, it begs the question: can a diaphragm call this affordable truly compete with higher-end options?

As a seasoned hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve tried countless turkey calls, from box calls to slates to various diaphragms. I was searching for a reliable and versatile diaphragm call to add to my arsenal, something that could produce a range of turkey vocalizations without breaking the bank. The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD seemed like a worthy contender.

Upon unboxing, the call felt lightweight and relatively thin. The tape securing the reeds appeared cleanly applied, and the frame seemed flexible enough to conform to the roof of my mouth. Compared to some of my more expensive diaphragm calls (like those from Primos or Quaker Boy), the PITTMAN felt a little less substantial, but for the price, I wasn’t expecting perfection. My initial excitement was cautiously optimistic, tempered by the understanding that the proof is in the calling.

This call seemed to have the potential to fill a niche in my pack. It was also affordable enough that I wouldn’t worry too much about damaging it in the field. I was eager to see if it could deliver the authentic turkey sounds it claimed.

Real-World Testing: Putting PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD was during a scouting trip in early spring, a few weeks before the turkey season opened. I tested it in a hardwood bottom known for holding birds. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle falling.

Initially, I struggled to get consistent, clean calls from the PITTMAN. The four reeds felt a bit stiff, requiring more air pressure than I was accustomed to. After some experimentation, I managed to produce some decent yelps, cuts, and clucks. But it definitely took some practice to find the sweet spot. The call seemed more prone to rasp and squeaks than my other diaphragms, especially when trying to produce soft calls.

I didn’t have any birds respond to my calling during this initial testing session, although turkeys were likely henned up and less vocal due to the weather. Despite the lack of immediate success, I saw the potential in the call with a bit more practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of practicing and using the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD during the turkey season, I developed a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call held up surprisingly well, showing no signs of delamination or tape failure, despite being frequently wet and exposed to varying temperatures.

However, the initial stiffness of the reeds never fully went away. This made producing very soft calls challenging, and the call still required a good amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Compared to my higher-end diaphragm calls, the PITTMAN lacked the subtlety and responsiveness needed for close-range calling in pressured hunting situations.

Maintenance was simple: I rinsed it with water after each use and allowed it to air dry. This helped prevent the buildup of saliva and maintain its sound quality. While the call did not outperform my more expensive options, its durability and consistent (if somewhat limited) range of sounds made it a useful backup call.

Breaking Down the Features of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD

Specifications

• The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD features a four-reed design. This is intended to create raspy and realistic turkey sounds.
• It is a mouth call, meaning it is operated by placing it against the roof of the mouth and using air pressure and tongue movement to create different sounds. This offers hands-free calling.
• The call is constructed with a flexible frame and thin latex reeds. This allows for a degree of customization by bending the frame to fit the user’s mouth.
• It is designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, cuts, clucks, and purrs. This provides versatility in different hunting situations.

Performance & Functionality

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD performs adequately, especially considering its low price point. It can produce reasonably realistic yelps and cuts with practice. However, it struggles with softer calls and requires a significant amount of air pressure.

• Strengths: Durable, affordable, capable of producing loud yelps and cuts.
• Weaknesses: Difficult to produce soft calls, requires a lot of air pressure, prone to squeaks.

The call meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly diaphragm call, but it doesn’t exceed them. A more experienced caller will likely find its limitations frustrating.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The materials used are simple and functional.

• The frame is flexible enough to bend and shape to the user’s mouth. This allows for a customized fit.
• However, the thinness of the reeds can make them feel somewhat fragile.

The call is relatively user-friendly for experienced diaphragm callers, but beginners may find it challenging to master. There is definitely a learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD is surprisingly durable for its price. The tape holding the reeds appears to be well-applied and resists delamination.

• With proper care, it should last for at least a season of regular use.
• Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and air dry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD doesn’t come with any accessories. The frame can be slightly bent to adjust the fit, and some hunters may choose to trim the reeds to alter the sound. However, significant customization is limited.

The PITTMAN is a standalone product and does not require specific accessories from other brands. The user may choose to purchase a diaphragm call case or holder for convenient storage.

Pros and Cons of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM MAGNUM THUND 4RD