The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a promise of connection with the wild, a tool to whisper to the elusive elk. Higdon has built a reputation for quality decoys and calls, and the “Single Lady” aims to bring realistic cow elk sounds to any hunter’s arsenal. For just over ten dollars, it offers an accessible entry point for those seeking to improve their elk calling game.
My elk hunting experiences have been a mix of heart-pounding moments and frustrating silence. Elk are intelligent and easily spooked, so a convincing cow call can be the difference between success and failure. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use diaphragm call that could produce consistent, realistic cow and calf sounds.
Upon receiving the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call, I was immediately impressed by its compact size. The diaphragm felt comfortable against my palate, and the build quality seemed solid for its price point. It was lightweight and discreet, easily fitting into a small call pouch or even a shirt pocket.
I’ve used Primos and Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls in the past. The Primos calls were often too raspy, and the Rocky Mountain calls were challenging to master consistently. The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call promised smooth cow and calf sounds, which was precisely what I was looking for.
My initial impression was optimistic. This call felt like it had the potential to elevate my elk hunting game. For its price point, I was surprised by the quality and build.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call during the early archery season in the mountains of Colorado. The weather was variable, ranging from crisp, cool mornings to warm afternoons. I used the call while still-hunting through aspen groves and along timbered ridges.
The call performed well in both wet and dry conditions. Even with a slightly dry mouth, the diaphragm still produced consistent tones. It didn’t slip or stick, which I have experienced with other diaphragm calls.
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call took some practice to get used to, but the learning curve was manageable. After about an hour of experimenting, I was able to produce a variety of cow and calf sounds. The call’s design makes it relatively easy to control the pitch and tone.
After my first few calling sequences, I actually had a bull respond. It was still out of range, but I was incredibly impressed by the initial response.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the elk season, the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call held up remarkably well. The diaphragm material showed no signs of cracking or tearing. It has consistently produced the same quality of sound throughout the season.
The call shows minimal signs of wear and tear. I take care to store it properly in a call case. The diaphragm material itself has remained resilient despite repeated use.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. I usually rinse the diaphragm with water after each hunt. Then I allow it to air dry completely before storing it.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call outperforms them in terms of consistency and ease of use. It provides realistic sounds. It has become a trusted part of my elk hunting gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call
Specifications
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call is a single-reed diaphragm call designed to produce realistic cow elk sounds. The call is made from a thin, flexible latex material stretched over a frame. Its purpose is to mimic the sounds of cow and calf elk to attract bulls during the mating season.
The lightweight design and compact size are ideal for easy carry and storage. Its single-reed design allows for ease of use and produces sweet, smooth cow and calf sounds. This is crucial for effective elk hunting, as elk rely heavily on sound for communication and locating each other.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call performs its job effectively by producing a variety of realistic cow and calf elk sounds. This attracts bulls during the rut. The call is easy to use.
The call’s strength lies in its ability to produce consistent, smooth cow and calf sounds. A potential weakness is its single-reed design, which might limit the range of sounds compared to more complex multi-reed calls. However, its ease of use makes up for this limitation.
The call meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations for its price point. I was impressed by its ability to draw in elk consistently.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call is commendable, considering its low price. The latex material is durable and comfortable against the palate. Its light weight makes it easy to hold in place.
The call is incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners. With a small amount of practice, producing realistic sounds is easily achievable.
Durability & Maintenance
Given proper care, the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call should last for multiple hunting seasons. The key is to keep it clean and dry when not in use.
The call is easy to maintain. Just rinse it with water and air dry after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call doesn’t come with additional accessories. Its design is simple and focused on core functionality. There are no customization options available.
However, it’s compatible with standard call lanyards and cases. These will protect the call and keep it readily accessible while hunting.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call
Pros
- Produces incredibly realistic and smooth cow and calf sounds.
- Very easy to use, even for beginners.
- Excellent value for the money at its low price point.
- Durable construction holds up well throughout the hunting season.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy carry.
Cons
- Single-reed design may limit the range of possible elk sounds.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call?
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call is perfect for elk hunters of all experience levels who want an affordable and easy-to-use call. Beginner hunters will appreciate its simple design and manageable learning curve. Experienced hunters will appreciate its consistent performance and realistic sound quality.
Hunters seeking a wider range of sounds or customizability might want to consider other options. The single-reed nature of the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call might be too limiting for some users.
A must-have accessory is a call lanyard. This will keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call
The Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call is an outstanding product, especially considering its price. It delivers on its promise of realistic cow elk sounds and is incredibly easy to use.
The price is absolutely justified. It’s rare to find a call that offers this level of performance at such an affordable price point.
I would absolutely recommend the Higdon Single Lady – Diaphragm Elk Call to any elk hunter looking for a reliable and effective calling tool. It’s an essential piece of gear that can significantly improve your chances of success in the field. Don’t hesitate, get yours today and start calling in those bulls!