First Impressions of Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call promises to bring easy elk calling to hunters of all skill levels. With its innovative “tone trough” design and Infinity Latex reeds, this call aims to deliver authentic elk sounds with minimal effort.
My elk calling journey started years ago with bugles and external reed calls. However, diaphragm calls always seemed daunting. This call, with its promise of ease of use, felt like the perfect entry point into mastering diaphragm elk calling, especially given the Hunters Specialties reputation. I was particularly looking for a diaphragm that would allow me to produce consistent cow calls, which I find often seal the deal when a bull is hesitant.
Upon receiving the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call, I was immediately struck by its simple, almost unassuming design. The diaphragm is lightweight and the Premium Flex frame felt comfortable against my palate. Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve seen, the “tone trough” is a unique addition, something I hadn’t seen before and was eager to test. It’s certainly a far cry from the elaborate, multi-layered calls some experienced callers swear by, but the simplicity is what drew me in. I picked this call over other more complex diaphragm calls because of the stated ease of use; my hope was that I could quickly learn to produce realistic elk sounds without a steep learning curve.
I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of easy elk sounds felt like a tall order, but I was eager to see if the Tone Trough design lived up to the hype, and at such a low price point, I wasn’t risking much.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground for the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call was in my backyard, mimicking scenarios I’d typically encounter in the elk woods of western Montana. The goal was to get a feel for the call before taking it into the field.
The initial learning curve was surprisingly gentle. The Tone Trough seemed to genuinely reduce the amount of air pressure required to produce sound. However, achieving realistic elk sounds required more finesse than I initially anticipated. My early attempts sounded more like a strangled cat than a lovesick cow elk, and the high pitched bugles were definitely a work in progress.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of practice, I took the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call on a scouting trip to my favorite elk hunting area. The call held up well during several hours in my mouth as I practiced different elk vocalizations.
Durability-wise, the Infinity Latex reeds showed no signs of wear and tear after several days of use. Cleaning was simple – a quick rinse with water after each session. While it didn’t instantly transform me into a world-class elk caller, the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call helped me produce more consistent and controlled sounds than I could with other diaphragm calls I’d attempted to use in the past. Previously, I relied heavily on external calls and bugles, but this call offered a more nuanced and intimate way to communicate with elk.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call
Specifications
- The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call is specifically designed for elk hunting. This means it’s tuned to produce the specific frequencies and tones that attract elk.
- It is classified as a diaphragm call, meaning it sits in the roof of the mouth and is operated by exhaling air across the reeds. Diaphragm calls allow for hands-free operation, ideal for drawing a bow or shouldering a rifle.
- The call is made in the USA, offering a sense of quality control. This is a point of pride for many hunters who prefer to support American-made products.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call performs best in producing realistic cow calls and higher-pitched bugles. The Double Reed design allows for a good range of vocalizations, from the soft estrus bleats of a cow to the challenging bugles of a young bull.
The major strength of this call is its ease of use, particularly for beginners. The Tone Trough design genuinely reduces the air pressure needed, making it easier to produce consistent sounds. The realism of the calls produced is good for the price point. The biggest drawback is that mastering truly deep, resonant bugles takes practice, and the call might not be the best option for experienced callers seeking maximum realism.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, especially considering the low price point. The Premium Flex Frame is comfortable and conforms well to the roof of the mouth.
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call is designed to be user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. While achieving expert-level realism takes time and practice, producing basic elk sounds is relatively straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Infinity Latex reeds are surprisingly durable. With proper care (rinsing after use and storing in a cool, dry place), the call should last through at least one hunting season, if not longer.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with water after use and allow to air dry. Avoid storing the call in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call doesn’t come with any additional accessories. As a diaphragm call, there are no specific customization options available beyond potentially trimming the reeds (though this is generally not recommended for beginners).
The call is designed to be used as is, without any additional attachments. It’s a standalone product meant to provide a simple and effective elk calling solution.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Affordable price point. Makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Easy to use, especially for beginners. The Tone Trough design reduces the learning curve.
- Durable Infinity Latex reeds. Built to withstand repeated use.
- Produces realistic cow calls and higher-pitched bugles. Effective for attracting elk.
- Premium Flex Frame provides a comfortable fit. Important for extended calling sessions.
Cons
- Not ideal for producing deep, resonant bugles for experienced callers. Might require additional practice.
- Lacks customization options, limiting fine-tuning for specific calling styles.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call?
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call is perfect for beginner elk hunters looking to learn diaphragm calling. It is also great for hunters who want an inexpensive and reliable backup call.
Experienced elk callers seeking maximum realism and control over their bugles might want to explore more advanced diaphragm calls. Hunters with larger palates might also find the Premium Flex Frame to be a bit small or uncomfortable. There are no must-have accessories for this call. A small carrying case to protect it during transport is a good idea.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call
The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Tone Trough Elk Diaphragm Call is a solid entry-level diaphragm call. It provides an affordable and relatively easy way to start producing realistic elk sounds.
At its low price, the value proposition is excellent. It provides a lot of bang for your buck.
I would recommend this call to any hunter looking to learn the basics of diaphragm elk calling, or those who just want a simple, no-frills option to add to their arsenal. Pick one up, practice those cow calls, and get ready to bring that bull in close!