Let’s Dive into Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen diaphragm call promises to bring realistic, raspy hen sounds to your turkey hunting setup. Marketed by Hunters Specialties, this call is designed to attract gobblers with the authentic sounds of an experienced hen. Is it a game-changer or just another call in the crowded market?
My journey to the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen began last spring. Frustrated by inconsistent results with box calls, I sought a diaphragm call that could produce realistic raspy hen yelps without sounding like a beginner. I needed something compact, reliable, and capable of cutting through the wind on those blustery ridge tops.
Upon receiving the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The black neoprene rubber frame felt flexible yet durable. My initial inspection revealed a clean construction with no apparent flaws.
Compared to my older diaphragm calls from other manufacturers, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen felt less bulky and more comfortable. I also considered Primos calls and Quaker Boy calls. However, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen’s promise of a naturally raspy sound intrigued me enough to give it a try.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The call felt promising in hand, but I knew the true test would be in the woods. It’s one thing to make sounds in your living room, and another entirely to fool a wary tom looking for love.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen occurred during a spring turkey hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. I set up along a ridge known for early morning gobbling activity. The weather was cool and damp, with a light breeze.
The call performed surprisingly well. After a few practice runs, I was able to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs. The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen cut through the morning mist and carried well across the valley.
The ease of use was also a pleasant surprise. I quickly mastered the basic calls and variations. There were no initial issues, but I did notice that moisture affected the reed responsiveness slightly, requiring occasional cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen held up remarkably well. The neoprene frame showed no signs of cracking or deterioration. The reeds maintained their shape and tone.
Durability was definitely a strong point. Even after repeated use in varied weather conditions, the call remained functional. I cleaned the call after each hunt with warm water and a soft cloth, ensuring it stayed in good condition.
Compared to some of my previous diaphragm calls, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen outperformed them in terms of realistic sound and ease of use. Some competitor calls would crack under pressure from my calling, but this model from Hunters Specialties remained functional and reliable. This made the difference in several hunts, where toms were wary and required delicate calling.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties
- Color: Black
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (This specification is incorrect on the seller’s details; this is a diaphragm call and does not use batteries)
- Fabric/Material: Neoprene Rubber
- Species: Hen
- Single D: Features one medium reed. This offers a straightforward, easy-to-use calling option.
- Double Dead: Features two ultra-thin reeds with special cut top reed. Designed for added realism and complexity in sound.
- Triple Trauma: Features three ultra-thin reeds with unique double-cut top reed. Offers a wider range of tones and raspiness.
- Power V: Features four reeds, split V style gives ultimate in raspy calling. Designed for loud, cutting calls and maximum rasp.
The specifications matter because they directly influence the sound quality and ease of use. The neoprene rubber frame ensures comfort and durability, while the different reed configurations provide varying levels of rasp and volume. The incorrect battery type listing is a serious red flag, though, because it immediately calls into question the seller’s knowledge and care.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen truly shines in its ability to produce realistic raspy hen sounds. The different reed options offer versatility in calling, from soft purrs to loud yelps. I believe it does its job extremely well for its price point.
The strength lies in the realism and versatility of the call. The misleading battery description is a major weakness in the product advertisement. It definitely meets my expectations, especially considering the affordable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent for the price. The neoprene rubber feels comfortable against the roof of the mouth. The call is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve for experienced diaphragm call users.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen should last for several hunting seasons. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with warm water. It is not easily repairable if a reed breaks, but replacements are inexpensive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen does not come with any additional accessories. Customization is limited to experimenting with different mouth pressures and airflows to achieve desired sounds. The call is compatible with most diaphragm call cases and holders.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen
Pros
- Produces realistic, raspy hen sounds that attract gobblers.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Durable neoprene rubber frame ensures longevity.
- Versatile, offering different reed options for varied calling styles.
- Compact and easy to carry in the field.
Cons
- Reeds can be affected by moisture, requiring occasional cleaning.
- Incorrect battery type listing on sales page damages customer confidence.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen?
This call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters looking for an affordable and reliable diaphragm call. It’s also a good option for beginners willing to practice and learn the basics of diaphragm calling. Hunters on a budget will find this call to be an excellent value.
Hunters who prefer box calls or slate calls may not find this diaphragm call appealing. If you are looking for high-end custom calls with extensive tuning options, you should skip this product. A diaphragm call case is a must-have accessory to protect the reeds and keep the call clean.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen
The Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen offers exceptional value for its price. The call produces realistic sounds, is durable, and easy to use. The incorrect battery specification on the sales page is concerning, but the call itself performs as advertised.
The price is definitely justified. I would recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and affordable diaphragm call. Pick up the Hunters Specialties Premium Flex Rapsy Old Hen and get ready to fill your tag this season!