First Thoughts on the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call from an unspecified manufacturer promises a tantalizing turkey experience, and as a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I was eager to put it to the test. With its claim of easy mastery and realistic yelps that drive Tom turkeys wild, I approached this call with both skepticism and anticipation. Could this simple diaphragm call truly deliver on its bold promises, especially at its budget-friendly price of $10.49?
Having spent over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless calls come and go. Many promise the world but fail to deliver the subtle nuances needed to fool a wary gobbler. This call aimed to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly design and professional-grade realism.
I was looking for a reliable and versatile diaphragm call that could easily produce a range of turkey sounds, from soft clucks to aggressive cuts. My current collection of calls, while extensive, lacked that one easy-to-use, go-to option. I wanted something I could grab quickly in the heat of the moment, without fumbling or needing extensive practice.
Upon receiving the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call, my initial impression was positive. The diaphragm felt well-constructed. It seemed durable despite its low price point. I’ve handled other diaphragm calls in this price range that felt flimsy. This one felt like it could withstand a few seasons in the turkey woods.
Compared to my higher-end diaphragm calls from Primos and H.S. Strut, the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call appeared less refined in its construction. But the “spicy cuts” looked strategically placed for ease of use. The other calls required more finesse and experience to create realistic sounds. I chose the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call hoping that its beginner-friendly design would provide a practical advantage in the field.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The construction seemed solid, and the design intriguing. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call could truly live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call took place during a pre-season scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I wanted to see how the call performed in typical spring turkey hunting conditions.
The initial use was surprisingly easy. The “spicy cuts” indeed made producing basic yelps and clucks straightforward. It required less air pressure and mouth manipulation compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used. Within minutes, I was able to create a decent sounding series of calls.
However, the call struggled to produce convincing purrs or kee-kees right away. These sounds demanded more precise air control and tongue placement. This was something I needed to work on. There were no significant issues or surprises, though I did notice that the moisture affected the reed slightly. The calls became a bit raspy after prolonged use in the damp air.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call during scouting and early season hunts, I have a better understanding of its strengths and limitations. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to moisture and occasional rough handling.
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call remained surprisingly durable. It’s made of the same materials most calls are, tape and latex, so its durability is inherently limited. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick rinse and air dry. I noticed it’s easier to keep clean than some of my other calls.
Compared to my previous experiences with other budget-friendly diaphragm calls, the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call outperforms in terms of ease of use and durability. However, it doesn’t quite match the sound quality and versatility of my higher-end calls from Primos and H.S. Strut. But its accessibility makes it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call
Specifications
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call is a mouth-operated turkey call designed for ease of use and realistic sound production. It features strategically placed “spicy cuts” in the latex reed. It allows for simple yelps and clucks.
The weight is negligible, as with most diaphragm calls, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. The materials consist of a thin latex reed stretched over a frame and sealed with tape. The strategic cut in the latex allows for a wider range of sounds. This is designed to be easier for beginners to produce.
These specifications contribute to the call’s overall performance by offering a balance of ease of use and realistic sound. The lightweight design ensures portability. The strategic cuts facilitate a wider range of turkey vocalizations with minimal effort.
Performance & Functionality
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call performs its primary function – attracting turkeys – reasonably well, especially for beginners. The ease of producing basic yelps and clucks makes it effective in calling birds from a distance.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and user-friendliness. The “spicy cuts” do indeed make it easier to create consistent and clear calls. The weakness is its limited range of sounds. Perfecting purrs, kee-kees, and more complex vocalizations requires significant practice.
It meets expectations as a beginner-friendly call. But it doesn’t quite exceed expectations as a professional-grade tool. Experienced hunters may find it lacking the nuance and versatility of higher-end options.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call features a simple and functional design. The materials used are standard for diaphragm calls. They’re lightweight and comfortable in the mouth.
The build quality is adequate for its price point. While not as refined as higher-end calls, it feels durable enough to withstand regular use. The call is designed to be user-friendly. The “spicy cuts” simplify the learning curve. However, mastering advanced techniques still requires practice and patience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call is expected to last at least one to two seasons with proper care. This depends on the frequency of use and environmental conditions.
Maintaining the call is simple. A quick rinse with water after each use is sufficient. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight. This prevents the latex reed from drying out and cracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call does not come with any additional accessories. It does not offer significant customization options.
Because it’s a standard size diaphragm call, it is compatible with most diaphragm call cases and storage solutions. There aren’t grips or barrels to change out like you would on a box call. The limited options are because it is meant to be simple.
Pros and Cons of Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Ease of use: The “spicy cuts” make producing basic turkey sounds simple, even for beginners.
- Affordability: At $10.49, it’s a budget-friendly option for new hunters or as a backup call.
- Decent Durability: Holds up well to regular use and moisture.
- Good Sound Quality for the Price: Produces realistic yelps and clucks that can effectively attract turkeys.
- Easy to Maintain: Cleaning is simple and requires minimal effort.
Cons
- Limited Sound Range: Mastering advanced techniques and complex vocalizations requires significant practice.
- Durability Limitations: Diaphragm calls are inherently fragile and are meant to be replaced over time.
- Not as Versatile as Higher-End Calls: Experienced hunters may find it lacking the nuance and versatility of more expensive options.
Who Should Buy Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call?
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. It is also good for hunters who want a simple and reliable backup call. It’s a solid option for youth hunters learning the ropes.
Experienced hunters seeking a versatile and professional-grade call should skip this product. They may be better served with higher-end diaphragm calls from Primos or H.S. Strut or custom diaphragm calls.
A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case. It protects the call from damage and keeps it clean. Having a variety of calls, including box calls and slate calls, enhances a hunter’s ability to adapt to different hunting situations and turkey behavior.
Conclusion on Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call
The Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call is a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly option for turkey hunters. Its “spicy cuts” make producing basic yelps and clucks surprisingly easy.
The price is definitely justified. The call offers good value for its ease of use, decent sound quality, and reasonable durability.
I would personally recommend the Kickin Chicken Diaphragm Call to new turkey hunters or those seeking a reliable backup call. Its simplicity and affordability make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunting vest. Give it a go and watch the feathers fly!