PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED Review

First Thoughts on the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED

Diaphragm calls can be a game-changer in the field, allowing for hands-free calling and more realistic sounds. Pittman Game Calls has been around for a while, and I’ve heard whispers about their quality and effectiveness. The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED, at a price point of just $9.99, caught my attention as a potentially excellent value proposition for both seasoned callers and those just starting out.

I was looking for a diaphragm call that was easy to control and produced realistic elk and deer sounds. Many calls I’ve used in the past were either too stiff, too airy, or just plain difficult to master. I wanted something that offered versatility without a huge learning curve.

Upon receiving the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED, my initial reaction was positive. It felt lightweight and the tape appeared well-sealed. It’s a simple design, and I appreciated that. I’ve used calls from Primos and Hunter’s Specialties before. While they offered different features like adjustable frames or different reed cuts, the Lil Exciter stood out with its apparent simplicity and focus on core sound production. It felt less like a gimmick and more like a practical tool.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if its simple design translated into effective and versatile calling in the field. I hoped it would live up to the reputation of other Pittman calls.

Real-World Testing: Putting PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED was during a scouting trip for elk in the high country of Colorado. The weather was variable, with cool mornings and warmer afternoons. I wanted to see how the call performed in different temperature conditions. I used it primarily to imitate cow elk calls. I also tried to reproduce some basic bugles.

The Lil Exciter was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package. I was able to produce fairly consistent cow calls within minutes. The three reeds seemed to provide just the right amount of rasp and volume. The moisture from my breath didn’t seem to affect the call much, and it maintained its tone even after extended use in the cooler morning air. I didn’t experience any immediate issues or unexpected quirks. It just worked.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used it in various hunting scenarios, from early-season deer hunts to late-season elk pursuits. It’s been exposed to rain, snow, and the general abuse that comes with being in the backcountry.

The tape holding the reeds in place shows no signs of peeling or damage. The reeds themselves remain intact and produce consistent sounds. I’ve rinsed it off a few times with water to remove debris, and it seems to maintain its quality after cleaning. Compared to some cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Lil Exciter has far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability. It hasn’t disappointed me in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED

Specifications

• Type: Diaphragm mouth call. This allows for hands-free operation, crucial when drawing a bow or holding a rifle.
• Reeds: Three reeds. Three reeds offer a good balance of tone, rasp, and volume, allowing for versatile calling.
• Material: Latex reeds and flexible frame with sealing tape. This construction is designed for durability and consistent performance.
• Price: $9.99. The affordable price makes it accessible to hunters of all experience levels.
• Target Species: Elk, Deer, and other game animals. This call is versatile enough to imitate a variety of animal vocalizations.

Performance & Functionality

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED excels at producing realistic cow elk calls. It also works well for basic buck grunts. The three reeds provide a natural rasp that sounds authentic to the ear, and I was able to easily vary the pitch and tone by adjusting the pressure of my tongue on the call.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent sound production. It is easy for beginners to pick up and get good results. A weakness is that it’s not ideal for advanced calling techniques. It may lack the subtlety required for highly nuanced vocalizations. It meets my expectations for a general-purpose diaphragm call.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED is simple and functional. The latex reeds are held securely in place by the frame. The frame is comfortable in the mouth. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome.

There’s virtually no learning curve. Most hunters should be able to produce realistic calls within a short amount of practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED appears to be built to last. The quality of the materials and construction inspires confidence. With proper care, it should last for multiple hunting seasons.

Maintenance is minimal. Rinsing with water after use and storing it in a cool, dry place should be sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it can be used in conjunction with other calling devices. These can include bugle tubes or electronic callers. There are no customization options available for this particular call, as it’s a simple, self-contained unit. It’s compatible with most standard call lanyards.

Pros and Cons of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED