The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED Made a Bold First Impression
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED mouth call, a small but essential tool for any serious turkey hunter, promises to deliver realistic and enticing turkey sounds. For years, I’ve relied on diaphragm calls, experimenting with countless brands and reed configurations. This call intrigued me with its PITTMAN brand name and 3-reed design, a combination I hoped would produce a diverse range of realistic calls.
What pushed me to finally try the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED? The spring gobbler season was fast approaching and the birds in my area were becoming increasingly call-shy. I needed a call that could produce subtle, realistic sounds to coax those pressured toms into range.
My initial impression of the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED was positive. The latex reeds appeared to be of good quality and the tape securing them seemed well-applied. Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, like the Primos Wet Box or a custom-made call from a local craftsman, the Lil Xciter’s smaller frame was immediately noticeable. I hoped this compact size would allow for a comfortable fit and precise control in my mouth.
My first reaction was one of cautious optimism. For $9.99, the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED seemed like a worthwhile investment. I was eager to test it in the field and see if it lived up to its potential.
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 on a damp, early morning in the Missouri Ozarks. I was set up along a ridge overlooking a known strutting zone, hoping to intercept a gobbler working his way down the hill. The air was crisp and the humidity was high, typical conditions for spring turkey hunting.
The first challenge was getting a comfortable fit with the call. Due to its smaller size, it took a few minutes to find the sweet spot in my mouth. Once I found the right placement, I began experimenting with different tones and calls. The Lil Xciter produced clean, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs.
After about an hour, I finally got a response from a distant tom. He was answering my calls but remained hesitant. I softened my approach, using only subtle clucks and purrs from the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED. Finally, the gobbler committed, and after what seemed like an eternity, he strutted into view. A clean shot sealed the deal, and I tagged my bird.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the entire spring turkey season, the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED has proven to be a reliable and effective call. While the latex reeds show some signs of wear from repeated use, they continue to produce consistent and realistic sounds. Cleaning the call is straightforward, requiring only a gentle rinse with water after each use.
Compared to some of the more expensive custom calls I’ve used, the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED holds its own. It doesn’t quite have the same nuanced sound quality as a meticulously crafted call, but its performance is impressive for its price point. It outperformed some of the other mass-produced diaphragm calls I’ve tried, particularly in wet conditions where other calls can become difficult to use.
Breaking Down the Features of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED
Specifications
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED is a standard-sized diaphragm mouth call designed for producing turkey vocalizations. It features:
- Three latex reeds stretched across a horseshoe-shaped frame: These reeds are responsible for creating the sounds. The three-reed design allows for a wider range of tones and pitches, making it versatile for different calling styles.
- Thin latex material: The thinness of the latex is crucial for achieving realistic sounds and ease of use. Thicker latex can be harder to control and produce a less natural sound.
- Standard horseshoe-shaped frame: The frame holds the latex reeds in place and fits comfortably in the user’s mouth. This shape is designed for optimal sound projection and ease of manipulation.
- Adhesive tape: Secures the latex reeds to the frame. The quality of this tape is essential for durability and longevity of the call.
These specifications directly affect the call’s performance. The three-reed design and thin latex contribute to the call’s ability to produce diverse and realistic sounds, while the frame’s shape impacts comfort and ease of use. The quality of the adhesive tape affects the call’s overall lifespan.
Performance & Functionality
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED performs admirably. Its ability to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations, from soft purrs to aggressive cutts, makes it a versatile tool in the field. While it may require some practice to master, the Lil Xciter’s relatively easy to use.
The call’s main strength lies in its realistic sound production and versatility. However, it may not be the best choice for hunters who prefer very loud or high-pitched calls. It meets expectations for a mid-range diaphragm call, offering good performance at an affordable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED features a standard design. The materials used are of good quality for the price point, and the call feels comfortable in the mouth.
The call’s smaller frame may require some getting used to for hunters with larger mouths. However, the overall design is user-friendly, with a relatively low learning curve for experienced diaphragm call users.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED should last at least one to two hunting seasons. The latex reeds will eventually wear out from repeated use, but they can be replaced if necessary.
Maintenance is simple. Rinse the call with water after each use and store it in a dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited to adjusting the reed placement or trimming the reeds to achieve a specific sound. The Lil Xciter is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases for storage and protection.
Pros and Cons of PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED
Pros
- Realistic sound production: The Lil Xciter produces a variety of convincing turkey vocalizations.
- Versatile: It can be used to create a range of calls, from soft purrs to aggressive cutts.
- Affordable: At $9.99, it’s a great value for the performance it offers.
- Easy to use (for experienced users): The Lil Xciter is relatively easy to control and manipulate.
- Compact size: Its smaller frame allows for comfortable fit.
Cons
- Reed lifespan: The latex reeds will eventually wear out and need replacing.
- Smaller frame: May not be ideal for hunters with larger mouths.
Who Should Buy PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED?
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED is perfect for experienced turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile diaphragm call. It is also a good choice for hunters who prefer a smaller framed call.
This product may not be suitable for beginner turkey hunters who are just learning to use diaphragm calls. Also, hunters who prefer very loud or high-pitched calls may find the Lil Xciter lacking in volume. A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case to protect the call from damage and keep it clean.
Conclusion on PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED
The PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED is a solid performer at an exceptional price. Its ability to produce realistic and varied turkey sounds makes it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter. At $9.99, the price is definitely justified.
I would absolutely recommend the PITTMAN DIAPHRAGM LIL XCITER 3 REED to experienced turkey hunters looking for an affordable and reliable diaphragm call. Don’t let the low price fool you; this call is a serious contender. Pick one up and get ready to put some birds on the ground this spring!