PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK Review

First Thoughts on the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK, a diamond diaphragm 4 reed call, enters a crowded market promising realistic turkey sounds at an accessible price point. Manufactured by PITTMAN GAME CALLS, this call aims to give both novice and experienced hunters the edge they need in the field. I was intrigued by the simple design and the potential for creating a variety of turkey vocalizations with just four reeds.

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve used countless calls. My experience ranges from the most basic friction calls to elaborate electronic systems. I’ve learned that the best call isn’t always the most expensive or complex; it’s the one that delivers the most realistic and versatile sound in the hands of a skilled hunter.

The reason I decided to test the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK was to find a reliable, budget-friendly diaphragm call for beginner hunters I mentor. Many new hunters are intimidated by the cost and complexity of high-end calls. I wanted to see if this affordable option could provide a solid foundation for learning turkey vocalizations.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive. The call felt surprisingly durable for its price, with the reeds appearing well-seated and the frame sturdy. It was lightweight and compact, easily fitting into a small call pouch or even a shirt pocket.

Compared to similar diaphragm calls like the Primos Lil’ Deucey or the WoodHaven Ninja Crystal, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK is simpler in design. Both Primos and WoodHaven offer calls with different reed cuts and thicknesses, promising specialized sounds. The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK aims for versatility with its four-reed configuration.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. For $7.99, I wasn’t expecting a miracle, but I was hoping for a functional call that could produce a decent range of sounds. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field and whether it could live up to its promise of realism.

Real-World Testing: Putting PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of southern Missouri. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cool mornings with moderate humidity and occasional light rain showers. I spent several hours each day using the call in different hunting scenarios.

The call performed reasonably well in dry conditions, producing clear yelps, clucks, and purrs. However, in the dampness, the reeds tended to stick together, making it more difficult to control the sound and requiring more frequent cleaning. This is a common issue with diaphragm calls, but it was more pronounced with the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK compared to some higher-end models I’ve used.

There was definitely a learning curve with this call. It took some practice to achieve the desired sounds and avoid the dreaded “squeak” that plagues many beginners. Mastering the proper tongue placement and air pressure was crucial.

After the first few hours of use, I noticed a slight fraying of the tape on the frame. This didn’t immediately affect the call’s performance, but it raised concerns about its long-term durability. The call produced a decent sound, but needed constant fine tuning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK showed signs of wear and tear. The tape continued to fray, and the reeds seemed to lose some of their responsiveness. The sound quality became less consistent, requiring even more effort to produce realistic turkey vocalizations.

The durability of the call is definitely a weak point. While it held up for a few hunts, I wouldn’t expect it to last through multiple seasons of heavy use without significant degradation in performance. Constant re-taping and cleaning is needed to maintain the call.

Maintenance involved regularly cleaning the reeds with a soft brush and allowing them to air dry completely after each use. Despite these efforts, the reeds still showed signs of warping and discoloration over time. This is to be expected given the price point of the call.

Compared to my experiences with higher-end diaphragm calls, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK falls short in terms of both sound quality and durability. While it can produce acceptable turkey sounds with practice, it requires more effort and maintenance and doesn’t offer the same level of realism or consistency as more expensive options. Its price point reflects its capabilities.

Breaking Down the Features of PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK

Specifications

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK is a diamond diaphragm turkey call featuring four reeds. It’s designed for creating a variety of turkey vocalizations. The call’s frame is made of a flexible tape material, holding the reeds in place.

• Four Reeds: The four-reed design allows for a wider range of sounds compared to single or double-reed calls. This can be useful for mimicking different hen vocalizations.
• Diamond Cut: The diamond cut refers to the shape of the reed edges, which impacts the tone and raspiness of the call. This is crucial for realistic sound replication.
• Diaphragm Call: A diaphragm call is placed in the mouth and used by manipulating the tongue and air pressure. This requires practice to master.
• Flexible Frame: The flexible frame allows the call to conform to the user’s mouth for comfort and control. However, durability is a concern with this material.

These specifications impact performance by influencing the ease of use, sound quality, and overall realism of the call. A well-designed diaphragm call allows hunters to produce a wide range of convincing turkey vocalizations, increasing their chances of success in the field. Understanding these aspects is key to selecting the right call.

Performance & Functionality

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK performs adequately for its price point. With practice, it can produce yelps, clucks, purrs, and other common turkey sounds. However, achieving consistent, realistic sounds requires significant effort and a good understanding of diaphragm calling techniques.

The strengths of the call lie in its affordability and potential versatility. The weaknesses include its inconsistent sound quality, susceptibility to moisture, and limited durability. These factors might discourage novice hunters.

The call meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly diaphragm call, but it doesn’t exceed them. Experienced callers may find it limiting. Beginners may find the learning curve steep.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for a call in this price range. The materials used are lightweight and flexible, but they don’t inspire confidence in their long-term durability. The taped frame seems a weak point.

The call is reasonably comfortable to use, conforming to the shape of the mouth without causing excessive irritation. The learning curve is moderate. Mastering the proper tongue placement and air pressure requires patience and practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK is not designed for heavy use or harsh conditions. The tape is susceptible to fraying and the reeds are prone to warping. I wouldn’t expect this call to last more than a season or two with regular use.

Maintaining the call involves regularly cleaning the reeds with a soft brush and storing it in a dry place. Replacing the tape may be necessary over time. With care, it could last a while.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited to adjusting the reed tension or trimming the reeds to alter the sound. More advanced customization is beyond the scope of this basic call.

The call is compatible with standard call lanyards and pouches. Due to its simple design, it’s not compatible with specialized accessories or modifications from other brands. Keep it simple when it comes to this product.

Pros and Cons of PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK

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Who Should Buy PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK?

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK is perfect for beginner turkey hunters on a tight budget who are willing to invest time in learning diaphragm calling techniques. It can also be a decent backup call for experienced hunters.

Those who should skip this product are experienced hunters seeking high-quality, realistic sounds, or those who prefer more durable and reliable calls. Also hunters who are not willing to spend time learning a diaphragm call should avoid this product.

A must-have accessory is a call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible in the field. A small cleaning brush is also helpful for maintaining the reeds. Aside from those, nothing else is needed.

Conclusion on PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK

The PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK is a budget-friendly option for turkey hunters looking to experiment with diaphragm calls. It offers decent sound quality with practice. However, its limited durability and susceptibility to moisture are significant drawbacks.

The price of $7.99 is justified for what it offers, but don’t expect it to perform like a $20-$30 call. This call is best for beginner’s wallets.

I would cautiously recommend it to beginners who are serious about learning diaphragm calling and are willing to accept its limitations. I would recommend more experienced callers to spend a bit more on a better quality call.

For a first call, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS BLACK can be a good starting point. With commitment and practice, you can bring home some birds!

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