Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed Review

Let’s Talk About Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed promises to be a potent tool for turkey hunters, offering a blend of soft and loud calls within a single, supposedly easy-to-master diaphragm. Marketed as an enhanced version of the WIP call, it’s designed to mimic the “last dance” of a turkey hen, a tempting sequence that can lure in even the most stubborn gobblers. As someone who’s spent over a decade chasing longbeards across diverse terrains, I’m always on the lookout for calls that offer versatility and realism.

I’d been struggling to find a diaphragm call that consistently produced both convincing soft clucks and clear, high-pitched yelps without requiring constant readjustment in my mouth. The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed‘s claim of being easy to master and capable of both sounds intrigued me.

Upon receiving the call, my initial impression was that it was a fairly standard diaphragm call. The latex reeds looked well-constructed, and the tape seemed secure, but the overall feel was similar to many other calls I’ve used. I picked this one over others because of the specific advertising of mimicking “WIP sounds”, which from my understanding of Pittman’s terminology means a wet, raspy hen sound that drives gobblers nuts.

My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism; many calls promise the world but fall short in the field. However, I was eager to see if the Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed could live up to the hype.


Real-World Testing: Putting Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of Kentucky. I tested it in relatively mild, dry conditions, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The call initially felt a little stiff, requiring a bit of warm-up to get the reeds moving freely.

I found it relatively easy to produce basic clucks and purrs. The transition to yelps took some practice, and the call felt less intuitive than some of my more broken-in diaphragms. After about 30 minutes of practice, I was able to generate some decent yelps, but the “WIP sounds” Pittman was touting were proving elusive. The biggest surprise was how easily the call became saturated with saliva; I found myself constantly having to clear it to maintain consistent sound.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during different hunts and practice sessions, the Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed has held up reasonably well. There’s no visible wear and tear on the reeds or tape, which speaks to the quality of the materials. Maintenance is simple – just rinsing it with water and letting it air dry after each use.

However, the issue of saliva buildup persists, requiring frequent clearing to maintain consistent sound quality. Compared to my favorite diaphragm call (a custom-made call from a local craftsman), the Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed falls slightly short in terms of ease of use and realism of sound. It is not my “go-to” call when the pressure is on.

Breaking Down the Features of Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed

Specifications

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed features a 3-reed design with an enhanced stop-end. The reeds are made of premium Flex-Tite latex, secured to a frame with standard call tape. It is manufactured by Pittman Game Calls. The dimensions are listed as 0.95 X 3.65 X 6.70 inches, with a width of 3.65 inches and a length of 6.7 inches.

These specifications matter because the 3-reed design is intended to provide a wider range of tones and sounds. Flex-Tite latex is supposed to offer durability and consistent performance. The enhanced stop-end is aimed at making the call easier to control and produce clean, crisp sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed performs adequately, producing a range of turkey vocalizations, including clucks, purrs, and yelps. Its advertised capability of creating “WIP sounds”, however, requires considerable practice and consistent moisture control. The call’s strength lies in its ability to produce loud, sharp yelps that can cut through the wind.

The main weakness is its sensitivity to moisture. The call often requires frequent clearing to maintain consistent sound quality. It meets expectations for basic turkey calling but falls short of exceeding them due to its moisture sensitivity and the difficulty in mastering the advertised “WIP sounds”.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, with the latex reeds appearing well-constructed and securely attached to the frame. The call is lightweight and comfortable in the mouth, but the standard tape can sometimes irritate the roof of the mouth during extended use. There is a moderate learning curve. Achieving consistent, realistic sounds requires practice and experimentation with different tongue and air pressures.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my testing, the Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed appears to be reasonably durable. The Flex-Tite latex reeds have shown no signs of tearing or stretching. Maintenance is straightforward; rinsing the call with water after each use and allowing it to air dry is sufficient to keep it in good condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed comes as a standalone diaphragm call with no included accessories. There are no customization options available directly from Pittman, but users can potentially modify the call by trimming the reeds or adjusting the tape tension to suit their individual preferences. The call is compatible with any standard diaphragm call case for storage and protection.

Pros and Cons of Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed

Pros

  • Produces loud, sharp yelps that carry well in the field.
  • Flex-Tite latex reeds provide decent durability.
  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Capable of producing a range of basic turkey vocalizations.
  • 3-reed design offers potential for diverse sounds.

Cons

  • Significant moisture buildup requires frequent clearing.
  • Mastering “WIP sounds” requires considerable practice.
  • Standard tape can cause mouth irritation during extended use.


Who Should Buy Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed?

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed is perfect for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile diaphragm call. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters who want a backup call or something to experiment with. Hunters who struggle with excessive saliva production or who prioritize ease of use may want to skip this product.

A must-have accessory would be a diaphragm call case to protect the reeds from damage and contamination. A small towel or absorbent material to help manage moisture buildup would also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed

The Pittman Game Calls Last Dance Diaphram Turkey Call 3 Reed is a decent, budget-friendly option for turkey hunters seeking a versatile diaphragm call. While it delivers on basic turkey vocalizations and offers the potential for loud, sharp yelps, it falls short in terms of ease of use and moisture management. The price is justified for what it offers.

I would recommend this call with reservations. It’s a good starting point, but hunters should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to invest time in practice and maintenance. If you’re just starting out, give it a try. If you’re an experienced caller looking for perfection, you might want to explore other options. Go forth, practice your calling, and bag that longbeard!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top