The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER Made a Bold First Impression
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER diaphragm turkey call promises to deliver realistic turkey sounds with its four-reed design. At a mere $10.49, it presents itself as an affordable option for both seasoned turkey hunters and beginners alike. I was eager to test if this call could truly live up to the “thunder” in its name and cut through the spring woods.
My quest for a reliable and versatile diaphragm call stemmed from a growing frustration with inconsistent sounds from my older, cheaper calls. They either required constant adjustment or failed to produce the realistic tones necessary to lure in wary gobblers. I needed a call that was consistent, easy to use, and capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
Upon receiving the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER, my initial impression was one of simple functionality. The four reeds were tightly secured, and the tape felt durable. Compared to a more expensive diaphragm call from Primos and a single-reed call from HS Strut, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER appeared slightly more robust in construction, though lacking the aesthetic refinement of the higher-priced options.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER didn’t scream premium quality, its solid construction and affordable price point piqued my interest. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER during the opening week of turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The mornings were cool and damp, with fog lingering in the hollows. I primarily used the call while sitting against large oak trees, attempting to lure gobblers responding to my locator calls.
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER performed admirably in these conditions. Its four reeds allowed me to produce a variety of sounds, from soft yelps and clucks to more aggressive cutting and purrs. The wet conditions didn’t seem to affect the call’s performance. It consistently produced clear, crisp tones.
The learning curve was minimal. Within a few minutes of practice, I was able to consistently produce realistic turkey sounds. Initially, I found it slightly more difficult to create kee-kees compared to calls with thinner reeds, but with some practice, I was able to achieve the desired sound.
After the first morning, I noticed a slight fraying of the tape on one side of the call. While it didn’t immediately impact the sound, it was a potential concern for long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. The initial fraying of the tape hasn’t worsened significantly. I expect it to last the season.
Durability has been surprisingly good, considering the price. Aside from the slight tape fraying, the call has held up well to regular use and storage in my vest.
Maintenance is minimal. After each hunt, I simply wipe the call dry and store it in its protective case. I have not needed to make any adjustments to the reeds or tape.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper calls, the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER significantly outperforms them in both sound quality and consistency. It may not have the nuanced tones of a custom call, but it’s a remarkable value for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER
Specifications
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER diaphragm turkey call boasts the following specifications:
- Type: Diaphragm (mouth) call
- Reeds: 4
- Material: Latex reeds, adhesive tape, plastic frame
- Sound: Designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations (yelps, clucks, purrs, cuts, kee-kees)
- Price: $10.49
The four-reed design is significant because it allows for greater versatility in sound production. Each reed vibrates at a slightly different frequency, creating a more complex and realistic sound. The latex material is crucial for producing the desired friction and vibration that generate turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER performs its job effectively, producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It’s particularly adept at producing raspy yelps and aggressive cuts, which are essential for attracting gobblers during the breeding season.
The strength of this call lies in its ease of use and versatility. It’s easy to learn and produces a variety of tones. The weakness is the long-term durability of the tape.
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER meets expectations for a call in its price range and exceeds them in terms of sound quality and versatility.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate. The materials are functional, if not luxurious. The call fits comfortably in the mouth and doesn’t cause excessive irritation, even after extended use.
The design is user-friendly. The learning curve is minimal, even for beginners. It might take some practice to master kee-kees but most people will get the other sounds down quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
The call is reasonably durable. The reeds are well-secured, but the tape is a potential weak point.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply keep the call clean and dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available directly from PITTMAN GAME CALLS.
However, the call can be used in conjunction with other turkey hunting accessories such as strikers, decoys, and vests. It’s a diaphragm call so it sits in the mouth.
Pros and Cons of PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Four-reed design provides versatile sound production.
- Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Produces realistic and effective turkey vocalizations.
- Works well in various weather conditions.
Cons
- Tape durability is a potential long-term concern.
- Lacks the refined sound quality of higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER?
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER is perfect for:
- Turkey hunters of all experience levels seeking an affordable and versatile diaphragm call.
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-learn call.
- Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who demand the absolute highest quality and most nuanced sound from their calls.
- Those who are unwilling to perform even basic maintenance (drying the call after use).
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A protective case for storing the call when not in use.
- Consider purchasing multiple calls to have backups in case of damage.
Conclusion on PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER is an impressive diaphragm turkey call, especially considering its low price point. It delivers versatile sound production, ease of use, and reliable performance in the field.
The price is absolutely justified. The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER offers exceptional value for the money.
I would personally recommend it to any turkey hunter looking for an affordable and effective diaphragm call.
The PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER may not be the most luxurious or refined call on the market, but it gets the job done. It produces realistic turkey sounds that can lure in even the most wary gobblers. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile diaphragm call without breaking the bank, give the PITTMAN GAME CALLS THUNDER a try. You might be surprised by the “thunder” it can bring to your next turkey hunt.