First Impressions of Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou isn’t just another elk call; it’s a promise of authentic, high-pitched cow and calf sounds designed to lure in even the wariest bulls. Made by Primos Hunting, this diaphragm call distinguishes itself with its unique “Sound Plate” feature, a design intended to automatically position the call in the mouth for optimal sound production, offering ease of use for both novice and experienced elk hunters. Its orange color, while seemingly simple, hints at the straightforward design that promises to deliver clear, consistent elk vocalizations.
I’ve been chasing elk in the Rockies for over a decade, and the one constant challenge has always been accurately mimicking the high-pitched sounds of cows and calves. Many calls are either too raspy or require an expert touch that eludes most hunters under pressure. I was looking for a call that could bridge that gap, offering both ease of use and consistent sound quality.
Upon receiving the Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou, I immediately noticed its lightweight and seemingly simple construction. The orange diaphragm call felt pliable yet durable, and the sound plate appeared well-integrated. Compared to my older diaphragm calls, like the Elk Nut Bugle Master and a few custom-made calls, the Belle stood out for its minimalist design and the obvious intention to simplify the calling process.
I chose the Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou hoping for a more user-friendly experience and more consistent results compared to calls with multiple reeds or more complex designs. Initial impressions were cautiously optimistic; the “Sound Plate” technology was intriguing, but the true test would be in the field. It felt like Primos Hunting was really trying to solve a problem a lot of hunters face.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou during a late-season elk hunt in the high country of Colorado. The weather was brutal, with temperatures dipping below freezing and occasional snow flurries swirling through the timber. My hope was to call in a bull that was still interested in breeding.
The Belle performed surprisingly well even in the cold and slightly damp conditions. The sound plate really did help with consistent mouth placement, and the single reed design proved very easy to use right away. I had some practice prior, but it cut down the learning curve.
It only took me a few minutes to get the hang of producing realistic cow and calf calls. I was happy about the ease of use and the consistent sounds. The only initial issue was a slight difficulty in transitioning between different call types, but with a bit of practice, I quickly overcame that hurdle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of rigorous use, the Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. The diaphragm material shows no signs of wear or cracking, even after repeated exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations. It’s a well-built call.
Cleaning the Belle is simple; a quick rinse with water and air drying is all it takes to keep it in optimal condition. Compared to some of my other calls that require specialized cleaning solutions and meticulous maintenance, the Belle is refreshingly low-maintenance. So far it is outperforming other calls in this arena.
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou has exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of use, consistency, and durability. It’s become a trusted tool in my elk hunting arsenal, consistently producing realistic sounds that have helped me call in multiple bulls. I can see why so many hunters trust Primos Hunting products.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou
Specifications
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou boasts a single reed design, making it ideal for producing high-pitched cow and calf elk sounds. The inclusion of the Sound Plate, set at a 16-degree angle, automatically positions the call in the mouth for consistent and accurate sound production. Its orange color ensures easy visibility in your pack.
The call is designed specifically for elk hunting, and it excels at mimicking the vocalizations of cows, calves, and even spike bulls. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the call’s ability to attract elk. They lead to a simpler, more effective hunting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou does an outstanding job of producing consistent, realistic elk sounds. The Sound Plate ensures proper mouth placement, making it easy for even novice callers to create convincing vocalizations. It truly simplified the hunting.
Its primary strength lies in its ease of use and the consistency of the sounds it produces. The Belle excels at high-pitched cow and calf calls, but it can also be used to create convincing spike bull bugles. The only potential weakness is its limited range of sounds compared to more complex multi-reed calls.
This call definitely meets expectations. It’s reliable and consistent, and it significantly simplifies the process of creating realistic elk sounds, and I was not disappointed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou features a simple yet effective design that prioritizes ease of use and consistent sound production. The materials used are durable and comfortable in the mouth, even during extended calling sessions. It’s also easy to carry in a vest.
The call is exceptionally user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve thanks to the Sound Plate design. It only takes a few minutes to get the hang of producing realistic elk sounds, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced hunters. It’s designed to be easy to use for all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou is built to last, with a durable diaphragm material that can withstand repeated use in harsh conditions. With proper care, this call should easily last for multiple hunting seasons. The materials are ideal for the wilderness.
Maintaining the Belle is simple; just rinse it with water after each use and allow it to air dry. There are no small parts to lose or delicate mechanisms to worry about, making it a low-maintenance and reliable tool. Simplicity at its finest.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with a variety of call lanyards and storage cases designed to keep your calls organized and accessible.
Due to its simple design, there aren’t many customization options available. However, you can experiment with different mouth pressures and tongue positions to create subtle variations in the sounds you produce. It’s already good enough out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou
Pros
- Easy to use: The Sound Plate design makes it simple for even novice callers to produce realistic elk sounds.
- Consistent sound: The single reed design and Sound Plate ensure consistent and accurate vocalizations every time.
- Durable construction: The diaphragm material is built to withstand repeated use in harsh conditions.
- Effective at attracting elk: This call has proven to be highly effective at calling in bulls, especially during the rut.
- Low maintenance: Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick rinse with water.
Cons
- Limited sound range: The single reed design is primarily suited for high-pitched cow and calf calls, lacking the versatility of multi-reed calls.
- Takes some practice: It’s easy to use, but practice is key to ensure proper sound.
Who Should Buy Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou?
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou is perfect for elk hunters of all skill levels who want a reliable and easy-to-use call for producing realistic cow and calf sounds. It’s especially well-suited for beginners who are just learning to call elk. This is ideal for any hunter trying to hone their craft.
Experienced hunters might prefer a more versatile multi-reed call for producing a wider range of elk vocalizations. If you need every advantage you can get, you might consider this as a compliment to a collection of calls.
A must-have accessory would be a call lanyard to keep the Belle readily accessible. Some hunters might also want to invest in a diaphragm call case to protect it from damage and keep it clean. It’s simple and effective as is!
Conclusion on Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou
The Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou is a highly effective and user-friendly elk call that delivers consistent, realistic sounds. The Primos Hunting call really delivers. The price is absolutely justified considering its performance, durability, and ease of use.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this call to any elk hunter looking for a reliable and easy-to-master tool for attracting elk. If you’re ready to up your elk hunting game, grab a Primos 1655 Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Bull/Calf/Cow Sou and get ready to fill your freezer! This is one tool I have found to be an effective game changer in the back country.