The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA Made a Bold First Impression
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA is a diaphragm turkey call from Primos, designed to produce raspy yelps, clucks, cuts, and cackles, as well as kee-kees. With its three thin prophylactic reeds and a half-moon cut, it promises versatility and ease of use for both beginners and experienced turkey hunters. I was looking for a new diaphragm call to add to my arsenal. I’m always trying to find that perfect sound to lure in a tom.
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA arrived in a simple, no-frills package, reflecting its budget-friendly price. The diaphragm itself looked well-constructed, with the reeds neatly aligned and the tape securely attached. It felt surprisingly lightweight and flexible, giving me confidence it would conform comfortably in my mouth. Compared to my old slate call, which can be cumbersome to carry, the compact size of the Cuttin Hen DIA was immediately appealing.
I also considered the Primos Lil’ Deuce and the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, both popular and well-regarded calls. However, the Cuttin Hen DIA’s reputation for producing a wide range of sounds, coupled with its low price point, made it the most attractive option. My first impression was excitement tempered with a little skepticism; could a call this affordable really deliver the goods in the turkey woods? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA on a scouting trip in the dense hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. The conditions were ideal: cool, crisp morning air and relatively quiet woods. Getting a decent yelp out of the call was surprisingly easy. I quickly progressed to experimenting with clucks, cuts, and even kee-kees after just a few minutes of practice.
The wet conditions presented a minor challenge. Excess saliva sometimes muted the sound. Adjusting the call’s position in my mouth seemed to resolve this issue. There were no surprises, just a call that worked pretty much as advertised right out of the package.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during pre-season scouting and eventually during the actual turkey hunting season, the PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA held up remarkably well. There were no signs of significant wear and tear on the reeds or the tape. The call maintained its sound quality despite repeated exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Maintaining the call was straightforward: simply rinsing it with water after each use and allowing it to air dry. Compared to some of my more finicky diaphragm calls, which require constant tuning and adjustment, the Cuttin Hen DIA proved to be refreshingly low-maintenance. It outperformed my expectations considerably. The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA is still going strong, pulling gobblers into range with its consistent and realistic sounds.
Breaking Down the Features of PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA
Specifications
- Single Frame: The call is constructed on a single frame, making it lightweight and easy to manipulate in the mouth. This simplified design contributes to its overall user-friendliness.
- Three Thin Prophylactic Reeds: The three reeds are made from very thin latex, allowing for a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. The thinness of the reeds enables the user to create subtle variations in tone and pitch.
- Half Moon Cut in First Reed: The half-moon cut in the top reed helps create the rasp and breakover necessary for realistic cutting and cackling sounds. This specific cut contributes significantly to the call’s versatility.
- Great for Cuts, Cackles, and Kee-Kees: The call is specifically designed to excel at producing these three distinct turkey vocalizations. It makes it a valuable tool for various hunting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA performs admirably, especially considering its price point. It excels at producing the raspy yelps, clucks, cuts, and cackles that are essential for effective turkey hunting. The call’s ability to produce realistic kee-kees is an added bonus, making it useful for attracting young gobblers or hens.
The main strength of the Cuttin Hen DIA lies in its ease of use; even a novice caller can quickly learn to produce convincing turkey sounds. However, mastering the subtle nuances of calling requires practice. A minor weakness is its susceptibility to moisture, which can sometimes affect the sound quality, though this is easily mitigated. The call definitely meets and, in some areas, exceeds expectations for a diaphragm call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA features a simple and functional design. The thin latex reeds are lightweight and conform comfortably to the roof of the mouth. The design is user-friendly with no real learning curve for those familiar with diaphragm calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA is reasonably durable, given the delicate nature of its latex reeds. With proper care and storage, it should last for at least one to two hunting seasons. Maintaining the call is easy: simply rinse it with water after each use, allow it to air dry, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a self-contained diaphragm call. There are no customization options available for this model. However, the Primos line offers other diaphragm calls with different cuts and reed configurations for those seeking more specialized sounds.
Pros and Cons of PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA
Pros
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Affordable price point.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- Good durability for a diaphragm call.
Cons
- Susceptible to moisture affecting sound quality.
- No customization options.
Who Should Buy PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA?
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use diaphragm call. It is also a great option for experienced hunters who want a versatile call for producing a wide range of turkey sounds without breaking the bank.
This call is not ideal for hunters who prefer calls with more specialized sounds or who require a diaphragm call with advanced moisture resistance. There are no must-have accessories, but a call case to keep it clean and dry when not in use is a good idea.
Conclusion on PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA
The PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA is an excellent diaphragm turkey call that delivers impressive performance at an unbeatable price. Its ease of use, versatility, and durability make it a standout option for both novice and experienced hunters. The price is definitely justified by the quality and performance of the call.
I would personally recommend the PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable diaphragm turkey call. Add the PRIMOS CUTTIN HEN DIA to your vest this season, and get ready to cut through the silence and cackle your way to a successful hunt!