Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose Review

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose Made a Bold First Impression

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose is a no-frills, budget-friendly deer call aimed at attracting bucks during the rut. As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade immersed in tactical and hunting gear, I’ve used my fair share of grunt calls, from high-end custom models to the simplest, most basic versions. I’ve learned what works and what’s just marketing hype in the whitetail woods. This review will dissect the Primos offering, examining its performance, design, and value.

My quest for this call stemmed from a very specific problem: needing a reliable backup that wouldn’t break the bank. After losing my custom walnut call in a creek last season (a tragedy, I assure you!), I resolved to always have a cheap, easily replaceable option in my pack. The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose, with its unbelievably low price of $6.99, fit the bill perfectly.

Unboxing the Primos call was…uneventful. It’s a plastic call with an expandable rubber hose, simple and straightforward. My initial impression was that it felt lightweight, almost toy-like. It was immediately clear that the build quality wasn’t on par with my lost custom call, or even my mid-range acrylic model, but I wasn’t expecting it to be.

I had been considering a Flextone Buck Collector and a HS Strut Lil’ Deuce grunt call. The Flextone offered a more realistic tone due to its soft, flexible construction, and the HS Strut boasted a compact design. But the Primos call won because of its sheer affordability and availability. For a throw-in-the-pack backup, I prioritized price over nuanced sound quality.

My first impressions were mixed. I wasn’t exactly excited, but I wasn’t disappointed either, considering the price point. I was cautiously optimistic, intrigued to see if this budget call could actually perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose during a mid-October scouting trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was cool and crisp, with a light breeze. I used the call sparingly, mimicking the occasional grunts and wheezes I’d expect to hear from bucks cruising for does.

The expandable hose did allow for some directional calling, which was nice, but the tone of the call wasn’t as rich or resonant as my higher-end calls. It produced a somewhat nasally, almost cartoonish grunt. Despite my reservations about the tone, I did observe a young buck briefly perk up its ears and glance in my direction after a series of tending grunts. He didn’t commit, but he acknowledged the call.

The call was easy enough to use, though the mouthpiece felt a bit awkward. It took a few minutes to find the right pressure and airflow to produce a consistent sound. The expandable hose, while offering directional calling, also felt a bit flimsy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the rut, the Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose has held up surprisingly well. There are no cracks or breaks in the plastic body. The expandable hose, however, is showing some signs of wear, with slight cracking where it connects to the call body.

Cleaning is simple: I just rinse it with water and let it air dry. It requires virtually no maintenance. Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive calls, the Primos offering is definitely less refined. However, for its intended purpose as a backup, it’s exceeding expectations. It hasn’t magically summoned a Boone & Crockett buck, but it has proven to be a functional and surprisingly durable tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose

Specifications

• The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose is constructed from molded plastic. This keeps the cost down and provides a lightweight design.
• The call includes an expandable rubber hose. This allows for directional calling and varying the tone slightly.
• The call weighs approximately 1.6 ounces. It’s so light you barely notice it in your pack.
• It’s a single-reed design. This keeps it simple and easy to use, though it limits the range of sounds it can produce.
• The expandable hose extends to approximately 12 inches. This length offers some flexibility in directing the sound.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s performance and user experience. The plastic construction makes it affordable and lightweight, while the expandable hose adds a degree of versatility. The single-reed design, while simple, may not appeal to hunters seeking highly realistic and varied calls.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose performs adequately for its intended purpose. It produces a basic deer grunt sound that can attract attention.

Its primary strength is its simplicity and ease of use. Anyone can pick it up and make a grunt sound with minimal practice. The biggest weakness is the somewhat unnatural tone, which may spook more mature, call-shy bucks. It meets the basic expectation of a grunt call, but doesn’t exceed it.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The plastic is sturdy enough to withstand normal use.

It’s easy to hold and operate, although the mouthpiece could be more comfortable. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose should last for several seasons with proper care. The expandable hose is the most vulnerable component.

It’s incredibly easy to maintain; just rinse with water after use. There are no moving parts to lubricate or delicate reeds to replace.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available.

It’s a standalone product designed for basic functionality. Due to its design, it’s not really compatible with aftermarket parts or modifications.

Pros and Cons of Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose

Who Should Buy Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose?

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose is perfect for:

• Beginner hunters who are just learning to use calls.
• Experienced hunters looking for a cheap and reliable backup call.
• Hunters on a tight budget who can’t afford a more expensive call.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced hunters who demand the most realistic and nuanced calls.
• Hunters who are targeting mature, call-shy bucks.

A must-have accessory would be a lanyard to keep it readily available and prevent loss. A small carrying case might also be beneficial for protecting the hose when stored.

Conclusion on Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose

The Primos Deer Grunt Call w/Expandable Hose is a budget-friendly option that delivers basic functionality. It’s not the most realistic-sounding call on the market, but it gets the job done for hunters on a budget or those seeking a dependable backup.

The price is definitely justified. At $6.99, you’re getting a functional tool that can attract deer.

I would personally recommend it as a backup or starter call. It’s a worthwhile investment for any hunter looking to expand their calling arsenal without breaking the bank. Don’t expect miracles, but do expect a reliable and affordable tool that can help you put deer on the ground. Pick one up, toss it in your pack, and get out there!