First Impressions of Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call promises an accessible entry point for both novice and seasoned turkey hunters seeking to “speak the language” of the wild turkey. Offered by Primos, a name synonymous with quality game calls since 1976, this diaphragm call aims to deliver realistic clucks, purrs, yelps, and raspy calls, all within an easy-to-use design.
My journey to this call began with a desire for a more versatile and compact turkey calling option. I’ve primarily used box calls for their ease of use and consistent sound, but their bulkiness can be a hindrance when traversing dense woods. The promise of a diaphragm call that offers similar tonal quality with a smaller footprint was incredibly appealing.
The initial impression upon receiving the Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call was positive. The call felt well-constructed, and the slightly smaller diaphragm immediately suggested it would be more comfortable to use compared to some larger models I’ve tried in the past. The inclusion of the Primos PS1-R Reed Baffle was an interesting detail, hinting at an enhanced tonal quality.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve experimented with, such as the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper and the Woodhaven Cherry Classic, the Primos call stood out due to its advertised “Reed Baffle” technology. I hoped this technology would translate to easier sound manipulation and a wider range of realistic turkey vocalizations. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of a diaphragm call that bridges the gap between the simplicity of a box call and the nuanced realism of a more complex diaphragm setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call first saw action during a scouting trip in early spring, prior to the actual turkey season. I tested the call in a variety of environments, including open fields, dense hardwoods, and along a creek bottom. The damp morning air of the creek bottom provided a good initial test of the call’s performance in humid conditions.
The call performed surprisingly well, even in the variable conditions. The sound carried clearly in the open fields, and the purrs and clucks resonated realistically in the timber. Getting the hang of the diaphragm took some practice, but the smaller size did make it easier to position comfortably in my mouth. Initial attempts produced more air than sound, but after about an hour of dedicated practice, I started to consistently produce convincing yelps.
The biggest surprise was the ease with which I could create different tones. The Reed Baffle seemed to help direct airflow and create a more consistent sound, which reduced the learning curve significantly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple scouting trips and the first few days of turkey season, the Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the diaphragm itself, despite being subjected to varying degrees of moisture and temperature changes.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply rinse the call with clean water after each use and allow it to air dry thoroughly. This routine keeps the diaphragm clean and prevents any buildup of saliva or debris that could affect its performance. Compared to some other diaphragm calls I’ve used that required more meticulous cleaning and occasional reed adjustments, the Primos Select has proven to be remarkably low-maintenance.
It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past in terms of sound quality and ease of use. While it may not match the complexity of high-end custom calls, it certainly provides a significant step up in performance for a call in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call
Specifications
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call features a design geared towards ease of use and versatile turkey vocalizations. Its key specifications include:
- Reed Baffle: The integrated Primos PS1-R Reed Baffle is designed to enhance tonal quality and simplify sound production. This feature is critical, because it aids in directing airflow across the reeds and helps create cleaner, more consistent sounds.
- Slightly Smaller Diaphragm: The call is constructed with a slightly smaller diaphragm, which contributes to enhanced comfort and ease of use, especially for hunters with smaller mouths or those new to diaphragm calls. Comfort is key for extended calling sessions, and a smaller diaphragm can make a significant difference.
- Two-Reed Design: The two-reed configuration allows for a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft clucks and purrs to raspy yelps. This provides versatility in the field, allowing hunters to adapt their calling strategy to the specific situation.
- Deeper Tone: The call is designed to produce a slightly deeper tone, providing more volume and complexity to calls. Volume can be crucial for cutting through wind or reaching distant birds.
These specifications collectively contribute to a diaphragm call that balances ease of use with realistic and effective turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call performs admirably in the field, fulfilling its promise of delivering a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It excels at producing soft clucks, purrs, and tree yelps, all vital for attracting gobblers from close range. The call’s ability to generate convincing raspy yelps is also a major strength, making it suitable for mimicking the mature hens that often lead wary toms into shooting range.
One minor weakness is that achieving the absolute perfect cutting sounds might require a bit more practice compared to specialized cutting calls. However, this is a minor trade-off for the overall versatility and ease of use that the Primos Select provides. It definitely meets and even exceeds expectations for a diaphragm call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call boasts a user-friendly design that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. The materials used in its construction appear durable and well-suited for repeated use in the field. The smaller size is a definite advantage, making it comfortable to hold in the mouth for extended periods without causing excessive fatigue.
There is practically no learning curve for experienced callers. Novice callers will have to spend a short amount of time familiarizing themselves with the proper mouth positioning and air pressure.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on weeks of testing, the Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call seems built to last through several hunting seasons with proper care. The diaphragm material shows no signs of degradation, and the reeds remain responsive despite repeated exposure to moisture.
Maintaining the call is simple: rinsing with water and air-drying is generally sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call comes as a standalone unit and does not include any additional accessories. There are no customization options directly applicable to the call itself.
However, hunters can pair it with a call carrier or lanyard to keep it readily accessible in the field. Also, it is worth noting that Primos offers a wide range of other turkey hunting accessories, such as strikers, locator calls, and vests, that can complement the Select Diaphragm Turkey Call.
Pros and Cons of Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call
Pros
- Easy to use, even for beginners. The smaller diaphragm and Reed Baffle simplify sound production.
- Versatile sound range, capable of producing realistic clucks, purrs, yelps, and raspy calls.
- Affordable price point, offering excellent value for the money.
- Durable construction, able to withstand repeated use in the field.
- Compact size, making it easy to carry and store.
Cons
- Achieving perfect cutting sounds requires additional practice.
- No included accessories (lanyard, call case).
Who Should Buy Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call?
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call is perfect for:
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-learn and effective diaphragm call.
- Experienced turkey hunters who want a reliable and versatile backup call.
- Hunters on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality and performance.
Those who should skip this product:
- Hunters who prefer the simplicity and consistency of box calls or pot calls.
- Hunters seeking advanced customization options or specialized cutting calls.
A must-have accessory is a call lanyard or case to keep the diaphragm readily accessible and protected from the elements.
Conclusion on Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call
The Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call delivers on its promise of providing an accessible and versatile turkey calling option for hunters of all skill levels. Its ease of use, realistic sound range, and durable construction make it an excellent value for the money. The Primos Select bridges the gap between novice-friendly simplicity and the nuanced realism of more advanced diaphragm calls.
The price is definitely justified, given the call’s performance and build quality. I would personally recommend the Primos Hunting Select Diaphragm Turkey Call to anyone looking for a reliable and effective diaphragm call without breaking the bank. Grab one and start talking turkey!