Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Review

The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed Made a Bold First Impression

As an avid elk hunter with over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve cycled through countless elk calls, each promising the sweet song of success. When I first laid eyes on the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed, I was cautiously optimistic. The Primos name carries weight, but diaphragm calls, especially single reeds, can be finicky.

I was searching for a diaphragm call that could consistently produce high-pitched cow and calf sounds. My old faithful call was losing its edge, and I needed something reliable for the upcoming season. The promise of the “Sound Plate,” designed to automatically position the call for easier use, immediately caught my attention.

Unboxing “The Belle,” I immediately noticed its compact and streamlined design. The diaphragm felt pliable and well-constructed. The Sound Plate, a feature unique to the Raghorn Ridge series, felt surprisingly natural against the roof of my mouth.

I’ve used single reed calls from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and Hunters Specialties in the past. While both were decent, neither offered the integrated Sound Plate promising effortless positioning. That differentiating factor swayed me towards The Belle.

My initial impression was a mix of intrigue and anticipation. I was eager to get it into the field and hear what sounds I could produce. Could this simple-looking call truly deliver on its promise of easy cow and calf sounds, or would it be another piece of gear collecting dust in my pack?

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test with the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed was during a scouting trip in the high country of Colorado. The air was crisp, the aspens were turning gold, and the elk were starting to stir. I planned to spend the day glassing for bulls and testing the call in a variety of scenarios.

The initial attempts to produce a realistic cow call were… well, let’s just say they weren’t pretty. It took a good 15 minutes of experimentation to find the sweet spot and get the proper tongue pressure and airflow. Once I figured it out, the call produced surprisingly clear and consistent high-pitched cow and calf sounds.

The Sound Plate did seem to help with consistent positioning, preventing the call from slipping or shifting too much. I found that I needed to apply less pressure than with traditional diaphragm calls. Even in the dry mountain air, the call performed well, requiring minimal moisture to produce sound.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. While it’s not a miracle worker, it consistently produces clear and realistic cow and calf sounds, especially after the initial learning curve.

Durability has been impressive. The diaphragm itself hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or tearing. I meticulously clean and dry the call after each use, storing it in a small protective case.

Compared to some of my previous diaphragm calls, The Belle requires less fiddling and fuss. It consistently performs, even after being exposed to moisture or temperature changes. I find myself reaching for it more often than some of my other, more expensive calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed

Specifications

• Type: Elk Diaphragm Call. This dictates its intended use for elk hunting.
• Reed: Single Reed. Single reed calls are typically easier for beginners to learn.
• Sound Plate: 16-Degree Angle. This is designed for automatic positioning and ease of use in producing specific elk sounds.
• Intended Sounds: Cow, Calf, and Spike Bull. This specifies the range of elk vocalizations the call is optimized for.
• Manufacturer: Primos. A well-known and respected brand in hunting calls.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the call’s ease of use and the quality of the sounds it produces. The single reed design makes it more accessible to beginners, while the Sound Plate aims to simplify the learning curve and ensure consistent sound quality. The 16-degree angle is specifically designed to make those crucial cow and calf sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed excels at producing high-pitched cow and calf sounds. With practice, I’ve been able to create a range of realistic elk vocalizations. The single reed design, coupled with the Sound Plate, simplifies the learning curve compared to more complex multi-reed calls.

The main strength of this call lies in its consistent performance. Once you master the basic technique, it reliably produces the desired sounds. The weakness is that mastering that basic technique takes some practice. It requires a bit of experimentation.

For the price, it exceeds my expectations. It’s a simple, reliable tool that delivers on its promise of easy cow and calf sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The Belle’s design is simple and functional. The Sound Plate is comfortable and doesn’t feel intrusive. The call itself is lightweight and easy to hold in place.

The learning curve is relatively short, thanks to the Sound Plate. However, some practice is still required to master the proper tongue pressure and airflow. With a bit of dedication, any hunter can learn to use this call effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed appears to be reasonably durable. The diaphragm material feels strong and resilient. With proper care, this call should last for several seasons.

Maintenance is straightforward. I simply rinse it with water and allow it to air dry after each use. Storing it in a protective case will further extend its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed doesn’t come with any specific accessories, nor does it offer any customization options. It’s a simple, self-contained product. However, it is compatible with most standard diaphragm call cases for storage and protection.

Pros and Cons of Primos Raghorn Ridge The Belle Diaphragm Call Single Reed