Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey Review

First Thoughts on the Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey call promises versatility and realistic sounds to lure even the most seasoned gobblers. Coming from Primos, a well-known name in hunting calls, this diaphragm call features a spike cut upper reed designed for a range of yelps. At a price point of $9.49, it positions itself as an affordable option for both beginner and experienced turkey hunters alike.

I’ve been turkey hunting for over a decade, and my biggest challenge has always been adapting my calls to different birds and conditions. I needed a versatile call that could produce a variety of sounds with decent volume. The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey, with its promise of diverse yelps and adequate volume, seemed like it might be the solution.

Upon receiving the call, the first thing I noticed was its compact size. The diaphragm felt comfortable against the roof of my mouth, a crucial factor for extended calling sessions. The build quality appeared decent for the price, but the real test would be how it sounded in the field.

I compared it to my trusted slate call and my older diaphragm calls from Hunter Specialties and Quaker Boy. While the slate offered a richer, more resonant sound, the diaphragm calls provided superior hands-free operation. The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey aimed to bridge the gap, offering diverse sounds in a hands-free format, which is why I chose it.

My initial impression was cautious optimism. Could a sub-$10 call truly deliver the versatility and volume it promised? Only time and testing in the field would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey was during the spring turkey season in the hardwood forests of southern Missouri. I used it in conjunction with my box call to locate birds and then switched to the diaphragm for more subtle calling as I closed the distance. The terrain was varied, from open fields to dense thickets, demanding a call that could perform in diverse environments.

The call performed surprisingly well in different conditions. While it struggled slightly in windy conditions due to its inherent volume limitations compared to a box call, it excelled in calmer, wooded areas. The spike cut reed allowed me to produce a range of yelps, clucks, and purrs, mimicking a hen effectively.

It took a few minutes to get used to the call, finding the sweet spot for different tones. With some practice, I was able to produce consistent and realistic sounds. The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey required a bit more air control than some of my other diaphragm calls, but the added effort translated to greater sound variety.

The only issue I encountered during the first use was a slight reed stickiness initially. This cleared up after a few minutes of use and some saliva application. Overall, my first experience was positive, with the call demonstrating its versatility and potential for fooling gobblers.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey held up remarkably well. Despite frequent use and exposure to moisture, the reeds maintained their shape and sound quality. There were no signs of significant wear and tear.

I diligently cleaned the call after each hunt by rinsing it with water and allowing it to air dry. This simple maintenance routine helped to preserve its performance. The call required minimal care and proved to be quite resilient.

Compared to some of my higher-end diaphragm calls, the Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey didn’t quite match the tonal depth and richness. However, considering its price point and versatility, it significantly outperformed my expectations. It became a reliable go-to call in my turkey hunting arsenal.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey

Specifications

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey call features premium hand-cut reeds designed by professionals. It incorporates a spike cut upper reed, enabling a versatile range of calls. The call is designed to produce convincing, realistic tones.

This diaphragm call is part of the Hook Hunter series from Primos. It is intended to provide ample volume for various hunting conditions. The spike cut reed is the main spec that differentiates it, being the key factor enabling that high level of versatility.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The spike cut reed allows for consistent yelps, clucks, purrs and even cuts. It offers decent volume, suitable for most hunting scenarios.

The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and realistic sound production, while a slight weakness is its limited projection in very windy conditions. The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey meets and slightly exceeds expectations, especially considering its affordable price. It delivers solid performance and a variety of tones, proving to be a valuable tool in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey features a standard diaphragm design. The materials used feel durable enough for regular use. It is relatively comfortable to hold in the mouth.

The call is user-friendly, although mastering its full range of sounds requires some practice. The learning curve is minimal for experienced diaphragm users, but beginners may need to spend some time finding the sweet spot for different tones.

Durability & Maintenance

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey is designed to last for at least one season with proper care. With regular cleaning and maintenance, it may last longer. Maintenance involves rinsing the call with water and air-drying it after each use.

There are no readily available repair options for diaphragm calls. However, preventive maintenance can extend its lifespan. This is a consumable item so it will eventually degrade with use, no matter how you maintain it.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey does not come with any accessories. Being a diaphragm call, customization options are limited. There are no available modifications.

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey is designed to be used as is. It doesn’t require any additional accessories to function effectively.

Pros and Cons of Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey

Who Should Buy Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey?

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels seeking a versatile and affordable diaphragm call. It is also ideal for those who prefer hands-free calling. It’s a great choice for hunters needing a reliable backup call.

This call might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in extremely windy conditions or those seeking the absolute richest, most resonant tones. Such hunters might prefer a high-end pot call instead. No must-have accessories are required, but a call carrier can protect it.

Conclusion on Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey

The Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey offers excellent value for its price. Its versatile sound production and decent volume make it a valuable tool for turkey hunters of all levels. The price of $9.49 is definitely justified by the performance and features offered.

I would personally recommend the Primos Sharp Hook Diaphragm Turkey to any turkey hunter looking for an affordable and versatile diaphragm call. Give it a try this season and experience the versatility for yourself. Add this call to your arsenal and see if you can fool that wary old gobbler!