The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, from selecting the perfect pack for a week-long trek to choosing the right call for a challenging elk hunt. The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior piqued my interest as a potential game-changer for novice elk callers. Its NSU “Next Step Up” design promises to simplify the learning curve, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My elk calling journey began with frustration. Traditional diaphragm calls felt awkward, my tongue placement was always off, and the resulting sounds were more akin to a dying cow than a seductive elk. The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior aims to solve this with its recessed latex and palate plate, claiming to guide tongue placement for easier sound production. I wanted to test if this design truly simplified the process.
Upon receiving the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior, the packaging was simple but functional. The call itself felt lightweight and the palate plate seemed comfortably shaped. I immediately appreciated the thought put into the NSU “Next Step Up” design.
I had considered the Primos Hyper Lip Single and the Bugling Bull Game Calls Terminator, but the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior’s claim of simplifying the learning process swayed my decision. The Primos call, while effective, can be difficult for beginners, and the Terminator requires more advanced techniques. The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior appeared more accessible.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The design felt promising, and the price point was certainly appealing. I was eager to get into the field and see if the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior could truly transform my elk calling abilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior in the foothills of the Rockies during a scouting trip in preparation for the upcoming elk season. The weather was cool and dry, typical for early September, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation. I wanted to see if the “Medium Low Profile Palate Plate” was truly comfortable and aided the “correct position” placement for my tongue.
The call performed admirably in the dry conditions, maintaining its shape and integrity. The NSU frame seemed to help keep the latex in place, even with repeated use. I did notice a slight learning curve in finding the sweet spot for making different sounds, but overall, it was significantly easier to produce elk-like noises compared to traditional diaphragm calls.
The primary issue I experienced was initial breath control. Even with the NSU frame making tongue placement simple, producing realistic sounds still demanded consistent breath.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent practice and a few actual hunting trips, the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior has held up reasonably well. There’s no significant wear and tear on the latex, although I anticipate needing to replace it after a full season of use. This is typical for any diaphragm call.
Maintaining the call is straightforward; I simply rinse it with warm water after each use and allow it to air dry. Occasional cleaning with a mild antibacterial soap helps prevent the buildup of saliva and bacteria. I found it held better than previous lower-end diaphragm calls, and at a much better price point than premium brands, but the trade-off would be lifespan.
Compared to my experiences with higher-end diaphragm calls from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls (RMHC), the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior doesn’t quite match the nuanced sound quality or durability. However, given the price difference, it’s a solid performer, especially for beginners or those on a budget. It does, however, outperform cheaper, no-name calls that are available.
Breaking Down the Features of Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior
Specifications
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NSU “Next Step Up” Design: The recessed latex and palate plate guide tongue placement, simplifying the learning process for novice callers. This is crucial for beginners who struggle with traditional diaphragm calls.
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Medium Low Profile Palate Plate: Designed for a comfortable fit, promoting efficient use of the call. A comfortable fit translates to longer practice sessions and more realistic sounds.
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Single Latex Construction: Creates cow/calf sounds and satellite to herd bull bugles. This allows for versatility in mimicking different elk vocalizations.
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Medium Mid-Profile Advanced NSU Frame: Provides support and stability for the latex, ensuring consistent sound production. The frame contributes to the call’s overall durability and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior performs its job admirably, particularly in producing cow/calf sounds. The single latex design allows for easy manipulation of the call to create a variety of realistic elk vocalizations. I found the satellite to herd bull bugles were a little tougher, but still manageable with practice.
The primary strength lies in its accessibility for beginners. The NSU design genuinely simplifies the learning curve. A potential weakness is the single latex design might not have the same nuanced sound quality as double or triple latex calls.
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior meets expectations for a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly elk call. It exceeds expectations in terms of ease of use compared to traditional diaphragm calls.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point. The materials feel durable enough for regular use. The Medium Low Profile Palate Plate is comfortable in the mouth, even during extended calling sessions.
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve thanks to the NSU design. Even those with no prior experience using diaphragm calls should be able to produce basic elk sounds relatively quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior should last for at least one full hunting season. Regular cleaning and proper storage will extend its lifespan.
The call is easy to maintain and repair. Replacing the latex is a simple process, and replacement latex is readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no real customization options available for diaphragm calls in general.
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases. Users may opt to use a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.
Pros and Cons of Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly Design: The NSU “Next Step Up” design significantly simplifies the learning curve for novice elk callers. This allows beginners to produce elk sounds more quickly and easily.
- Comfortable Fit: The Medium Low Profile Palate Plate provides a comfortable fit in the mouth, even during extended calling sessions. Comfort is essential for long hunting days.
- Versatile Sound Production: The single latex construction allows for a variety of elk vocalizations, including cow/calf sounds and satellite to herd bull bugles. Versatility is critical for effectively communicating with elk.
- Affordable Price: The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior is a budget-friendly option for those looking to get started with elk calling. The value provides an entry point into more successful hunting.
- Easy to Maintain: Regular cleaning is simple and straightforward, extending the life of the call.
Cons
- The single latex construction doesn’t have the same nuanced sound quality as double or triple latex calls. More experienced callers may find the sounds to be too simplistic.
- The durability is good, but not on par with higher-end diaphragm calls. Users can expect to replace the latex more frequently.
Who Should Buy Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior?
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior is perfect for beginner elk hunters, budget-conscious hunters, and anyone who struggles with traditional diaphragm calls. Its ease of use and affordable price make it an excellent entry point into the world of elk calling.
Those who should skip this product include experienced elk callers seeking premium sound quality, hunters who demand extreme durability from their gear, and those willing to invest in higher-end diaphragm calls. These folks would be better served with a more advanced, customizable option.
Must-have accessories include a diaphragm call case to protect the call, a lanyard to keep it readily accessible, and replacement latex for extended use. A practice tube might also be beneficial for honing your calling skills.
Conclusion on Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior
The Rmhc Elk Diaphragm Nsu Series Warrior is a solid, budget-friendly option for beginner elk callers. The NSU design truly simplifies the learning curve, making it easier to produce realistic elk sounds. While it might not match the nuanced sound quality or durability of higher-end calls, it offers excellent value for the price.
The price is definitely justified. For $11.99, you get a functional, easy-to-use elk call that can significantly improve your chances of success in the field.
I would definitely recommend it to beginner elk hunters or anyone struggling with traditional diaphragm calls. It’s a great way to get started without breaking the bank. Pick one up and start practicing. Your next elk hunt might just be your most successful one yet!