Roadkill Mini-Me Split V Review

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V Made a Bold First Impression

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V from Roadkill Game Calls isn’t just another mouth call; it’s a promise of bringing the thrill of the hunt to a younger generation. I was immediately drawn to its claim of being one of the easiest-blown calls in the industry, a critical factor when introducing newcomers to the art of turkey hunting. My initial thought was: can something so affordable truly deliver on such bold claims?

I’ve spent years guiding youth hunts, witnessing firsthand the frustration that poorly designed calls can inflict on young hunters. Many struggle with the required air pressure and mouth control. Therefore, I needed a call that could bridge the gap between beginner and proficient, fostering a love for the sport rather than discouragement.

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V arrived in simple packaging, which is perfectly acceptable given the price point. My initial impression was that it’s small and lightweight, which is perfect for smaller mouths. The premium latex seemed well-seated, and the hand-stretched precision was evident upon close inspection, suggesting a quality build despite the budget-friendly price.

I’ve used calls like the Primos Lil’ Deucey and the HS Strut Lil’ Striker in the past for youth hunters. However, the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V‘s claim of ease-of-use and sharp cutting ability intrigued me, prompting me to give it a try. I chose this call hoping its purportedly lighter stretch on the latex would provide an edge in helping younger hunters achieve consistent and realistic sounds.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of ease-of-use combined with the affordability of the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V was certainly appealing. The real test would be whether it could live up to the hype in the field, especially with a young hunter in tow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Roadkill Mini-Me Split V to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V during a youth turkey hunt in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The weather was damp and cool, a typical spring morning in the Bluegrass State. My 12-year-old nephew, eager but inexperienced, was my hunting partner for the day.

He immediately took to the call, producing surprisingly realistic yelps with minimal instruction. The ease with which he was able to create different turkey sounds – from cutting to raspy yelps – was genuinely impressive, even in the damp conditions. I was shocked, as other calls required a significant learning curve.

There was a slight learning curve in finding the sweet spot for the fly-down cackle, but this was quickly overcome with a few minutes of practice. He quickly started mimicking the real deal. The initial use proved the call’s key selling point: it’s incredibly easy to blow and effective for beginners.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continued use, both by my nephew and myself, the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V has held up remarkably well. The latex, despite the light stretch, has maintained its integrity and responsiveness. I expected some deterioration after exposure to moisture and repeated use, but the call continues to perform consistently.

There’s minimal wear and tear, even after being subjected to the rigors of being carried in a vest pocket, often alongside other calls and gear. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with water and air-drying is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The simplicity of maintenance is a huge plus, especially for young hunters who may not be diligent about cleaning their gear.

Compared to previous youth calls I’ve used, the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V outperforms them in terms of ease of use and realistic sound production. Some other calls require considerably more air pressure or precise tongue placement to achieve similar results. This one empowers young hunters to sound like seasoned pros from the get-go.

Breaking Down the Features of Roadkill Mini-Me Split V

Specifications

• The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V is a three-reed youth frame mouth call. This design helps create a wide range of turkey vocalizations.

• It utilizes premium latex that is hand-stretched for precision. This contributes to its ease of use and realistic sound.

• The call is designed with the same stretch as the Roadkill Shipwreck. This feature ensures consistent performance across the Roadkill line.

• Its key feature is its light stretch on the latex. This is what makes it one of the easiest-blown calls available.

• It’s capable of producing extremely sharp cutting, raspy yelps, fly-down cackles, and plain yelps. The versatility makes it ideal for various hunting situations.

These specifications matter because they directly translate to the call’s effectiveness in the field. The three-reed design and premium latex are essential for creating realistic turkey sounds. The hand-stretched latex and light stretch are critical for ease of use, especially for youth hunters who may lack the lung capacity or mouth control of experienced callers.

Performance & Functionality

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V performs admirably, delivering on its promise of ease of use and versatility. Its ability to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations makes it a valuable tool for attracting gobblers in various stages of the breeding season. The call is especially effective at creating sharp, attention-grabbing cuts that can break through the early morning silence.

Its primary strength lies in its accessibility for beginners. This makes it an ideal call for introducing young hunters to the art of turkey calling. While it excels at producing basic yelps and cuts, mastering more complex sounds like the fly-down cackle requires some practice.

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V definitely meets, and even exceeds, expectations given its price point. It’s rare to find a call that is both so affordable and so user-friendly. It delivers performance that rivals many higher-priced options.

Design & Ergonomics

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V is designed with a small, comfortable frame that fits easily in the mouth. The latex reeds are precisely positioned, ensuring optimal airflow and sound production. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to hold in place for extended periods, reducing fatigue during long hunts.

The design is incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve for producing basic turkey sounds. Its intuitive design means even first-time users can achieve realistic results with minimal effort.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its simple construction and use of premium latex, the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V is surprisingly durable. With proper care, it should last for several seasons of hunting. The call is easy to clean and maintain. A quick rinse with water and air drying after each use will help extend its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V does not come with any additional accessories. However, there are no customization options available for mouth calls of this type. Its simple, straightforward design is intended to be used as-is. It is compatible with any standard mouth call case or lanyard for easy carrying.

Pros and Cons of Roadkill Mini-Me Split V

Who Should Buy Roadkill Mini-Me Split V?

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V is perfect for youth hunters, beginner turkey hunters, and anyone looking for an easy-to-use and affordable mouth call. Experienced hunters looking for a reliable backup call or a simple option for specific calling scenarios might also find it useful.

This product might not be the best choice for seasoned professionals who demand the absolute highest level of realism and nuance in their calling. It’s also not ideal for hunters who prefer more complex, multi-reed calls with advanced features.

A must-have accessory is a simple mouth call case to protect the reeds from damage and contamination. Consider a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible during hunts.

Conclusion on Roadkill Mini-Me Split V

The Roadkill Mini-Me Split V is a standout product in the world of youth turkey calls. It delivers on its promise of ease of use and versatility at an incredibly affordable price. Its durability and realistic sound production make it a valuable tool for any beginner or experienced hunter looking for a simple, effective call.

The price is absolutely justified. Given its performance and ease of use, the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V represents excellent value.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Roadkill Mini-Me Split V to anyone looking to introduce a young hunter to the thrill of turkey hunting. Or to any adult who wants an easy-to-use mouth call. It’s a game-changer that makes learning to call turkeys fun and rewarding. Pick one up today and experience the difference!