Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart Review

The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart Made a Bold First Impression

The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart Breaker Open Reed Cow Call from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls isn’t just another piece of hunting gear; it’s a finely tuned instrument designed to pierce through the mountain air and coax even the most call-shy elk into range. It promises authentic cow elk sounds with user-friendly operation, a tempting proposition for any serious elk hunter.

I had been struggling to consistently produce realistic cow calls with my older diaphragm calls, often resulting in frustrated breaths and spooked elk. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use call that could consistently deliver the right sounds, regardless of weather conditions or my own fluctuating skill level. The Atomic-13 Heart seemed to offer that solution, and the price point of $33.49 made it an accessible upgrade.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the call’s compact design and sturdy construction. It felt solid in my hand, not flimsy or cheap. The open reed design was clean and appeared well-crafted, sparking a sense of confidence that this call would be able to stand up to the rigors of the hunt.

Compared to my collection of various diaphragm calls, the Atomic-13 Heart stands out due to its ease of use; diaphragm calls require a specific technique and a lot of practice to master. This open reed call offered the promise of instant results. I chose it over other open reed calls mainly because of Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls‘ reputation for quality and realistic sound reproduction.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to get into the field and put the Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart to the test, hoping it would live up to its claims and solve my elk calling woes.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Atomic-13 Heart took place during the early archery season in the high-country of Colorado. I positioned myself on a heavily timbered ridge overlooking a meadow, hoping to entice a bull from his bedding area. The weather was clear and cool, with a slight breeze—ideal conditions for calling.

The Atomic-13 Heart proved surprisingly easy to use, producing a realistic and convincing series of cow calls with minimal effort. I mixed in some soft mews and slightly more aggressive estrus calls, attempting to simulate a cow elk searching for a mate. To my surprise, within minutes, a young five-point bull appeared at the edge of the timber, cautiously approaching my location.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; no tricky mouth positioning or constant adjustments were required. The call performed well, even when my hands were slightly damp from the morning dew. My first experience was a success, and I was excited to see how it would perform over the rest of the season.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting in various conditions, the Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart continued to impress. It held up well to the daily abuse of being carried in my pack and exposed to the elements. There were no signs of significant wear and tear, even after repeated use.

Cleaning the call was simple; a quick rinse with water and a wipe down with a cloth were all it took to keep it in top condition. Compared to my diaphragm calls, which require careful cleaning and occasional replacement, the Atomic-13 Heart was a breeze to maintain. It outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and ease of maintenance, proving to be a reliable tool in my elk hunting arsenal.

Breaking Down the Features of Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart

Specifications

• The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart is an open reed cow elk call. Its design prioritizes ease of use and realistic sound reproduction.
• It is designed to create a range of cow elk vocalizations, from soft mews to more aggressive estrus calls. The call’s simple construction allows for consistent performance in various weather conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Atomic-13 Heart excels at producing realistic cow elk sounds with minimal effort. Its consistency is a major strength.
However, the lack of adjustability can be a limitation for hunters who prefer more nuanced control over their calls. It definitely meets expectations as a reliable and user-friendly option.

Design & Ergonomics

The Atomic-13 Heart features a compact and lightweight design. It feels comfortable in the hand.
Its user-friendly design requires minimal learning curve, making it suitable for both novice and experienced elk hunters. The build quality appears to be high, promising good durability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Atomic-13 Heart is built to withstand the rigors of the hunt. Its simple design minimizes the number of parts that could potentially fail.
Maintaining the call is extremely easy, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove moisture and debris. This ease of maintenance ensures the call remains in optimal condition for extended use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Its design is relatively simple.
There are limited customization options available, as it’s primarily an open reed call. However, some hunters might experiment with different reeds to alter the sound. It appears to be universally compatible with lanyards and call holders from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart

Who Should Buy Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart?

The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart is perfect for novice elk hunters who are looking for an easy-to-use and reliable call. It’s also great for experienced hunters who want a backup call or a simple option for specific calling situations.

Those who should skip this product are experienced callers who prefer the nuanced control and versatility of diaphragm calls or more complex calling systems. A must-have accessory is a call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible while hunting.

Conclusion on Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart

The Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart is a fantastic entry-level elk call that delivers on its promises. Its ease of use and realistic sound reproduction make it a valuable tool for any elk hunter, especially beginners.

The price of $33.49 is more than justified for the quality and performance you receive. I would absolutely recommend the Rocky Mountain Atomic-13 Heart to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use cow elk call. Get yours today and start calling in those bulls!