First Impressions of Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call promises to be a versatile tool for any elk hunter looking to replicate cow/calf sounds and transition to herd bull bugles. Coming from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls, a known name in the elk calling world, it piqued my interest as a possible addition to my calling arsenal. I was particularly interested in the NSU frame, designed for a more comfortable fit.
Having spent years chasing elk in the Rockies, I’ve learned the importance of a reliable and versatile diaphragm call. My primary issue has been finding a call that fits comfortably and doesn’t fatigue my mouth after extended use. The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call specifically addresses palate fit, which is what drew me to it.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed the construction quality and the feel of the latex. It seemed well-made, and the NSU frame definitely felt different than my other calls. Compared to my Primos Hyper Lip Single and my Bugling Bull Grunt Tube, the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call stood out due to its seemingly lower profile and single latex design. I chose this call hoping its comfortable fit would give me an edge during long calling sessions.
My initial impression was positive, tinged with anticipation. I was excited to get it into the field and see if the comfortable fit translated to more realistic and consistent calls. Only a field test would reveal if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call to a high-country meadow in the Flat Tops Wilderness during the peak of the elk rut. The weather was typical for that time of year: cool mornings with the potential for afternoon showers. I planned to test it in various scenarios: mimicking cow calls to lure in satellite bulls and attempting herd bull imitations to challenge dominant males.
The first thing I noticed was the call’s ease of use. It didn’t require a lot of air pressure to produce a realistic cow call, and the NSU frame truly did feel more comfortable than other calls I’ve used. I was able to produce clear, consistent sounds, even after several hours of calling.
However, I did initially struggle to transition to the deeper tones needed for a realistic herd bull bugle. It took some practice to find the right mouth position and airflow. Despite the initial learning curve, the comfortable fit of the diaphragm never became an issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting and practicing with the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call, it has become a staple in my pack. The latex has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or degradation. I’ve used it in both dry and wet conditions, and the call has consistently performed without any noticeable change in sound quality.
Maintaining the call is simple; I just rinse it with water after each use and store it in a dry place. Compared to previous diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call seems more durable and easier to maintain. It has definitely exceeded my expectations, providing both comfortable fit and reliable performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call
Specifications
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call is manufactured by Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls. Its key specifications are:
- Material: Latex
- Species: Elk
- Call Type: Diaphragm
- Designed for people with a “Medium Low Profile Palate Plate”
- Single latex construction.
The single latex construction is designed for replicating cow/calf sounds, and satellite to herd bull bugles. The NSU frame claims to provide a more comfortable fit. These specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and comfort during extended calling sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call excels at producing realistic cow and calf sounds. It requires minimal effort to create the high-pitched whines and mews that attract elk. It’s particularly effective for drawing in satellite bulls looking for estrus cows.
The transition to herd bull bugles requires more practice and control, but the call is capable of producing convincing deeper tones. The main strength of this call is its comfort and the quality of cow/calf sounds it produces. The only weakness is the slight learning curve required to master the herd bull bugle.
Overall, the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call meets its intended purpose and largely exceeds expectations, particularly regarding comfort.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call features a simple, yet effective design. The NSU frame is lightweight and fits comfortably in the mouth. The single latex reed is easy to manipulate and produce consistent sounds.
The call is user-friendly, even for beginners. A little practice is required, but most hunters will quickly learn to produce realistic elk sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call appears to be durable. The latex has held up well under extended use. Proper care, including rinsing after use and storing in a dry place, will likely extend its lifespan.
The call is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning. With proper care, this call should last for at least a few hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call itself doesn’t come with any accessories or customization options. However, it can be paired with a variety of elk calling accessories, such as a grunt tube or external reed call. There are no specific brand accessories needed.
Pros and Cons of Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call
Pros
- Extremely comfortable NSU frame for extended use.
- Excellent cow/calf sounds that are highly realistic and effective.
- Easy to use with minimal practice required for basic calls.
- Durable latex construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to hunters of all levels.
Cons
- Slight learning curve for producing realistic herd bull bugles.
- No included case to protect the call during storage and transport.
Who Should Buy Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call?
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call is perfect for elk hunters of all experience levels who prioritize comfort and realistic cow/calf sounds. It’s especially beneficial for hunters with a medium-low palate profile who have struggled to find a comfortable diaphragm call. Those looking for a primary call to create cow and calf sounds would greatly benefit from the call.
Hunters who solely focus on herd bull bugling might want to consider a more specialized call. Hunters looking for an all-in-one product that produces every type of elk call imaginable right out of the box, without much practice, might want to consider other options. A call case would be a welcome addition to protect and easily carry the call.
Conclusion on Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call
The Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call is a well-designed and effective tool for elk hunting. The comfortable fit and realistic cow/calf sounds make it a standout product in its category. At a price of $13.95, the value proposition is excellent.
I would definitely recommend the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls NSU Series Elk Diaphragm Monarch Game Call to any elk hunter looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable diaphragm call. It’s a valuable addition to any elk hunter’s arsenal. So, get out there and make some noise!