First Thoughts on the ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL, crafted by Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls, promises to deliver the soft and alluring sounds of a cow elk. It’s a diaphragm call, a type known for its compact size and hands-free operation, appealing to hunters who value stealth and efficiency. With two small cuts in the latex, the call is designed to easily produce realistic elk vocalizations. This call aims to simplify cow elk sounds, making it accessible even to novice callers.
My elk hunting experience spans over a decade, often frustrated by the difficulty of consistently producing realistic cow calls with other diaphragm calls. I sought a diaphragm call that was easy to control and consistently produced mellow cow sounds. The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL’s promise of easy cow sounds drew me in.
Unboxing the call was straightforward, typical of diaphragm elk calls. It felt lightweight and the Palate Plate design was noticeable. The latex felt appropriately thin, suggesting good vibration and potential for producing the desired sound. Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, like the Primos Hyper Lip Single, which requires significant air pressure, or the Bugling Bull Game Calls Imperial Plate, which can be difficult to position correctly, the Mello Momma’s simple design seemed promising. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the “Palate Plate” would indeed provide easier control and prevent gagging.
Real-World Testing: Putting ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL during a scouting trip in the Montana backcountry, mimicking early season elk calling scenarios. The weather was variable, with periods of dry warmth followed by cool, damp evenings. The call proved relatively easy to use.
Positioning the Palate Plate against the roof of my mouth behind my front teeth felt more comfortable than some other diaphragm calls. The instructions are clear: Palate Plate upwards, latex down, open end towards the front. The sounds it produced were indeed soft and mellow, requiring minimal air pressure. After some practice, I was able to create convincing mews and calf calls.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during scouting and actual early season hunts, the ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL has held up well. There are no visible signs of wear or tear on the latex or the frame. The call remains easy to clean; a quick rinse with water after use is sufficient.
Compared to my previous experiences with more complex diaphragm calls that require constant adjustments and precise tongue placement, the Mello Momma is a welcome change. It consistently produces the desired soft cow sounds with minimal effort. This call is a significant improvement over other calls I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL
Specifications
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL features:
- A diaphragm design for hands-free calling. It allows for realism and control.
- Two small cuts in the latex. This is to create the soft, mellow sounds of a cow elk.
- A “Palate Plate” design. It is meant to be placed further forward in the mouth to prevent gagging.
- A simple, easy-to-use construction. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced callers.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s usability and the quality of sound produced. The diaphragm design allows for hands-free operation, essential for bow hunters or when using binoculars. The cuts in the latex, along with the Palate Plate, determine the ease of producing realistic elk vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL performs its job admirably, consistently producing soft and realistic cow elk sounds. Its key strength is its ease of use; even with minimal practice, a user can create convincing mews, calf calls, and estrus whimpers. A minor weakness could be the limited range of sounds achievable compared to more versatile multi-reed calls. It more than meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mello Momma’s design is simple and functional. The materials used are durable and lightweight. The Palate Plate design contributes to comfortable placement in the mouth. Its user-friendly design translates to a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The call’s construction appears durable. The latex is adequately protected by the frame. Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning after use. Given proper care, it should last at least one to two hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Diaphragm calls aren’t typically customizable like external calls are. The focus is on mastering mouth placement and breath control.
Pros and Cons of ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL
Pros
- Easy to use: Minimal practice needed to produce realistic sounds.
- “Palate Plate” design: Comfortable and reduces gagging.
- Realistic cow elk sounds: Ideal for attracting bulls during the rut.
- Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry and use hands-free.
- Affordable price: Excellent value for the performance it offers.
Cons
- Limited sound range compared to multi-reed calls.
- Latex lifespan depends on usage and care.
Who Should Buy ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL?
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL is perfect for:
- Elk hunters of all experience levels: Its ease of use makes it ideal for beginners, while its realistic sounds appeal to seasoned hunters.
- Bow hunters: Its hands-free operation is a significant advantage for bow hunting situations.
- Hunters focusing on cow calls: It excels at producing soft and alluring cow sounds.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who prefer bugling and aggressive bull sounds. They would need to supplement this call with another type.
- Hunters who dislike using diaphragm calls and prefer external calls.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A call case to protect the latex from damage.
- Practice time is the only true “must have”.
Conclusion on ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL
The ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL is an excellent diaphragm call that delivers on its promise of producing easy and realistic cow elk sounds. At a price of $9.49, the value proposition is undeniable. The ease of use, combined with the comfortable Palate Plate design, makes it a standout product in the crowded elk call market.
I would personally recommend the ROCKY MTN MELLO MOMMA DIA ELK CALL to any elk hunter looking for a reliable and easy-to-use cow call. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it an essential addition to any elk hunting arsenal. Get yours today and experience the advantage of realistic cow elk sounds!