Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed Review

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed Made a Bold First Impression

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed is a calling device designed to replicate the sounds of elk, primarily estrus cows and their young. Marketed toward hunters looking for an edge in the field, the call leverages a double-reed design and a unique “dome” structure. Manufacturer doesn’t appear to be explicitly named in the provided data, but the product’s design aims for consistent sound production and ease of use.

I was driven to this call due to ongoing challenges in consistently producing realistic elk sounds. My previous calls felt either too complicated or yielded inconsistent tones that likely spooked more elk than they attracted. I needed something simple, reliable, and able to create convincing estrus cow calls.

Upon receiving the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed, the initial impression was one of simplicity and compact design. The weight was negligible, emphasizing portability, a crucial feature for a product carried during long hunts. The plastic dome felt robust enough for its intended purpose, and the latex reeds appeared neatly positioned.

Compared to diaphragm calls (which require significant practice) and more complex tube calls, the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed stands out for its promise of ease of use. Diaphragm calls from Primos and tube calls from Bugling Bull Game Calls offer broader sound ranges but demand a steeper learning curve. I chose the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed hoping to achieve acceptable realism with significantly less effort.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The promise of automatically correct positioning and consistent sound was enticing, especially given its low price point of $5.49. Time would tell if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed was during a scouting trip in the Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. The environment was dry with moderate winds, typical for early elk season.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. Unlike diaphragm calls that took me weeks to master (or at least somewhat control), the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed required minimal practice. Positioning the call correctly in my mouth was intuitive, thanks to the dome design.

The sound produced was a reasonable imitation of an estrus cow call. It was consistent and clear, avoiding the common pitfall of reed calls that can produce raspy or uneven tones with slight variations in air pressure. No major issues presented themselves during the initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed has proven surprisingly durable for its price point. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the plastic dome, although the latex reeds are starting to show slight fraying along the edges.

Maintenance is simple. After each hunt, I rinse the call with warm water and allow it to air dry. A quick inspection ensures no debris is lodged between the reeds. It’s significantly easier to maintain than diaphragm calls, which require careful handling to prevent damage to the latex.

Compared to past experiences with diaphragm and tube calls, the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed offers a different, though valuable, proposition. It doesn’t provide the nuanced control of a diaphragm call for advanced calling sequences, but it delivers consistent, usable elk sounds with significantly less effort. This makes it a reliable tool for drawing in curious elk.

Breaking Down the Features of Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed

Specifications

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed features a simple, yet functional design.

• Two Latex Reeds: These are the core components responsible for sound production. They vibrate against each other when air is blown through the call, generating the elk sounds.
• Dome Design: The dome maintains a consistent distance between the reeds and the roof of the mouth, facilitating consistent sound production. This is intended to eliminate the variability often associated with mouth calls.
• Pre-Positioned Design: The call is designed to be automatically positioned correctly in the mouth. This feature greatly simplifies the learning curve for novice users.
• Reproduces Estrus Cow and Calf Sounds: The call is specifically designed to create the sounds of estrus cows and calves, attracting bulls during mating season.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s ease of use and the consistency of its sound. The latex reeds offer a natural, realistic tone, while the dome design ensures proper reed placement. This eliminates much of the guesswork involved in using other types of elk calls.

Performance & Functionality

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed performs its primary function, reproducing estrus cow and calf sounds, effectively. The resulting call is clear and consistent.

The strength of this call lies in its simplicity and consistency. Even a beginner can produce usable elk sounds quickly.
A notable weakness is the limited range of sounds compared to diaphragm or tube calls, which are capable of producing more complex bugles and cow calls.
Overall, it meets expectations as a basic, easy-to-use elk call.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed is adequate, considering its low price point. The plastic dome is lightweight and comfortable in the mouth, though it lacks the premium feel of more expensive calls.

The call is highly user-friendly. The intuitive design requires minimal practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed is reasonably durable. Regular rinsing and air drying should prolong its lifespan. Replacing the reeds may be necessary after extended use, but this is a common maintenance task for most reed-based calls.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to its simple design. No third-party modifications are typically applicable or necessary.

Pros and Cons of Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed

Who Should Buy Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed?

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed is perfect for beginner elk hunters, or experienced hunters looking for a simple, reliable backup call. Its ease of use makes it ideal for those who struggle with diaphragm calls or prefer a more straightforward approach.

Hunters seeking a wide range of elk vocalizations and nuanced control should skip this product and opt for more advanced calling systems.

A lanyard for keeping the call readily accessible would be a useful, though non-essential, accessory.

Conclusion on Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed

The Sonic Dome Elk Series Double Reed is a surprisingly effective and affordable tool for attracting elk. Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity.

The price is more than justified by its performance. It’s a budget-friendly option that delivers consistent results.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-use elk call, particularly beginners. Don’t expect professional-grade sounds, but for the price and ease of use, it’s a solid addition to any hunter’s arsenal. Give it a try and call in that bull!