Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call Review

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call promises a budget-friendly entry into the world of electronic game calling. Western Rivers, known for their accessible outdoor gear, aims to equip hunters with a versatile tool boasting 75 pre-loaded sounds in a compact package. My journey to this particular call started with a growing frustration over consistently spooking game with my own clumsy attempts at mouth calls.

I was tired of ruining hunts with off-key elk bugles and raspy turkey clucks that sounded more like a dying frog. The promise of pre-loaded, authentic animal sounds was incredibly appealing. Unboxing the Mantis 75R, my first impression was that it felt surprisingly lightweight. The plastic casing seemed adequate, though not overly robust, and the LCD screen, while small, appeared functional.

I considered other options, including the Primos Alpha Dogg and the Foxpro Shockwave, both feature-rich and considerably more expensive. Ultimately, the price point of the Western Rivers Mantis 75R won me over, as a trial run before investing heavily in more premium options. I was cautiously optimistic.

Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place during a coyote hunt in the high desert of Nevada. The landscape was characterized by sparse vegetation and howling winds, a challenging environment for any electronic call. Setting up the Mantis 75R was straightforward, and navigating the menu to select a coyote distress call was intuitive enough, even with gloves on. The call projected the sound adequately, and within 20 minutes, a coyote appeared on the ridge about 300 yards out.

The initial excitement quickly faded when the coyote paused, tilted its head, and then promptly turned and vanished. The sound quality, while passable, lacked the depth and realism of higher-end calls. I experimented with different volume levels, trying to find the sweet spot where the call was audible but not artificial, but the initial experience was not very rewarding.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Western Rivers Mantis 75R across different hunting scenarios, its limitations became more apparent. While it functioned consistently, its performance was heavily reliant on environmental conditions. In dense woods or on calm days, the sound projection was adequate, but in windy conditions, its effectiveness diminished considerably. The plastic casing, while lightweight, began to show scratches and scuffs, raising concerns about its long-term durability.

Cleaning was simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. However, the battery life proved to be shorter than advertised, necessitating frequent battery replacements. Compared to my past experience with diaphragm calls, the Mantis 75R offered convenience but sacrificed authenticity and nuanced control. It’s an entry-level tool, not a game-changer.

Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call

Specifications

• The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call features 75 pre-loaded calls, offering a wide variety of animal sounds. These include calls for wolf, elk, deer, hog, turkey, bobcat, coyote, moose, rabbit, duck, and fox.
• It includes a random repeat time option, designed to add realism to the calling sequence. This feature varies the intervals between sound repetitions, preventing the call from sounding too predictable.
• The device features an LCD screen readout, providing information on the selected call and volume level. The screen is small but serves its purpose for basic navigation.
• The unit is powered by 4 AAA batteries (not included), a common but sometimes inconvenient power source. Battery life is a notable concern, especially during prolonged use.

These specifications provide a broad range of calling options and basic functionality, but the limitations in sound quality and battery life impact the overall user experience. The random repeat time is a welcome feature, but it doesn’t fully compensate for the call’s artificial sound.

Performance & Functionality

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call performs its primary function – playing pre-recorded animal sounds – adequately. However, the quality of those sounds is where it falls short. The calls lack the richness and natural variation of higher-end models, often sounding tinny and artificial, particularly at higher volumes.

The device’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The menu is straightforward to navigate, and the buttons are responsive, even with gloves on. Its weaknesses are sound quality and limited projection. It meets basic expectations for an entry-level call but does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mantis 75R is constructed from lightweight plastic, making it easy to carry in the field. However, the plastic feels somewhat flimsy and prone to scratches and cracks. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic appeal.

The device fits comfortably in the hand, and the buttons are well-placed and easily accessible. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call is questionable, based on my initial experiences. The plastic casing is susceptible to damage from drops and impacts, and the battery compartment cover feels particularly vulnerable. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

Repairing the device is likely not feasible, given its low cost and construction. It is designed as a disposable tool, rather than a long-lasting investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call does not come with any additional accessories, other than a basic instruction manual. There are no customization options available. The device is a self-contained unit, with no provisions for external speakers or additional sound libraries.

The lack of accessory compatibility limits the Mantis 75R‘s versatility. Hunters seeking greater control and customization will need to look elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call

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Who Should Buy Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call?

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call is perfect for beginner hunters on a tight budget who want to experiment with electronic game calling. It is also suitable for casual hunters who occasionally need a basic call for close-range scenarios.

This product should be skipped by serious or experienced hunters who demand high-quality sound, long-range projection, and rugged durability. A must-have accessory would be a large supply of AAA batteries.

Conclusion on Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call

The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Electronic Call offers an affordable entry point into the world of electronic game calling. However, its limitations in sound quality, range, and durability make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious hunters. The price is justified for what it offers, but buyers should be aware of its compromises.

I would recommend this product with reservations. It’s a decent starting point but not a long-term solution. Consider this your “training wheels” before upgrading to a more professional-grade call.

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