Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic Review

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic Made a Bold First Impression

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic promises to be a compact and effective solution for luring in game. At a price point of $18.99, it immediately piques the interest of budget-conscious hunters. This handheld electronic game call boasts a simple design and is intended for ease of use in the field.

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for affordable yet reliable equipment. My primary need was a lightweight, portable call that wouldn’t break the bank, allowing me to experiment with different calls without a significant investment. The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter seemed to fit the bill.

Unboxing the Mantis Six Shooter, my initial impression was that it’s decidedly… plastic. The brown plastic casing felt lightweight, almost too light, but I was prepared to give it a chance. Its simplicity was appealing; no complex screens or menus, just a straightforward selection dial and buttons.

Compared to more sophisticated electronic calls I’ve used, like those from Primos or Foxpro, the Mantis Six Shooter is worlds apart in features and construction. I chose it primarily for its portability and low cost, acknowledging that I was sacrificing advanced features for simplicity and affordability. My first thought was: “Let’s see if this little thing can actually call in a coyote.”

Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter on a recent coyote hunting trip in the high desert of Nevada. The conditions were dry, dusty, and cool, with a slight breeze. I set up near a known coyote crossing and began cycling through the calls.

The Mantis Six Shooter was easy enough to use, with the dial clicking positively into each call selection. However, the sound quality was noticeably tinny and lacked the depth and realism of higher-end calls. After about 30 minutes, a coyote did appear, but it was difficult to say if the call alone attracted it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter on various hunts, its limitations became more apparent. The plastic construction is holding up okay, with no major cracks or breaks, but it definitely feels fragile. Dust and dirt tend to accumulate in the crevices around the buttons and dial, requiring occasional cleaning.

The sound quality remains a significant drawback; it’s adequate for close-range calling but lacks the projection needed for open areas. Compared to previous experiences with higher-quality calls, the Mantis Six Shooter is undoubtedly a step down. I wouldn’t rely on it as my primary call, but it could serve as a backup or starter option for beginners.

Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic

Specifications

• Product Name: Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic.
• Manufacturer: Western Rivers.
• Type: Handheld Electronic Game Call.
• Material: Brown Plastic.
• Features: Handheld Six Shooter.

These specifications reveal a very basic, no-frills electronic game call. The plastic construction contributes to its low weight and cost, but also raises concerns about its long-term durability. The term “Six Shooter” implies a limited number of pre-programmed calls, which may not suit hunters seeking a wide variety of options.

Performance & Functionality

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter functions as a basic electronic game call, producing a sound with limited range. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use, allowing even novice hunters to quickly select and play different calls. The sound quality, however, is its main weakness, lacking the realism and depth needed to effectively lure in wary game.

It meets the basic expectation of producing sound, but falls short of delivering a convincing and effective calling performance. Improvements in sound quality and volume would significantly enhance its functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The brown plastic build feels cheap but is lightweight. The simple dial and buttons are easy to operate, even with gloves on.

The lack of a screen or advanced features minimizes any learning curve. This design prioritizes simplicity over sophisticated functionality.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic construction is the biggest concern regarding durability. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent dust and debris from interfering with the buttons and dial.

It seems straightforward to maintain, with no complex moving parts or electronic components to worry about. However, replacing the entire unit is likely more cost-effective than repairing it.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter does not come with any additional accessories beyond the unit itself. There are no customization options available.

The simplistic design and construction also limits the product’s compatibility with other brands’ accessories. There are no ports for external speakers or other add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic

Who Should Buy Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic?

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter is perfect for beginner hunters on a tight budget who want to experiment with electronic game calls. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who need a very lightweight and inexpensive backup call.

This product should be skipped by hunters who demand high-quality sound and a wide range of call options. Hunters who need a durable and reliable call for frequent use in harsh conditions should also consider other options.

A must-have accessory would be a small carrying case to protect the plastic unit from damage during transport. Stronger batteries than the included ones, if any are included.

Conclusion on Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Game Call Brown Plastic is a basic and affordable entry into the world of electronic game calling. While its sound quality and durability leave much to be desired, its simplicity and low price make it a reasonable option for beginners or as a backup call.

The price is justified for what it offers, but buyers should be aware of its limitations. I would recommend it with reservations, emphasizing its suitability for specific users and situations.

If you’re looking for a high-performance, feature-rich game call, look elsewhere. However, if you need something cheap and simple to get started, the Mantis Six Shooter might be worth a try. Just don’t expect it to perform miracles.