Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Eletronic Caller Review

Let’s Dive into Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Eletronic Caller

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller is a compact and budget-friendly option for hunters looking to lure in predators or game animals. With six pre-loaded calls, a simple interface, and a portable design, it seems like a straightforward tool for adding an auditory element to your hunting strategy. I was intrigued by its simplicity and price point, wondering if it could provide reliable performance despite its basic features.

For years I relied on mouth calls, honing my diaphragm control and mimicking animal sounds. But sometimes, especially when dealing with wind or fatigue, a reliable electronic caller is a game-changer. I needed something lightweight, easy to use, and pre-programmed with the essential calls, without breaking the bank.

Upon unboxing the Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller, my first impression was its compact size. It felt lightweight and the plastic casing seemed reasonably durable, although not exceptionally rugged. The design is simple, with a large volume knob and a clearly labeled call selector.

I considered other callers with more advanced features like programmable sound banks and remote controls. However, the Mantis Six Shooter stood out due to its simplicity and affordability. I chose it because it offered the essential calls I needed at a price that made it an attractive option for supplementing my existing calling techniques. Other callers had more features, but this one provided the essentials.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for a quick and easy calling solution. I was also slightly concerned about the sound quality and range given the unit’s size and price.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Eletronic Caller to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run with the Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller was during a coyote hunting trip in the high desert of Nevada. I set the caller up near a dry wash and used the “Coyote Locator” call to see if I could get a response. The wind was relatively calm, and the terrain was open, allowing me to assess the sound projection.

The caller performed adequately in these conditions. The sound carried a decent distance, although not as far as some higher-end callers I’ve used. The calls were clear enough, although I noticed a slight “tinny” quality to some of the higher-pitched sounds. I got a response from a coyote after about 20 minutes, which was encouraging.

The Mantis Six Shooter was easy to use right out of the box. Selecting calls and adjusting the volume was straightforward. The hand lanyard was a useful feature, allowing me to keep the caller close without having to hold it constantly.

One minor issue I encountered was that the volume control seemed a bit sensitive. It was easy to accidentally turn the volume up too high or too low. Also, the speaker is on the back, which limits sound projection.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller on various hunting trips, it has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from freezing to moderately warm. I’ve also subjected it to some light rain and dusty conditions.

The plastic casing has shown no signs of cracking or breaking. The call selector and volume knob still function smoothly. The battery life seems reasonable, although I recommend carrying spare AAA batteries just in case.

Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe the unit down with a damp cloth after each use. I’ve noticed that the sound quality has remained consistent over time.

Compared to other, more expensive electronic callers I’ve used, the Mantis Six Shooter doesn’t offer the same level of sound fidelity or range. However, for its price point, it performs admirably. It is a reliable and effective tool for basic calling needs.

Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Eletronic Caller

Specifications

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller features six pre-loaded calls: Cottontail in distress, Woodpecker in distress, Rodent squeaks, Coyote locator, Fawn Distress, and Fox pup distress. It has an on/off switch and a volume control knob for adjusting the sound level. The unit operates on four AAA batteries (not included).

The Mantis Six Shooter has a compact handheld design and includes a hand lanyard for easy carrying. Its construction consists of metal components and a plastic housing. The caller is primarily marketed for attracting fox and other predators.

The choice of pre-loaded calls is crucial, as it determines the caller’s versatility for different hunting scenarios. The AAA battery power source is convenient, but battery life can impact the caller’s performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller performs its core function – playing animal calls – reasonably well. The pre-loaded calls are effective at attracting predators in certain situations. The volume is sufficient for close-range calling, but may be limited in windy conditions or over long distances.

The caller’s strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. Its weaknesses are its limited call selection, relatively short range, and somewhat “tinny” sound quality. It meets basic expectations for an entry-level electronic caller, but doesn’t exceed them.

The compact size of the Mantis Six Shooter makes it easy to carry in a pack or pocket.

Design & Ergonomics

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller features a basic but functional design. The plastic housing feels relatively durable, although not as rugged as more expensive callers. The volume knob and call selector are easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

The unit is lightweight and comfortable to hold. There is virtually no learning curve. It is intuitive to use right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. The plastic housing should withstand normal wear and tear. The electronic components seem well-protected.

Maintenance is minimal. The caller can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Replacing the batteries is a simple process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Electronic Caller comes with a hand lanyard. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are extremely limited, if not non-existent.

The caller is not designed to be compatible with external speakers or other accessories. Because it is a closed system, there are no ports. This severely limits its expandability.

Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis Six Shooter Eletronic Caller