Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call Review

A Close Look at the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call

As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in everything from muddy fields to sterile labs, I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely perform. The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call caught my eye due to its promise of authentic mature bull bugles. My previous elk diaphragm calls had either lost their elasticity too quickly or produced sounds that were a bit too high-pitched for the mature bulls I aim to call in. I needed a reliable way to mimic those deep, resonant bugles, especially during the rut when bulls are most vocal and responsive to a convincing challenge.

My first impression upon unboxing this call was one of practical simplicity. It’s a compact, seemingly straightforward piece of equipment, but the Premium Flex frame and the mention of Infinity Latex hinted at a design focused on longevity and sound fidelity. It felt sturdy enough without being overly rigid, a balance crucial for diaphragm calls. While I briefly considered other brands that offered single-reed options or calls with more complex reed configurations, my experience has shown that sometimes simplicity, executed well, is best for mimicking specific animal sounds. This particular model offered the straightforward double-reed setup I was familiar with, but with the added promise of enhanced materials. My immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism, hoping it would deliver on its claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call to the Test

My testing primarily took place during an early archery elk hunt in the rugged mountains of Colorado. I spent hours in various conditions: crisp, cold mornings where my breath plumed in the air, dry, dusty afternoons, and even a damp evening as a light drizzle began. The goal was to consistently produce a range of elk vocalizations, from cow calls to the aggressive bugles of a dominant bull. I ensured the call was kept clean and dry between uses, typically stored in a small, breathable pouch within my vest pocket to avoid lint buildup.

During extended use, this double-reed call proved remarkably consistent. After weeks of regular practice and several days of actual calling in the field, the Infinity Latex reeds showed no signs of significant degradation. They retained their stretch and elasticity, producing the same crisp, clear sounds as they did on the first day. Unlike some cheaper alternatives I’ve used, this diaphragm call didn’t become stiff or lose its ability to vibrate effectively. Maintenance was minimal; a quick rinse with clean water and allowing it to air dry was sufficient to keep it in top condition, making it a low-fuss piece of hunting gear.

First Use Experience

The first time I put the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call to my palate, I was immediately struck by how well the Premium Flex frame conformed to the roof of my mouth. This made positioning the call for optimal sound production significantly easier than with some stiffer, more traditional frames. I focused on replicating the core sounds first: a simple cow call, followed by a more complex calf chirp. The transition between these sounds was fluid, with minimal effort required to adjust my tongue and lip pressure.

My initial attempts to produce a bull bugle were met with a surprising richness in tone. The double-reed setup, combined with the quality latex, allowed for the necessary back pressure to generate a deep, resonant sound that I hadn’t easily achieved with previous calls. I did notice a slight learning curve in mastering the specific airflow and pressure needed to differentiate between a younger bull’s bugle and the throaty roar of a mature, territorial bull, but this is typical of any diaphragm call and not a fault of the product itself. There were no immediate issues or unexpected quirks; it performed as advertised from the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the hunting season, this double-reed elk call became my go-to for all vocalizations. It endured being dropped on pine needles, packed tightly in my gear, and exposed to fluctuating temperatures without any discernible loss in performance. The latex maintained its pliable nature, crucial for producing the nuanced sounds needed to engage elk. I experienced no cracking or splitting of the reeds, a common failure point in lesser-quality calls, even after extensive use in dry, cold mountain air.

Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, this model stands out for its durability and consistent sound quality. Many budget calls start to sound raspy or lose their ability to hold a pitch after only a few uses, but the Infinity Latex on this Hunters Specialties model held up exceptionally well. It maintained its integrity and sound profile throughout the entire season, making it a reliable tool for consistent calling.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call

Specifications

This diaphragm call is constructed with two layers of Infinity Latex, specifically chosen for its longevity and consistent sound production. The frame utilizes a Premium Flex material, designed to provide a comfortable fit and maintain its shape and stretch over time. It’s a double-reed configuration, which is a common and effective design for mimicking a variety of elk vocalizations, particularly bugles. The call itself is brown, matching the natural colors often found in elk country, and it’s manufactured in the USA.

The use of Infinity Latex is a significant specification, as it directly impacts the durability and sound quality of the call. This material is designed to resist drying out and becoming brittle, a common issue with standard latex that can degrade the call’s performance over time. The Premium Flex frame is equally important; a comfortable and stable frame allows the user to manipulate the reeds more effectively, leading to better control over pitch and tone. The double-reed design is ideal for producing the more complex sounds associated with mature bull elk.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call is to produce realistic elk vocalizations, and it excels at this. The double-reed setup, when manipulated correctly, allows for the creation of the deep, raspy bugles characteristic of mature bulls, as well as softer cow and calf sounds. It offers good control over pitch and volume, enabling the user to mimic the wide range of sounds elk make.

Its main strength lies in its ability to produce authentic-sounding bugles with relative ease, especially for a double-reed call. The Infinity Latex is responsive, allowing for quick adjustments in tone and volume. A minor weakness, inherent to most double-reed diaphragm calls, is the slight learning curve required to master the nuances of breath control and tongue placement to achieve the most realistic sounds. However, for its intended purpose of producing bull elk sounds, it performs admirably and meets expectations for a call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this elk diaphragm call is centered around functionality and comfort. The Premium Flex frame is not overly rigid, allowing it to conform comfortably to the palate. This ergonomic design is crucial for extended calling sessions, preventing discomfort and facilitating precise control. The brown color is subtle, which is a practical advantage in the field, as bright colors can potentially spook game.

The two reeds are stacked and cut in a way that facilitates a broad range of sounds. The tactile feel of the Infinity Latex is smooth yet grippy enough to provide a secure interface with the tongue. There are no external controls or complex mechanisms, keeping the design straightforward and reliable. The overall build quality feels robust, with the latex securely attached to the frame, suggesting it will hold up well to repeated use.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of this diaphragm call is significantly enhanced by its materials. The Infinity Latex is notably resilient, resisting the common degradation that affects many other latex calls. I observed no signs of premature wear, such as tearing or stretching out, even after extensive field use in varying weather conditions. The Premium Flex frame also maintained its shape, avoiding deformation or becoming overly stiff.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. After each use, a quick rinse with clean water and allowing it to air dry is typically all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. It’s advisable to store it in a breathable pouch to prevent lint or debris from adhering to the reeds. Given the quality of the materials, this call is designed for repeated use over multiple seasons, rather than being a disposable item.

Accessories and Customization Options

This product comes as a single diaphragm call, with no additional accessories included. The primary “customization” comes from the user’s ability to manipulate the reeds with their tongue and airflow to create different sounds. While some hunters might prefer a call with interchangeable reeds or multiple configurations, this model focuses on delivering a specific, high-quality sound profile with its fixed double-reed setup. It’s designed to be effective right out of the package for those who know how to use a diaphragm call.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call?

This elk diaphragm call is ideally suited for hunters who are serious about calling in mature bull elk. If you’re an intermediate to advanced caller who understands diaphragm call techniques and aims to produce convincing bull bugles, this call will serve you very well. It’s perfect for those who value durable gear that can withstand the rigors of extended hunting trips without a drop in performance. Experienced hunters will appreciate the sound quality and the Infinity Latex’s resistance to wear and tear.

Conversely, absolute beginners who have never used a diaphragm call before might want to start with a simpler single-reed model or a call known for its forgiving nature. Those looking for a call with multiple interchangeable reed options or a more complex cut might also consider other models. For this specific call, I’d recommend having a small, breathable pouch or case to store it when not in use, ensuring the reeds remain free of debris.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call

The Hunters Specialties Double Reed Premium Flex Elk Diaphragm Call is a well-crafted piece of hunting equipment that delivers on its promise of authentic mature bull elk vocalizations. Its use of Infinity Latex and the Premium Flex frame translates into impressive durability and consistent performance, even after prolonged use in demanding outdoor conditions. While it requires the user to possess some diaphragm calling skill, it provides an excellent platform for producing the sounds that can turn a wary bull into an aggressive respondent.

For its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering a level of quality and longevity often found in more expensive calls. I would readily recommend this diaphragm call to any elk hunter looking to enhance their calling repertoire with a reliable tool for mimicking mature bull elk. If you’re aiming to sound like the real deal in the elk woods, this model is a solid choice that won’t let you down.