Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call Review

Getting Started with the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call

For years, the pursuit of game has relied on mimicking the natural sounds of the wild, and the tool for this mimicry is the game call. My own journey has taken me through countless hours in blinds and stalks, where the right sound at the right moment can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a silent return. My quest for a versatile turkey call led me to the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call, a compact device promising a range of vocalizations.

The catalyst for this particular purchase was a growing need for a single mouth call that could reliably produce both the soft clucks of a hen and the aggressive cuts of a dominant bird. My previous calls, while good, often required switching between them to achieve the desired sound profile. I sought something that could adapt to different situations on the fly, saving me precious seconds and fumbling in the field.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of practical simplicity. The call felt lightweight and unobtrusive, a key factor for a mouth call. The construction seemed straightforward, with stacked reeds that didn’t immediately strike me as revolutionary, but certainly functional. I briefly considered a high-end friction call for its renowned realism, but the portability and ease of use of a mouth call ultimately swayed my decision.

My immediate reaction was one of quiet anticipation, a feeling that this might just be the all-in-one solution I had been looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the quiet solitude of my own backyard, then transitioning to the more unpredictable environment of the early spring turkey woods. I began by trying to replicate basic hen clucks, focusing on a soft, almost breathy tone. The call responded well, producing a pleasant, slightly raspy sound that felt natural.

During my first actual hunt, the call faced the challenge of a cold morning with a slight, damp breeze. I found that while the basic clucks and yelps were easily achievable, pushing the call for more aggressive cutting sounds required a bit more air and precise lip placement. This wasn’t a major issue, but it did mean I had to consciously adjust my blowing technique compared to some of my more specialized calls.

The ease of use was a definite plus; once I found the sweet spot for my mouth and tongue, producing consistent sounds became second nature. One surprise was how the separated reeds managed to avoid sticking together, even after being held in my mouth for extended periods. This simple design feature proved invaluable in maintaining sound quality without interruption.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use across multiple hunting trips and practice sessions, the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call has proven to be a reliable companion. It has endured being dropped once onto a patch of soft dirt, with no discernible damage or performance degradation. The stacked reed design continues to hold up, resisting the common issue of reeds merging into a single, unusable layer.

In terms of durability, the plastic frame shows minimal signs of wear beyond minor scuffs. The reeds themselves, while thinner than some, have maintained their integrity, not showing any signs of fraying or splitting. Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward, as it requires nothing more than a rinse with water and a good shake dry.

Compared to some of the ultra-premium, custom-made mouth calls I’ve used in the past, this model falls slightly short in terms of pure sonic complexity and nuance. However, it significantly outperforms most budget-friendly, single-reed calls, offering a much broader range of sounds at a very accessible price point. It strikes a solid middle ground in terms of performance and longevity for its category.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call

Specifications

The Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call is designed with a layered reed system, featuring 1 ultra-thin latex reed positioned above 1 super-thin prophylactic reed. These reeds are separated by a precise 1/16-inch gap, a crucial design element to prevent them from sticking together, even under varying humidity levels or extended use. The call is constructed with a stacked frame design, allowing for distinct sounds to be produced from each reed.

This stacked frame construction is key to its versatility. The latex reed is known for producing clear, sharp sounds, while the prophylactic reed is excellent for creating deeper, raspier tones. The specific separation of 1/16-inch is a thoughtful detail that directly impacts the user experience by ensuring consistent performance.

The material composition, combining latex and prophylactic reeds, is a standard yet effective approach in mouth call design. The black color is practical for field use, offering a low profile that won’t easily attract unwanted attention. The manufacturer, Primos Hunting, is a well-established name in the hunting call industry, lending a degree of confidence in the product’s design and intended purpose for Turkey species.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call is to produce realistic turkey vocalizations. In this regard, it performs admirably, particularly for its price point. It excels at producing raspy yelps and clucks, which are essential for attracting hens and engaging gobblers at mid-range.

The call’s ability to produce excited cuts and cackles is also noteworthy. By adjusting the air pressure and tongue placement, users can achieve a degree of urgency and excitement in their calls that can provoke a strong response from curious turkeys. The dual-reed setup allows for a versatility that is difficult to find in single-reed calls without significant practice.

However, while versatile, achieving the absolute finest nuances of some high-frequency purrs or exceptionally soft whines can be more challenging compared to a dedicated, premium single-reed call. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of hunting scenarios, its performance is more than sufficient. It consistently produces sounds that are recognizable and effective for turkey communication.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this mouth call is a testament to practical engineering, prioritizing function over complex aesthetics. The stacked frame is a clear ergonomic choice, facilitating the distinct separation of reeds. This not only impacts sound but also how the call sits in the mouth, allowing for varied pressure points.

The material of the frame itself feels durable and comfortable against the palate and lips. There’s no sharp edging or uncomfortable texture that would detract from extended use. The black color is functional, offering good concealment against the hunter’s face and equipment.

Navigating the reeds requires a bit of a learning curve, as with any double-reed call. However, the 1/16-inch separation is a crucial detail that makes this learning curve less steep. It helps users find the “sweet spot” for clear tones more quickly than with reeds that might be packed too tightly.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call appears to be quite good, especially considering its accessible price. The prophylactic and latex reeds are designed for reasonable resilience against the moisture and pressure of regular use. The stacked frame construction, while simple, is inherently robust.

Cleaning is straightforward: a simple rinse under cool water after use is usually sufficient. It’s important to allow it to air dry completely before storing to prevent any potential microbial growth or reed warping. No specialized maintenance is required, which is a significant advantage for any hunting tool.

Potential failure points, as with all mouth calls, lie with the reeds themselves over prolonged, heavy use. However, the internal design, particularly the separation mechanism, is engineered to mitigate common issues like reed adhesion and premature wear. I’ve found that with proper care, calls with this type of construction can last a full season or more of regular hunting.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call is typically sold as a standalone item, meaning it does not come with additional accessories like lanyards or protective cases. Its design is focused on being a self-contained unit. There are no specific customization options available for this particular model from the manufacturer.

However, its portability means it can easily be incorporated into a hunter’s existing setup. Many hunters choose to attach mouth calls to a lanyard or keep them in a dedicated pocket or call holder on their vest. While the call itself is not customizable, its effectiveness can be enhanced through the user’s skill in manipulating it.

Pros and Cons of Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call

Who Should Buy Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call?

This game call is an excellent choice for intermediate turkey hunters who are looking to expand their vocalization repertoire without breaking the bank. It’s also ideal for beginners who want a user-friendly, yet effective, double-reed call to start their turkey hunting journey with. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting conditions, from early spring gobblers to late-season hens.

However, experienced turkey callers who demand absolute sonic perfection and the most intricate tonal control might find it slightly limiting. Those who prefer friction calls for their unique sound profiles or require a call specifically for very specialized regional dialects might want to look elsewhere. Essential complementary items would include a good quality lanyard to keep the call accessible and a small, breathable pouch or case for storage and protection when not in use.

Conclusion on Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call

The Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call stands out as a highly functional and accessible tool for any turkey hunter. Its clever design, particularly the 1/16-inch reed separation, effectively tackles a common frustration with double-reed calls, ensuring reliable performance in the field. It delivers a commendable range of sounds, from subtle clucks to more aggressive cuts, making it a versatile option for various hunting scenarios.

At its price point of $14.89, the value proposition is strong. You receive a durable, easy-to-maintain call that can significantly enhance your hunting success without requiring a substantial investment. While it may not satisfy the absolute purist seeking the most intricate vocalizations, it is more than capable for the vast majority of hunters and situations.

I would personally recommend the Primos Hunting Piggy Back Deadly Double Game Call to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable mouth call to add to their turkey hunting arsenal. It’s a no-nonsense performer that punches well above its weight class.