The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call
As someone who has spent over a decade wrestling with gear in every conceivable environment – from the sterile hum of a lab to the biting wind of a mountain peak, the grease-stained chaos of a workshop, and the unpredictable terrain of the field – I approach new equipment with a healthy dose of skepticism and a keen eye for practicality. The Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call landed on my bench with the promise of delivering nuanced turkey vocalizations, a claim that piqued my interest given the often-brutal simplicity of many calls on the market. My previous turkey calls, while functional, often lacked the subtle rasp required to truly mimic a mature hen, especially when a bird was being particularly cagey. I was in search of a call that could bridge that gap, offering a more authentic sound profile.
Unboxing this triple-frame mouth call revealed a surprisingly compact and seemingly simple design. The initial impression was one of robust construction, with the stacked frames holding their form well. The reeds, while delicate by nature, appeared to be precisely seated. I had considered other multi-reed mouth calls, but the unique stacking mechanism and the promise of a specific sound profile made this particular model stand out. My first reaction was one of hopeful anticipation; could this compact call truly deliver the sophisticated sounds needed to fool a wary gobbler?
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call to the Test
My initial testing grounds for the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call were the familiar woods behind my property, an area where I’ve spent countless hours practicing and calling turkeys. I focused on producing a range of sounds: soft clucks for close-range interaction, sharper cuts for locating, and the more complex cackles and yelps that are crucial for convincing a hesitant bird to commit. The conditions were varied, from cool, damp mornings to warmer, drier afternoons, and the call performed consistently across these shifts in humidity and temperature, not exhibiting any noticeable stickiness or degradation in sound.
The ease of use was a key factor. For someone accustomed to mouth calls, the transition to this model was relatively straightforward, though mastering the subtle pressure variations for distinct tones took some practice. The reeds separated by 1/16″ definitely made a difference, preventing that frustrating reed-sticking common in some other calls. I did encounter a slight learning curve in achieving the extreme raspiness the product description alluded to; it required a deliberate manipulation of my tongue and airflow that wasn’t immediately intuitive but became achievable with focused effort.
First Use Experience
On that first outing, the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call immediately impressed with its capacity for creating raspy, realistic hen sounds. The stacked frame design allowed for a distinct tonal separation between the three reeds, which translated into a more complex and convincing vocalization than many single or double-reed calls I’ve used. I found myself naturally leaning into producing sharp, cutting yelps and soft, contented clucks with surprising ease.
The true test came when a young gobbler, initially hesitant, responded to a series of sharp cuts followed by a softer yelp. The authenticity of the sound produced by this mouth call seemed to cut through the ambient forest noise effectively. It felt significantly different from the often-flat or overly loud tones of less sophisticated calls, leading to a successful interaction that instilled confidence in the device.
Extended Use & Reliability
Weeks of consistent use, spanning multiple hunting seasons and practice sessions, revealed the true resilience and consistent performance of this call. It has been dropped on hard-packed dirt, inadvertently jostled in my vest, and subjected to countless hours of my breath, yet it continues to produce reliable sounds. There have been no signs of the reeds fraying or the frame cracking, which is a testament to Primos’s manufacturing quality.
Compared to other mouth calls that have succumbed to moisture or rough handling, the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call has proven remarkably durable. Its maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse with clean water and allowing it to air dry thoroughly is usually sufficient. I’ve experienced no performance degradation, meaning the initial crispness and raspiness of the reeds have remained consistent, a critical factor for a call designed for nuanced vocalizations.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call
Specifications
The Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is built around a clever stacked-frame design, featuring three separate frames each containing one thin prophylactic reed. This arrangement is crucial for its sound production, as the reeds are spaced precisely 1/16″ apart. This separation is the key to preventing the reeds from sticking together, a common failure point in many multi-reed calls, especially in humid conditions or after extensive use.
The use of prophylactic material for the reeds contributes to their thinness and flexibility, which in turn allows for a wide range of vocalizations from soft, subtle clucks to loud, aggressive cackles. This precise engineering directly impacts the call’s ability to produce a very, very raspy tone, a characteristic highly sought after by experienced turkey hunters aiming to mimic the natural, slightly rough sound of a mature hen. The compact, stacked nature of the frames also contributes to its ergonomic feel, making it relatively easy to manipulate for advanced calling techniques.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is to produce realistic turkey vocalizations, and it excels in this regard, particularly for those seeking a raspy, high-frequency sound. It performs admirably across the spectrum of hen sounds, from the gentle cluck of a contented bird to the sharp, urgent cut that signals alarm or excitement. The nuanced control offered by the triple reed system allows for dynamic range, capable of producing both soft, close-proximity sounds and the louder, far-reaching yelps and cackles necessary to grab a gobbler’s attention.
Its greatest strength lies in its ability to generate a truly authentic rasp, which is paramount for fooling more wary, educated birds. This raspy quality is not just present; it’s pronounced and consistent, making it stand out from calls that can sound overly clean or artificial. While it’s designed for experienced callers, a determined beginner willing to put in the practice will find that it’s not an insurmountable challenge, and the reward is a significantly more convincing sound.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this mouth call is a clever solution to a common problem. The stacked frame construction is visually distinctive and functionally effective, allowing for precise reed placement and separation. This results in a compact unit that feels secure in the mouth without being overly cumbersome, even during extended calling sequences. The prophylactic reeds, while thin, feel durable enough for their intended purpose when handled with care.
Ergonomically, the call is designed to be manipulated with the tongue and mouth pressure to create various sounds. The slight bevel on the edges of the frames offers a comfortable contact point against the palate. The overall build quality feels solid, suggesting that this call is not just a one-season wonder but a piece of gear designed to last.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is built for sustained use in the field. The prophylactic reeds, while delicate by nature, have proven surprisingly resilient to repeated flexing and contact with the tongue. The stacked frame design seems to protect the reeds somewhat, minimizing accidental damage that can occur with less integrated mouth calls.
Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort. A thorough rinsing with clean water after each use, followed by allowing it to air dry completely, is typically all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat can help preserve the integrity of the reeds. I have not encountered any specific failure points, but as with any mouth call, excessive force or improper handling could lead to reed damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. It is a specialized mouth call, and its functionality is entirely self-contained. There are no readily available customization options for this particular model, such as interchangeable reeds or frame components, as its unique stacked design is proprietary.
However, its effectiveness can be enhanced by a skilled caller who has mastered the art of diaphragm calling. The call is compatible with standard hunting vest pockets or any other method a hunter uses to store their calls. For those serious about mouth calls, owning multiple types with varying reed configurations can offer a broader palette of sounds, but this specific model is designed to deliver its signature raspy tone effectively on its own.
Pros and Cons of Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call
Pros
- Exceptional Rasp: Delivers a highly realistic and pronounced raspy tone, ideal for mature hens.
- Reed Separation: The 1/16″ reed spacing effectively prevents sticking, ensuring consistent performance.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing a wide range of hen vocalizations, from soft clucks to loud cackles.
- Durable Construction: The stacked frame design and quality reeds hold up well to repeated use.
- Authentic Mimicry: Offers a sound profile that is particularly effective at fooling wary turkeys.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: Achieving the full potential of its raspy tones requires significant practice and precise technique.
- Not for Beginners: Might be challenging for novice callers to master compared to simpler single or double-reed calls.
- Limited Customization: As a fixed design, it offers no options for modifying reeds or frame components.
Who Should Buy Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call?
The Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is an excellent choice for experienced turkey hunters who understand the nuances of diaphragm calling and are specifically looking to add a highly realistic, raspy hen sound to their repertoire. This call is best suited for those who hunt pressured birds or find that simpler calls aren’t fooling their quarry. It’s also ideal for hunters who appreciate fine-tuned equipment that offers a distinct advantage in mimicking natural turkey vocalizations.
Individuals who are new to turkey hunting or have limited experience with mouth calls might find this model a bit challenging to master initially. A beginner might be better served starting with a simpler single or double-reed call to build fundamental calling skills before advancing to a more complex triple-reed setup. However, for the dedicated beginner willing to invest the time, this call can still be a rewarding tool for developing advanced calling techniques.
Conclusion on Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call
The Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call is a highly specialized piece of equipment that delivers on its promise of authentic, raspy turkey vocalizations. Its innovative stacked frame design, combined with precisely spaced thin prophylactic reeds, creates a sound profile that is remarkably effective at fooling even the most wary gobblers. While its $14.49 price point offers significant value for the quality and realism it provides, it is undeniably geared towards the more experienced caller who can unlock its full potential.
I would recommend this call wholeheartedly to any seasoned turkey hunter looking to refine their sound and increase their success rates, especially in challenging hunting scenarios. For those just starting out, it’s worth considering other options, but the Primos Hunting Piggy Back True Triple Game Call remains a top-tier choice for anyone serious about mastering the art of turkey calling.