Unboxing & First Thoughts on the Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call
For anyone who spends time in the woods pursuing Merriam’s, Osceolas, or even the Eastern, the subtle art of turkey calling is paramount. I’d been on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly diaphragm call to add to my arsenal, one that could produce those nuanced clucks and yelps without a steep learning curve. My search led me to the Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call. Quaker Boy has a reputation for producing a wide range of hunting accessories, and this particular call caught my eye due to its promised SealRite cushioned frame technology.
My previous experiences with diaphragm calls have been mixed. Some offered incredible realism but were notoriously difficult to master, often causing tongue fatigue or inconsistent sounds. Others were forgiving but lacked the crispness and range needed to fool a wary gobbler. I was hoping this Quaker Boy offering would strike a better balance.
Upon opening the small plastic clamshell, my first impression was positive. The call felt well-constructed, with a noticeable thickness to the frame. The latex reeds appeared cleanly cut and well-seated. It’s a simple design, as most diaphragm calls are, but the attention to detail in the frame was immediately apparent. I briefly considered a competitor’s call with a slightly different frame material, but the Quaker Boy’s stated adaptability to palate shapes was a deciding factor. The initial feeling was one of curious anticipation, a good sign for a piece of gear intended to be intimately controlled by the user.
Real-World Testing: Putting Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call to the Test
My testing ground for this call was a mixed bag of environments. I began practicing in my workshop, an environment with consistent ambient noise where I could really focus on the sound production and my technique. This allowed me to isolate the call’s output without the distractions of wind or distant birds.
From there, I took it out into the field during the spring turkey season. I specifically sought out situations with varying wind conditions – from calm mornings to breezy afternoons – and tested its performance both from the ground and from a blind. I also made a point of using it during actual calling sequences, not just dry runs, to see how it performed under the pressure of potentially locating a bird.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. Unlike some calls that require precise tongue placement and a lot of air control from the get-go, the Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call felt remarkably forgiving. The SealRite cushioned frame genuinely seemed to adapt to my palate, creating a better seal with less effort. This meant I could focus more on the actual air manipulation to produce different sounds, rather than wrestling with the call itself. I experienced very little tongue fatigue even after extended practice sessions, which is a significant win in my book.
Over several weeks of practice and a few early morning hunts, the call held up well. I noticed no fraying on the latex, no loss of tension, and the frame maintained its shape and sealing capabilities. It survived a minor fumble where it slipped from my vest pocket onto a grassy hillside, emerging unscathed. Compared to some of my previous diaphragm calls which started to degrade after a few seasons, this one felt robust. Cleaning was as simple as a quick rinse under cool water and letting it air dry, a process that took less than a minute. The two-reed configuration provided a good range of sounds, from soft clucks to sharper yelps, though I found pushing for very high-pitched cutting sounds required a bit more sustained effort than with some specialized calls.
Breaking Down the Features of Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call
The Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call is designed with a focus on user comfort and sound realism, all packed into a compact, essential hunting tool.
Specifications
- Type: Diaphragm Turkey Call
- Material: Two layers of .004 latex reeds with an aluminum frame. The aluminum frame provides rigidity and helps maintain the shape of the call.
- Color: Green. This is a fairly standard color for turkey calls, offering some camouflage if it happens to be visible.
- Key Technology: SealRite cushioned frame technology. This is the standout feature, designed to conform to various palate sizes and shapes.
- Design Element: Eliminates the “tab to tongue contact point.” This aims for a cleaner vocalization platform.
- Functionality: Increases the call vibration zone between the tongue and palate, bringing the reeds closer for easier operation.
- Reeds: Two .004 latex reeds. This configuration is common for producing a good range of turkey vocalizations.
These specifications translate directly into user experience. The choice of two thin .004 latex reeds is a solid foundation for creating realistic turkey sounds, offering a good balance between crispness and rasp. The aluminum frame is durable and helps the call retain its intended shape over time, which is crucial for consistent performance. However, the real innovation here is the SealRite cushioned frame. For those of us with palates that aren’t perfectly “average,” this feature is a game-changer. It reduces air leakage, which is the bane of diaphragm callers, and makes the call significantly easier to use, especially for beginners or those who struggle with achieving a good seal. The absence of a traditional tab means less interference, allowing the reeds and your tongue to work more directly together.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call performs admirably. It excels at producing clear, crisp yelps and consistent clucks. The ability to easily manipulate the air across the two latex reeds allows for a decent range of tones. I found it particularly effective for making softer, more subtle sounds like kee-kees and inquisitive clucks, which are essential for attracting hesitant birds.
The strengths of this diaphragm call lie in its ease of use and consistent sound production. The SealRite frame genuinely reduces the learning curve associated with diaphragm calls, making it accessible to a wider range of hunters. However, its main weakness, if one can call it that, is its versatility compared to more specialized calls. While it can produce a good variety of sounds, those looking for extremely raspy cutting or the absolute highest-pitched pure cutt might find they need to work a bit harder or consider a different reed configuration. It’s an excellent all-around performer, but not necessarily a single-purpose specialist.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call is focused on user comfort and effectiveness. The green color is standard and unobtrusive. The use of latex for the reeds is a tried-and-true material that offers good flexibility and responsiveness.
The real ergonomic advantage comes from the SealRite cushioned frame. This feature makes the call feel much more comfortable and secure in the mouth. It conforms without feeling restrictive, and the absence of a sharp tab means no uncomfortable pressure points on the tongue. This allows for longer calling sessions without the fatigue that can plague diaphragm users. The overall feel is one of well-made, functional simplicity.
Durability & Maintenance
Diaphragm calls are generally considered somewhat disposable or have a limited lifespan, but this model shows promise for longevity. The aluminum frame is resistant to bending or deforming, which helps maintain the call’s structure. The .004 latex reeds are standard for this type of call; while they will eventually wear out, they seem to be of good quality and hold up well to repeated use and exposure to moisture.
Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. A quick rinse with cool water after use and allowing it to air dry is all that’s needed to keep it clean and prevent mold or bacteria growth. Storing it in its original clamshell or a dedicated call case will protect the reeds and frame from damage. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like all diaphragm calls, excessive stretching or tearing of the reeds would eventually necessitate replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call is a standalone product; it does not come with any additional accessories. Its customization lies in the user’s ability to manipulate their tongue and airflow to produce different sounds. There are no interchangeable parts or external accessories associated with this type of call. Its strength is its simplicity and effectiveness as a self-contained calling device.
Pros and Cons of Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call
Pros
- SealRite cushioned frame technology offers superior comfort and a better seal for various palate sizes.
- Easy to operate, significantly reducing the learning curve for diaphragm calls.
- Produces clear and realistic turkey sounds, especially clucks and yelps.
- Durable construction with an aluminum frame and quality latex reeds.
- Low maintenance, requiring only simple rinsing and drying.
- Excellent for beginners and experienced hunters looking for a reliable, comfortable call.
Cons
- May require a bit more effort for very high-pitched cutting sounds compared to specialized calls.
- As with all diaphragm calls, reeds will eventually wear out over time and with heavy use.
- No included accessories or customization beyond user technique.
Who Should Buy Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call?
The Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call is an excellent choice for a broad spectrum of turkey hunters. It is particularly well-suited for beginner turkey hunters who are looking to get into diaphragm calling but are intimidated by the perceived difficulty. The SealRite technology makes it far more forgiving and comfortable than many other options on the market, allowing new callers to achieve success sooner.
Experienced hunters who value comfort and consistent performance will also appreciate this call. If you find yourself struggling with palate fit or experiencing tongue fatigue with other diaphragm calls, this model offers a welcome solution. It’s ideal for those who hunt in various conditions and need a reliable call that produces realistic sounds without fuss.
However, hunters who exclusively seek specialized sounds like extremely sharp, high-frequency cuts or very deep, raspy gobbler sounds might find they need to supplement this call with a more specialized option. Those who prefer box calls or pot calls for their distinct sound profiles might also not be swayed to diaphragm calling by this model. For an enhanced experience, consider a small lanyard to keep your call accessible and protected when not in use.
Conclusion on Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call
The Quaker Boy Elevation Sr Double Diaphragm Turkey Call delivers on its promise of an easier-to-use, more comfortable diaphragm call without sacrificing sound quality. The SealRite cushioned frame technology is a standout feature that genuinely improves the user experience, making it more forgiving and less fatiguing. For its modest price of $14.99, you get a well-constructed call capable of producing authentic turkey vocalizations that can fool wary birds.
While it may not be the absolute pinnacle for creating every single nuance of a gobbler’s vocabulary, it’s an exceptionally capable and user-friendly option that punches above its weight. I would personally recommend this call, especially for those new to diaphragm calling or anyone seeking a more comfortable and consistent experience. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, comfort, and affordability, making it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s gear.