One Week with the Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote
For anyone venturing into the field with the aim of enticing game closer, the Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote presents itself as a compelling tool. This unit, from Western Rivers, boasts a substantial library of sounds and a practical remote, aiming to simplify the art of the call. My own pursuit of a more reliable and versatile calling solution led me to this specific model.
The hunting season was fast approaching, and my old, worn-out electronic caller had finally given up the ghost during a late-season rabbit hunt. I needed a replacement that was compact enough for ease of carry but powerful enough to produce distinct calls across various species. Initial impressions upon unboxing this Western Rivers unit were positive; the construction felt robust with a durable rubberized grip, and the included remote seemed well-designed. I had briefly considered a few other brands, but their price points were significantly higher for similar feature sets, or they lacked the remote functionality I deemed essential. A quiet sense of anticipation, and perhaps a touch of relief, settled in as I prepared to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial tests took place in a familiar wooded area behind my property, simulating early morning hunting conditions. I primarily focused on testing its effectiveness with predator and small game calls, as these are my most frequent applications. The caller performed admirably through several short sessions, even with a light dew settling on its casing, demonstrating a decent resilience to ambient moisture.
The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote proved to be remarkably intuitive to operate right out of the box. The 4-Way key pad call selection / volume control was straightforward, and the LCD screen readout with back light made navigating the extensive 75 pre-load game calls a breeze, even in low light. My only minor surprise was the slight delay in the remote’s response to certain commands, which required a second press on occasion.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following weeks, this caller accompanied me on several longer excursions into more challenging terrain. It handled being stowed in my pack and pulled out for quick calling sequences without any issue, and the pivoting legs with lock in position proved surprisingly useful for stable placement on uneven ground. Despite being exposed to a bit of dust and the occasional brush against thorny branches, there are no significant signs of wear and tear, which speaks well of its construction.
Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it has needed to stay clean. Compared to previous callers I’ve owned, this unit feels significantly more robust and offers a much wider sound library. While it may not have the absolute premium feel of some top-tier, multi-hundred-dollar units, it has held up exceptionally well, especially considering its accessible price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote
Specifications
The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote comes equipped with a generous 75 pre-load game calls, covering a wide spectrum of common quarry. Its remote control boasts an impressive 300ft range, providing ample freedom of movement away from the caller itself. Powering the main unit requires four “AAA” batteries (not included), while the remote conveniently uses a single CR2032 battery (included).
These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the user. The sheer volume of calls increases the likelihood of attracting desired game, and the extensive remote range allows for strategic placement and concealment. The dual battery system is also a practical consideration; AAA batteries are widely available, ensuring you can always power up, while the included coin cell for the remote means you are ready to go from the moment you unbox it.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this caller – producing game sounds – is executed with surprising clarity and volume. The calls are distinct and realistic, and the sound activation trigger button is a clever addition for those times when you want the caller to respond to external stimuli. The random repeat timed options are also a valuable feature for simulating natural behavior, preventing repetitive, unnatural patterns.
Its strengths lie in its versatility and user-friendly interface. The extensive sound library is a significant plus, and the remote operation is generally reliable. However, the slight lag in remote responsiveness I noted earlier is a minor weakness, and some of the deeper bass notes in certain calls could benefit from a bit more richness. Overall, it meets expectations admirably, exceeding them in the sheer number of available sounds for its price category.
Design & Ergonomics
The compact handheld caller with remote design is a definite win for portability. The durable rubberized grip offers a secure hold, even with gloved hands or in damp conditions, and the hand lanyard adds an extra layer of security against accidental drops. The LCD screen readout with back light is legible, and the simple button layout means you can operate it with minimal distraction.
The pivoting legs with lock in position are a subtle but effective design element, allowing for versatile positioning on various surfaces. While the plastic construction feels sturdy, it doesn’t have the premium heft of more expensive metal-bodied units, which is a trade-off for its lighter weight and lower cost. Nonetheless, the overall design is practical and well-executed for its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my initial testing period, the Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote appears to be built for the rigors of regular outdoor use. The plastic housing seems resistant to scuffs and light impacts, and the rubberized grip should prevent it from slipping out of your grasp. There are no obvious points of failure that concern me at this stage, though long-term exposure to extreme elements could be a different story.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The battery compartments are straightforward to access for replacement, and the remote’s coin cell is easily swapped out. Given its construction, I anticipate it will provide reliable service for a considerable time, provided it isn’t subjected to gross mishandling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote comes with its essential components: the caller unit, the remote control, and a hand lanyard. There are no significant customization options for the caller itself; its functionality is defined by the 75 pre-load game calls it comes with. However, some users might consider adding a small carabiner to the lanyard for easier attachment to gear.
The remote’s CR2032 battery is a standard, readily available power source, and the four “AAA” batteries for the main unit are ubiquitous. While the caller doesn’t support custom sound files, the breadth of its included library largely negates this potential limitation for most users.
Pros and Cons of Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote
Pros
- 75 pre-load game calls offer exceptional variety for different hunting scenarios.
- 300ft remote provides significant freedom to set up and conceal yourself effectively.
- Compact handheld caller with remote design makes it highly portable and easy to carry.
- Pivoting legs with lock in position enhance stability and positioning in the field.
- Durable rubberized grip ensures a secure hold in various weather conditions.
- LCD screen readout with back light allows for easy navigation even in low light.
Cons
- Slight delay in remote command response can occasionally require a second press.
- Bass response in some deeper calls could be richer for greater realism.
- Requires four “AAA” batteries for the main unit, which are not included.
Who Should Buy Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote?
This caller is ideally suited for the hunter looking for an affordable yet highly functional electronic calling solution. It’s perfect for those who hunt a variety of game species and appreciate the convenience of remote operation without breaking the bank. Beginners will find its intuitive interface and extensive sound library incredibly valuable, while experienced hunters will appreciate its reliability and portability.
Those who require extremely specialized or custom sound files for niche species might look elsewhere, as this unit relies solely on its pre-loaded library. Similarly, if you demand the absolute highest fidelity audio reproduction found in the most premium devices, you might consider higher-priced alternatives. For enhancing your hunting experience with a versatile and practical tool, consider adding a reliable pair of spare AAA batteries to your hunting kit.
Conclusion on Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote
The Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote stands out as a remarkably capable and user-friendly game caller, especially given its price point. It effectively balances a comprehensive sound library with practical design features like its remote operation and stable legs. While not without minor quirks, such as a slight remote lag and a desire for richer bass in some sounds, these are easily overlooked when considering its overall performance and value.
For its MSRP of $69.79, the Western Rivers Mantis 75R Compact Handheld Caller w/Remote delivers an exceptional amount of functionality and utility. I would readily recommend this caller to any hunter seeking a dependable, versatile, and budget-friendly tool to augment their calling efforts. It’s a solid performer that effectively bridges the gap between basic calls and expensive, feature-laden units, making it a smart choice for a wide range of hunting enthusiasts.