ELK Calls Side by Side

[flystrait]

I have been thinking for quite some time about doing a side by side comparison. I know this has been done before, mostly by Manufactures with the intent to sell product. I am looking at this as a unbiased side by side comparison. I have used quite a few different manufactures calls "and have most on hand" and favor certain ones just like everybody else. I have seen a number of questions on here about which calls to choose. I am not tied to any pro-staff or manufacture and do not receive any products. I am a joe blow like everyone else that tries products and looks for reviews as well.

I seeking input to see if there is a value to put this together and post on here. If that's OK with the moderators. If it is, what calls would you like to see starting with diaphragms and then this could work into tubes potentially.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks
Craig

[Swede]

I am not in any way opposed, but I do not think it would be helpful either. There are so many variables that the question will really never be answered. Further more, what works best for a particular elk will not work on the next elk, and all of that has no relation to what I like best.

Lets do something simple like determine what is the best bow and arrow combination to use on elk.

[JJ Overkill]

Lets do something simple like determine what is the best bow and arrow combination to use on elk.

lmao!!!!! yeah right. good luck with that thread

as far as the OPs question, i agree with swede. ive had some reeds that didnt fit in my mouth well and that same reed could work very well for you. it does sound interesting though. post it up what the heck.

[Swede]

Sometimes my humor is lost. My proposal was intentionally absurd. It was my attempt at being facetious and factitious.

[Trophyhill]

great idea Craig. i'd like to hear some of the harder to use reeds to start with. maybe the Carltons triple, 2.5 and doubles and the Berry reeds, throw in some Primo's dome type reeds and whatever else you have.

[ElkNut1]

Craig, I think your idea sounds just fine! Start with a few different calls & let's see how it goes? Do you have any in mind at this time? Will this be a video clip or sounds shared on "sound cloud" -- I feel a lot of quality sound is lost on sound cloud when compared to actual video clip sounds.

ElkNut1

[JohnFitzgerald]

Sometimes my humor is lost. My proposal was intentionally absurd. It was my attempt at being facetious and factitious.

Swede - When is your humor not lost? Just kidding bud!

Flystrait - I'd like to see/hear the comparison.-

[Swede]

John: You are accurate even though you were kidding. I get it. I confess I do humor differently.
I had a lady that worked for me about six years. Well in due time I was being transferred to another Ranger Station. She always liked me, but my humor was a problem for her. As I was preparing to go she said to me, "I hate to see you leave. I have just recently gotten to know when you are joking." Can you imagine putting up with me for six years and not understanding my sense of humor? Well at least I have tried to help people out lately. I added a smiley face. That poor lady never got even got a smirk.

[flystrait]

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking about using products from.

1) Bugling Bull game calls

2) Barry calls

3) Phelps

4) Glacier Country

5) Primo's

6) Point Blank Calls

I would like to do this with a video camera as you can get more out of a review other than just audio. This way people can actually see the calls used as well.

Please feel free to add anymore to the list or any specific diaphragms.

Thanks
Craig

[Arapahoe]

I'd love to hear a comparison between a Raging Bull and The Barry double green! Going to send off for some Barry reeds.

Always looking for something to knock out the Raging bull as the go to but it hasnt happened yet.

Thanks, Jesse

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm definitely interested in hearing/seeing the comparisons Craig. Heck, you could do diaphrams side by side, then tube comparisons, and for phase II mix in reed bugles (Berry Thunder Bugle/Elknut's XTR, etc.) and then non diaphram cow call comparisons .. Will C2 be filming/producing these episodes? He may need to hold the camera a bit steadier than he does in the woods


.

[flystrait]

RJ, I will be self filming. c2 has one nice camera now!

To keep this fair among manufactures, I see this going in three parts starting with.

1) Single reeds

2) Double reeds

3) Triple reeds

As far as tubes go, I will be using one tube for them all atthis point so I can try to be as consistant as possible.

A tube review can be potentially added if people see a value.

[PHELPS GAME CALLS]

While the idea is great it will be very subjective. The shape of Craig's mouth and how he applies tongue pressure will play a role.

With that said let me know what calls you would like to test and where to send them.

[flystrait]

Thanks for the response from everyone. Looking for more! Even from the the members that don't post much. Please tell me what you would like to see as this would be a review and I want it as helpful as possible. I have spoken to a couple manufactures already regarding this review and have a list I'm putting together for the ones I need to purchase, and will be doing so this week.

Craig

[flystrait]

5-21-13 update. I ordered some of the calls I did not have, they should arrive by early next week due to the holiday.

I also would like to add one more Manufacture to the list (Point Blank Calls)

Craig

[flystrait]

I'd love to hear a comparison between a Raging Bull and The Barry double green! Going to send off for some Barry reeds.

Always looking for something to knock out the Raging bull as the go to but it hasnt happened yet.

Thanks, Jesse

You got it Jesse! Both of these have been ordered.

The raging bull will have to be in the single reed category while Barry double reed green will be well in the double category.

Craig

[ElkNut1]

Craig, this should be interesting! (grin)

ElkNut1

[WapitiTalk1]

I've used the Berry red double for 468.25 years If you're taking requests, maybe throw that one in also?

[flystrait]

5-22-13 Update. I recieved comfirmation of the all the calls I oredered shipped today. I am really looking forward to get this posted up!

Craig

[ElkNut1]

Craig, when you do have results with a clip post a new thread please so it will be near the top & all can appreciate it. Thanks!

ElkNut1

[BrentLaBere]

I have went through 7 different calls so far and watched elknut dvds on calling, as well as a few others, and find it to be very difficult to compare how someone else uses calls. I would really like to have you describe what the call is intended for while giving details on the different pressure and pitch applied. It may give other followers, like me, a better idea on how they can compare the call they are currently using to the one you are using. Thought I would just give my .02 cents for what its worth, I am really interested in following this one. Maybe even picking up a new reed to try. Thanks for doing this flystrait!

[Wapiti]

Hi Craig,

Please let me know where to send some of my reeds to for you to add into this experiment. This seems very exciting !! I have singles,doubles,triples and also bugling tubes !! Let the games begin !!

Travis
Wapiti River Outdoors

[flystrait]

5-29 update. Just got back into town and found that the last package arrived with the calls I ordered. I also picked up a new video camera, wow those things are a lot smaller. I will be working on trying to have this completed by the end of the weekend as work is taking me out of town for a couple of days. Thanks to eveyone for the responces and PM's.

Craig

[ElkNut1]

Craig, thanks, take your time bud, we just appreciate you taking the initiative! Thanks.

ElkNut1

[Wapiti]

Craig,

I have not heard from you yet and I have a package of calls to send out to you !! Paul also has some of my reeds that I sent to him but they may have his spit on them by now !! LOL

Let me know where to send the package and I'll get it in the mail. I know our reeds work great as we just took on a chain of 26 stores !!

Travis O'Shea
Wapiti River Outdoors
780-876-2170

[flystrait]

Travis, congratulations on securing a large account! PM sent.

I will be working on completing the first review. I have eliminated Primo's from the review at this point.

Thanks
Craig

[otcWill]

Just an FYI, Chris Roe does a great job with this on his site. You might want to check it out. He does some very informative webinars with all calls lined up in front of him, using them all and declaring his favorite and why.

[flystrait]

Just an FYI, Chris Roe does a great job with this on his site. You might want to check it out. He does some very informative webinars with all calls lined up in front of him, using them all and declaring his favorite and why.

Thanks otcWill, I have seen Chris's reviews and he doe's a good job.

[Wapiti]

Just an FYI, Chris Roe does a great job with this on his site. You might want to check it out. He does some very informative webinars with all calls lined up in front of him, using them all and declaring his favorite and why.

otcwill Thanks. Where can a person watch this review ? Is it on the forums or on another website ? Thank you as i'm sure many have not seen it either.

Trav

[otcWill]

Check out Roe Hunting Resources. Webinars are for members only and it costs like $50/yr to subscribe. I only wanted the elk calling webinars. Only the Elknut's videos and books can be compared to what Chris has put together. Webinars are complete with video of the elk making the actual calls he's mimicking.

[mtnmutt]

Chris Roe usually has a talk each year at the Denver Sportman's show in Denver. The show is some weekend mid to late January. There is also an indoor archery tournament during the show. Missed the show this year, so I can't attest to whether or not Chris Roe had his talk(s) this year.

[Wapiti]

Thanks guys !! Three months till elk season so get ready !!

[flystrait]

6/1/2013 Finished the review and hope to have Part 1 up in the next day.

[slim9300]

Looking forward to it. It's funny how I can only find 2 or 3 reeds that work for me and allow me to make all the sounds without swapping. I wonder if you find the same thing or if you are just better at adapting.

I would love to hear about any reed that produces similar results to a Raging Bull since that's my go to call.

Thanks Craig.

[Glacier Country]

Looking forward to it. It's funny how I can only find 2 or 3 reeds that work for me and allow me to make all the sounds without swapping. I wonder if you find the same thing or if you are just better at adapting.

I would love to hear about any reed that produces similar results to a Raging Bull since that's my go to call.

Slim9300, if you can use a slightly wider frame call than the raging bull. I make several double reed calls that compete with the Raging Bull. It sounds like you are looking for a versatile call to do cow/calf calls and bull bugles. I market several that fit the bill. The Orange Enrager,Watermelon and Blue Blaster.Even the Secret Weapon after it breaks in. Craig did not evaluate the Orange Enrager or Watermelon or Secret Weapon calls, but they would stack up nicely againt the Raging bull if they fit your pallet. Hope this helps. I think Craig has them also. Maybe send him a PM or if you want feel free to ask me. On some other threads I posted some sounds for quarbles. It was in the equipment category.The thread was called Diaphragms. I don't want to repost here and hijack Craigs thread.
-----> Troy

[flystrait]

I hope to have the Part 1 video up soon.

Thanks

[flystrait]

I had to try to re-load it up. I hope it gets completed today.

[flystrait]

I was able to upload Part 1 of the review. It only took two days of trying to up-load the video.

Thanks for your patients.

Craig

[mr_steve]

Do you have a link to get to it?

[slim9300]

Looking forward to it. It's funny how I can only find 2 or 3 reeds that work for me and allow me to make all the sounds without swapping. I wonder if you find the same thing or if you are just better at adapting.

I would love to hear about any reed that produces similar results to a Raging Bull since that's my go to call.

Slim9300, if you can use a slightly wider frame call than the raging bull. I make several double reed calls that compete with the Raging Bull. It sounds like you are looking for a versatile call to do cow/calf calls and bull bugles. I market several that fit the bill. The Orange Enrager,Watermelon and Blue Blaster.Even the Secret Weapon after it breaks in. Craig did not evaluate the Orange Enrager or Watermelon or Secret Weapon calls, but they would stack up nicely againt the Raging bull if they fit your pallet. Hope this helps. I think Craig has them also. Maybe send him a PM or if you want feel free to ask me. On some other threads I posted some sounds for quarbles. It was in the equipment category.The thread was called Diaphragms. I don't want to repost here and hijack Craigs thread.
-----> Troy

That's my problem. I can't use the wider frame worth a darn.

[PHELPS GAME CALLS]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2027&p=25111#p25111

[ElkNut1]

Yep, I'm that way as well, wide frames not only do not work smoothly & comfortably for myself but most hunters I know. Most hunters palates do best with a moderate to narrow framed reeds. Narrow & moderate wide reeds can be used by most hunters but those that like them have issues with wide frames, I'm one of them. (grin) If guys out there like a wider frame feel & fit look into Jasons & Troys mouth reeds, they will work well for you!

ElkNut1

[Glacier Country]

Re: Elk Diaphragm Review Part 2

Postby Glacier Country » 06 11, 2013 • [Post 11]
I was hoping to hear some cow sounds on cow calls and the versatile calls as well as some different types of Bugles. Craig is right about how much time it takes to do it, and edit it . Maybe in the future?? Maybe slightly different criteria?

To help Craig out a little here....
Glacier Country Hunting Calls, Point Blank, and Phelps, Wapiti River Outdoors, Carlton,Hunters Specialties,Knight and Hale,Fox Pro, ETC. all make calls based off of the same basic Frame style. It is a Frame that was originally used for Turkey calls. For many many years hunters have used this frame type in the Turkey and elk woods with great success. If the frame on any of these calls fit your pallet... you can probably use calls made from any of these manufactures. The fit in your pallet will be similar.IF you can use this type of frame you will have many very good calls to choose from.

My son was using this type of call frame when he was 5 years old. His pallet was probably smaller than most of you guys. Just 2 weekends ago, I had donated some calls to the winners of a 3D shoot. One of the winners walked up and said,"I can't use these, the frame is too wide." I showed him how to bend the frame slightly and in 2 minutes he was making fantastic sounds. Telling me how him and his buddies all will probably buy 20 reeds each.

Bugling Bull and Berry calls have frames that are not as wide as the Turkey call frame based calls.
Bugling Bulls pallet plate calls have the smallest frame. Rockie is the inventor of this frame and Primos also uses this frame on some of their calls.

Some guys really like that frame, and I personally have won a lot of contests with them.Well I guess, I have won with both frame types.
Maybe It should also be noted that The Bugling Bull calls with the plastic dome on them like the (Full Rut) look to me like they are built on the same frame type as Glacier Country Hunting Calls, Point Blank,Phelps Etc... but have a black plastic Tone Top on them.

Just because your buddy uses a certain type of elk call doesn't necessarily mean that is the best one for you. Even if your buddy is super elk Savvy.
Corey Jacobsen, Joel Turner,Brian Langley,and Dan Whitmus are all multiple time World Champion elk callers, none of them used the same reed calls to win the Championship! 3 of those champions used calls based on a turkey call frame. Rockie and Corey Jacobsen have each won several World Championships each with their Pallet Plate calls as well. Rockie makes very good calls.
Well that's all fine and dandy but what does that all mean to you? Think about this, for a minute...

What if you have packed in several miles and mess up on a dandy 6 point bull, are you going to use the same calls to try to lure him in again the next morning? I would suggest a different call with a different sound. If you are not a prostaff for a call company, then maybe even a call made from a different manufacturer??

It Seems most hunters want a versatile call that can do cow calls and bull calls. ME Too! I make Several very versatile calls.

This is not always the BEST call to use in every situation however. You have to realize that you will make better cow calls with a dedicated Cow /Calf reed. You might be able to make better bull calls with a dedicated bull call. A location call is used for locating elk from quite a distance. This call has a lot of backbone. I want to hear it bounce off of 3 ridges and echo back. I then get close and switch to either a versatile call, a cow/calf call or a Bull only call that is used to make the herd bull charge me. Each situation dictates which call I intend to use.
I may be hunting a herd bull that is a lover and so I switch to a cow/calf only call to call in the cows... the herd bull will follow...

Do you always go fly fishing with just an Adams and a prince nymph?? Probably not. It is the same with Elk. The versatile do it all call may get the job done a lot of the time.Especially with a caller 100 yards from the shooter. But if you match the hatch so to speak, Say the right things to the elk, at the right times Your Success rate will go up. To match the elk Hatch I use situation specific calls sometimes. I will admit to being an elk call junkie.
I have called in hundreds upon hundreds of elk. I just love to mimic any sound I hear them make.
90% of the bowhunters hunting elk,fail to tag an elk.
You just might have come to the right place, to learn how to be in that 10% year after year! Hope this helps--->Troy
Glacier Country Hunting Calls
http://www.glaciercountryhuntingcalls.com
(406) 756-5920

User avatar
Glacier Country
Forum Sponsor

Posts: 62
Joined: 03 16, 2013
Location: Montana
First Name: Troy

[Wapiti]

Troy !! Very good write up there. It's sometimes very hard to put into words. But you have done just that here !! Kudo's to you.

Craig has done something on here that most of us would shy away from. Just the amount of time it takes and also to put himself of there for the world to see. I personally am not great with computers and he also took that on to learn the ways of uploading and editing and all that goes with it.

Also like Troy stated maybe in the future we can get all the calls together and hear all the elk sounds that these bad boy reeds can make !! It doesn't matter what manufacturer you use the key is the right fit for you ! The reed is the way to go for multiple game animals like Turkey's, Elk and even birds and calling predators !! They can be your greatest asset while out hunting. Let's face it without calls we are just hiking and hoping to stumble across an elk !! That doesn't work for most of us that want encounter's every time you go out.

All I know for sure is elk season is coming fast and there are multiple call manufacture's around now and products are only getting better and better !! It's a win win for everyone !! We all win ! Great success to everyone this year !!

Trav

[pd]

I watched Craig's videos. Like many voluntary endeavors, this was a labor of love on his part, without any praise or compensation. I, for one, appreciated his efforts.

I purchased Paul's very helpful DVDs and play book. I am still struggling with diaphragms, and suspect that fit is the issue. As previously posted, every person's mouth (palette) must have a different shape. I suppose that I need to find the proper fit, that is all. I hope to hire my local game call manufacturer and all-around great guy for a personal instruction lesson; that should solve the problem.

[ElkNut1]

Pd, you are correct that Craig is a great guy & was sharing his views with various calls, certainly not taking anything away from him. (grin)

In most elk hunting encounters it's nice to have that All Purpose reed that will perform very well with just one reed. A hunter only needs to know & learn a handful of elk sounds to be an effective hunter/caller. He can use one of these or mix & match a couple to fit any elk encounter. With this in mind, which elk reeds out there can imitate these elk sounds? You see some reeds are great for Cow Calling but not so good for Bull Sounds, some reeds are Great for Bull Sounds but not so good for Cow Sounds, what a hunter needs is to know which ones are the better All Purpose reeds that will provide the combination of these two to avoid confusion of searching their pockets for a certain reed for a certain sound.

Nearly any man or woman can use a mouth reed that has a narrow stance to average stance or feel in ones mouth & pallet. But not many can use a wide mouth reed with that big stance or feel in ones mouth. So, as a newer elk caller ones should stay with mouth reeds that have a narrow feel & fit since they will fit any pallet! Ones can experiment from there, if they want a bigger feel then they can try one. The point is they can go either way.

If you have the Mellow Yellow, Raging Bull, Closer or All Star reed or similar reed to practice with then you are on the right track as these are narrow framed mouth reeds when compared to many other brands on the market. Reeds do not get much narrow than these! (grin) It's more about reed placement in ones mouth as opposed to feel. For instance, I have a narrow pallet but can use any reed on the market today, how? Because I know where it's supposed to sit in my mouth, I do not like a wide framed reed so I choose a narrow stance such as the Mellow Yellow & Raging Bull, these reeds work great for me & thousands of others that have purchased them from us. Once you get the reeds dialed in through hours of practice (not minutes) you too will favor certain reeds or brands even though you will be able to call with any of them narrow or wide framed as Craig is showing in his video clips!

ElkNut1

[PHELPS GAME CALLS]

Paul,
The larger frames will fit over 80% of the population. My wife works in an orthodontists office and makes multiple molds a day and I had her start taking measurements on the palate. I remind you these are often junior high or high school aged people so the percent may be aittle higher.

Where the palate plate shines is that it is universal. It is so narrow it will fit 99% of the population and then relies on the plate to set the call angle and height. Where Glacier Country, Point Blank and myself rely on the frame size itself to position the call.

Like you have stated people don't put the hours into practicing with the larger frames and decide the smaller frames fit better.

[PHELPS GAME CALLS]

I also just got confirmation that my medium sized frame tooling is in the works!!!

[slim9300]

I also just got confirmation that my medium sized frame tooling is in the works!!!

That's sweet!