elk diaphram choices

[banishd]

So I have been working a lot on my calling but consitency has been a problem. Some days it seems like I have it figured then the next day I am horrible. I am thinking the problem is I cant get the fit right. A normal size call is too wide. A small is too small to have enough clearance at the roof of my mouth. For those of you have had a hard time getting the right fit like this, what calls do you suggest I try?

[bowhunterforever]

Phelps amp reeds

[tlbradford]

Reed calls are made so you can customize them to fit your mouth.  Get out the scissors, and take a little off at a time until you get the fit you want.

[DVET253]

So I have been working a lot on my calling but consitency has been a problem. Some days it seems like I have it figured then the next day I am horrible. I am thinking the problem is I cant get the fit right. A normal size call is too wide. A small is too small to have enough clearance at the roof of my mouth. For those of you have had a hard time getting the right fit like this, what calls do you suggest I try?

A normal call is too wide how exactly? metal elastic retainer width or overall tape width?

You can slightly trim the tape around the outside to better fit your mouth. Too much tape can bunch up in the rear of your mouth causing gaps that air can escape through.

Calls range in size from brand to brand. Even calls from the same brand do as well, by design in the width of the metal channel that the elastic is in. These widths help shape the tone of the call as well as can cause fitment issues depending on the contour of your individual palette.  I've tried many of the popular brands out there Primos, Carlton, Rocky Mountain etc. Some of these mentioned run as wide as 27mm (outside edge to outside edge on the metal "horseshoe"). Currently I am using and will continue to run, because of ease of use and over all repetitiveness of sound, the Phelps AMP series.  Personally I've found the channel on some of the Rocky Mtn and Carlton's to be too wide while primos too narrow. IIRC Phelps designed the AMP series on a standardized medium width channel (~ 22mm) where different elastic thicknesses and stretches qualities are the only varied components to get the intended/desired pitch out of the call. This is really handy when needing to go from one AMP series color to another as fitment is consistent between the AMP models.

[banishd]

The metal frame is too wide for me. Carltons are too big Primos minis were too small. Sounds like Rocky Mtn may be too big for me too. Phelps flat frame in small was too small for me. If the AMPs are 22mm they may be the same width as the small. The dome plate in those may help but I will have to try to know. I think maybe 24/25mm would be right for me based on how much room i think I would need to get Carltons to fit properly. I emailed Phelps asking for a recommendation today. They emailed me right back with some questions to get a better idea of what to recommend. Getting options narrowed down helps a lot.

[Miles]

Try Berry Game calls. 

[Randonee]

You also may want to try the Elk101 calls.  I’ve tried both the green and the new white versions.  For me, they are a happy medium fit.  I just measured them and they are about 23mm wide. 

[banishd]

Got a few of the Phelps AMP calls in the mail today after the feedback on here and the recommendation from Phelps himself. Gotta say I love them! Fit me way better and my calling sounds way more legit now. Now I just need to stock up. Im a stay at home dad so when the wife is away the elk calls come out to play.

[Fullabull]

There should three sizes, large medium and small and all of them can be shaped to fit you mouth better. I get the mediums and bend the frame to fit my mouth better.

[eyesinfront]

I was in a similar situation and the amp’s are where it’s at! 

[Rubenation1981]

It's all about the fit.  I have the Phelps and they are just a bit too small for me.  I still get decent sound out of them though.  I just picked up a Primos 3 pack of calls just to screw around with and they fit me much better. 

[Waycott15]

Phelps are the best! Make the best sound and super easy to use

[ffbowhunter]

Another vote for Phelps!

[ridgefire]

I have been a big fan of Rocky Jacobsons raging bull diaphragm. Fit is perfect for my mouth. May have to try out a Phelps diaphragm one of these days. Which one of the Phelps is best for bugling? Not a fan of the domed calls at all.

[PlateauNDN]

Phelps and carlton's, the 2 best calls I've used.