Favorite Mouth Reeds

[AKBowman]

What is your favorite mouth reed for calling elk?

Do you use different reeds for cow calls VS bull calls?

[pianoman9701]

Originally the Primos Ivory plate for cow and calf talk. The new double and triples I got from Jason Phelps make great bugle and cow sounds.

[Tbar]

Bugling bulls sound the best to me. Yes some are cow/bull specific but you can usually be versatile at a given time. All mouths are different so just try a couple different calls. RJ calls seem to be the most consistent calls I have tried.

[WSU]

How about for someone not accustomed to using mouth reeds?

[atfulldraw]

Mostly Primos for me.

[Tbar]

How about for someone not accustomed to using mouth reeds?

I couldn't use one for years I used open reed(rj) and a promos blue reed bugle, they both produce, but if you don't use a mouth reed you limit yourself. The versatility at crunch time can make all the difference. Give elknut a call and he can walk you through using a mouth reed. Elknut also has a DVD but his personal lesson was way more helpful.

[coachcw]

cal tek work well , aswell as primos

[JPhelps]

I use my own and bugling bull game calls.

Most of your calls can be used for both bull and cow.  Every call has different stretch and backtension as well as thicker latex to make different tones.  Most of the reeds are setup of for specific age class of sounds.  (Juvenile, mature, etc...)

The best reed I have for bugling is too raspy for cow calling though, even though it worked in a pinch this year.

I have been developing and testing some NEW diaphragm calls for this year.  I should have three different calls ready within a month.  One large bull sounds (2.5 reed), one medium bull/mature cow (2 thin reeds) and a young bull/cow (1 thin reed).  I am really excited about these new calls.  The tone is excellent in these calls and there ISN'T a better commercial bull bugling diaphragm that I have found.
 

[funkster]

I really don't have a favorite reed. I usually have 12 reeds on me when I am in the field.  In my experience elk respond differently to different calls.

Lets say you spooked an elk a few days ago and got back on him, he is going be be less responsive(if he responds at all) to that particular call/sound than a different call/sound( the new elk on the block theory).  I usually will hit them with a few simple short locator and see what I get. If I don't get a response, I will wait 10-15 min and try another reed to produce a different sound. I have gotten bulls to answer using this method. 

Remember you are not the only hunter to ever call at most of these elk, they have heard and seen it all. Elk have an amazing memory to other elk sounds and hunter elk sounds. Get creative and don't get stuck using one reed or method, you could have a bull within 50 yards and not even know it

[pianoman9701]

How about for someone not accustomed to using mouth reeds?

Jason Phelps made me a really cool wood call, single reed that is easy as pie to sound like a calf, cow, whining cow, estrus cow, lost cow, anything. I think it was like $30 or so, maybe $35 for a burl. Here's a pic of the wooden one:

[iRem]

I purchased the same call from Jason last month and it took no time at all to use and get the right sounds, Thanks Jason. I love the new call easy to use, plus I'll be using a mouth diaphragm to use with my bugle. I now have a diaphragm that I can chew on while I'm blowing the reed call. The purpose is so that I don't have to change out diaphragms for cows and bulls.  That's just me, you'll find some thin that will fit how you hunt..... Do recommend you try the Phelps Game Call!

[Giggles]

I tied using one for turkey once.  I choked and almost passed out.  Won't use them again!

[JPhelps]

Here is a picture of the 2.5 reed V.3.  I'm going to make one more change (change up the backtension and maybe go with a thinner latex in place of the black).  It is sounding awesome though.

[iRem]

Here is a picture of the 2.5 reed V.3.  I'm going to make one more change (change up the backtension and maybe go with a thinner latex in place of the black).  It is sounding awesome though.

Jason I look forward to getting one of the bull diaphragm from you when you have completed your fine toning. Put me on the waiting list for 1.

[bowhunterty]

Elknut has a good dvd on how to use mouth reeds. I've been using reeds for over 20 years and tried a lot of differnt companies. I currently use Bugling Bull Game calls. The mellew yellow is my favorite cow/calf call and the closer(red) and screaming tormentor(grern) for bulls.

[JPhelps]

I agree that the closer, mellow yellow and the challenge are excellent calls and I always have them on me. 

I still think that my 2.5 reed call is better for bugling (otherwise I wouldn't be investing as much money as I am). 

[ridgefire]

i have never used phelps calls but my favorites are the bugling bulls mellow yellow for cow and calf sounds and their brown one for bugling.. pretty sure its called the screaming tormentor

[iRem]

I would have to agree about the different sounds and carry different calls with you. I think having a new call out on the market that sounds like elk might be worth having in your pocket as this would be a new elk in he neighborhood.   

[Todd_ID]

My go-to reed is the Primos Ivory Plate Single for most everything.  If I need big volume for a long distance locate then I go to a homemade 4 reed that my hunting buddy makes me.  I think I will be ordering one of JPhelps newfangled contraptions, though.  It just sounds too good to be true, so I have to see for myself.

[predatorpro]

How about for someone not accustomed to using mouth reeds?

Jason Phelps made me a really cool wood call, single reed that is easy as pie to sound like a calf, cow, whining cow, estrus cow, lost cow, anything. I think it was like $30 or so, maybe $35 for a burl. Here's a pic of the wooden one:

i agree! jason makes awesome sounding calls!

[igotbigbulls]

Stay away from the P-Niss brand mouth reeds. 

[pianoman9701]

Stay away from the P-Niss brand mouth reeds. 

Funny. 

[TheHunt]

The mouth reeds out on the market are of different sizes.  You will need to see what size fits you.  Once you have one that fits you and provides a good seal.  You are ready to play.  Look at any call for consistency as to where the ends are anchored.  If the reeds are not consistent you will be frustrated as each call will have a different tone at the same air pressure.  I call it the quality of the manufacture. 

Go to the call rack and grab 10 of the same call.  If they are not exactly the same you should consider not picking the call. 

The frame of the mouth reed are almost all plastic.  There are a very few that use metal.  The nice feature of metal frame is it can be bent.  Plastic does not bend and hold the bend.  I would recommend attending a Joel Turner elk calling seminar and pick up some of his calls before the seminar and he will teach you to call. 

[JPhelps]

The frame of the mouth reed are almost all plastic.  There are a very few that use metal.  The nice feature of metal frame is it can be bent.  Plastic does not bend and hold the bend.  I would recommend attending a Joel Turner elk calling seminar and pick up some of his calls before the seminar and he will teach you to call. 

I think most call manufacturers use an aluminum frame.  I would be very cautious about bending the frames.  When doing so you have just changed the tension in the latex. On some calls that are stretched to within a couple thousandths of spec, this will change the tone.

I agree though, Joel is a great caller and call maker.

[AKBowman]

The mouth reeds out on the market are of different sizes.  You will need to see what size fits you.  Once you have one that fits you and provides a good seal.  You are ready to play.  Look at any call for consistency as to where the ends are anchored.  If the reeds are not consistent you will be frustrated as each call will have a different tone at the same air pressure.  I call it the quality of the manufacture. 

Go to the call rack and grab 10 of the same call.  If they are not exactly the same you should consider not picking the call. 

The frame of the mouth reed are almost all plastic.  There are a very few that use metal.  The nice feature of metal frame is it can be bent.  Plastic does not bend and hold the bend.  I would recommend attending a Joel Turner elk calling seminar and pick up some of his calls before the seminar and he will teach you to call.

Thanks, I know how to call but wondering what everyone else perfers for mouth reeds. I've used primarily the primos Ivory in the past for both cow/calf and bull sounds but was wanting to pick up a couple different brands this summer. Thanks for all the feedback!

[slim9300]

What is your favorite mouth reed for calling elk?

Do you use different reeds for cow calls VS bull calls?

I am of the belief that you should be able to do every kind of call well with one reed. The trick is finding out what that reed is for most people.

I love the Raging Bull by Bugling Bull. It's by far my favorite. For a beginning caller (or Cory Jacobsen. LOL) it's hard to beat an All-Star reed or for someone that's familiar with how to call but wants to step it up a little, The Closer is another great choice. The Closer is Elknuts reed of choice.


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[slim9300]

Go to the call rack and grab 10 of the same call.  If they are not exactly the same you should consider not picking the call.

I disagree with this post. I have tried every brand of reed. When you become a proficient caller you will find that maybe 25% to 50% of reeds make the sounds that you are looking for and have a close to ideal setup. Very good callers sort through dozens if not hundreds of reeds to find one that is the way they like it. (ie. Corey, Rockie and Elknut) There is a method to their madness but I don't want to see it get any harder to find the best reeds.

My suggestion is buy 2-3 of the ones you are going to try and then make your decision after trying all of them.




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[BowBender87]

My favorite reed used to be the knight n hale double aspen, but ofcourse they no longer make it...now i use the jones double..its the blue one...dont last very long but i can get good tone out of them...ive tried just about ever reed out there never could get very much volume out of primos reeds...looking forward to trying out one of your reeds jason

[funkster]

 When you become a proficient caller you will find that maybe 25% to 50% of reeds make the sounds that you are looking

Make the sound you are looking for? or the elk are responding too? In my opinion there is a big difference in the two.

[slim9300]

 When you become a proficient caller you will find that maybe 25% to 50% of reeds make the sounds that you are looking

Make the sound you are looking for? or the elk are responding too? In my opinion there is a big difference in the two.

Is that how you explain your lack of success killing elk? The trick is to learn from your encounters and take advantage of others that are more experienced than you. Learn what the elk are saying and learn to replicate those sounds. Those are the elk sounds that a guys should be "looking for."

There is only a big difference if you don't know what you are doing and you haven't educated yourself. For guys that are successful year in and year out calling elk, the sounds that they are looking for are the sounds that the elk are looking for (or not looking for).

Just my .02


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[funkster]

 When you become a proficient caller you will find that maybe 25% to 50% of reeds make the sounds that you are looking

Make the sound you are looking for? or the elk are responding too? In my opinion there is a big difference in the two.

Is that how you explain your lack of success killing elk? The trick is to learn from your encounters and take advantage of others that are more experienced than you. Learn what the elk are saying and learn to replicate those sounds. Those are the elk sounds that a guys should be "looking for."

There is only a big difference if you don't know what you are doing and you haven't educated yourself. For guys that are successful year in and year out calling elk, the sounds that they are looking for are the sounds that the elk are looking for (or not looking for).

Just my .02


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My success speaks for itself, I have called in multiple elk for multiple hunters for multiple years. Elk calling is my passion and I will grab a call over a weapon any day.  I have spent many years in the heart of the herd, not just watched some videos or read a book and think I got it. Not saying that books and vids are bad but you have to incorporate those with experience. If you hunt on public land you can hear the sounds and cadence that most "beginner callers" are making and that is why they are not having much success.  Not getting into a pissing match, I do agree with most of what you are saying.

[slim9300]

 When you become a proficient caller you will find that maybe 25% to 50% of reeds make the sounds that you are looking

Make the sound you are looking for? or the elk are responding too? In my opinion there is a big difference in the two.

Is that how you explain your lack of success killing elk? The trick is to learn from your encounters and take advantage of others that are more experienced than you. Learn what the elk are saying and learn to replicate those sounds. Those are the elk sounds that a guys should be "looking for."

There is only a big difference if you don't know what you are doing and you haven't educated yourself. For guys that are successful year in and year out calling elk, the sounds that they are looking for are the sounds that the elk are looking for (or not looking for).

Just my .02


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My success speaks for itself, I have called in multiple elk for multiple hunters for multiple years. Elk calling is my passion and I will grab a call over a weapon any day.  I have spent many years in the heart of the herd, not just watched some videos or read a book and think I got it. Not saying that books and vids are bad but you have to incorporate those with experience. If you hunt on public land you can hear the sounds and cadence that most "beginner callers" are making and that is why they are not having much success.  Not getting into a pissing match, I do agree with most of what you are saying.

I agree with you 100% but the vast majority of elk hunters don't dedicate themselves to calling, scouting, learning from the elk, etc. year round.

I'm only 27 but hunting and calling elk is my passion. I have only killed 10 elk but 7 out of those 10 came in the last 4 years when I finally started to devote myself to understanding them and spending a large amount of time with the elk (not simply during the season). Not to mention hundreds of hours practicing my calling and comparing it to real elk sounds. Elk hunting is my addiction.

On a side note. Most elk hunters don't even recognize cadence. I agree that this is a big factor in calling that is largely overlooked.


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[Nilehunter]

Mostly Primos for me.

 

[firedog]

I really like bugling bulls calls, I prefer the palate plate type of calls. That said I have used the Point Blank calls that Joel Turner helped design. I carry an assortment of calls and along with reeds I carry a couple Of open reeds with the goto being Phelps open reed call. I will also be trying his reeds this year.

Like others have said one of the keys to efectively using a reed is practicing. I practice all the time while in my pickup. I listen to all of Elknuts CD's, Rockie Jacobsen and my favorite is a Steve Chappell CD of elk sounds. Boht my sons, 6 and 8 now are very good voice callers from listening with me all the time. My oldest son bugled a bull in for me (was a spike so we just watched him) two years ago when he was six. Practice, practice practice.

[bowhuntersd]

For years I used Berry Game Calls. Since then I found Bugling bull game calls and they are by-far the best I've used. I've been wanting to use Phelps Game calls, heard nothing but good things. Like others I've tried dozens of differant diaphram call, its just finding the one that works the best for you and PRACTICE...

[slim9300]

For external cow calls I love my Temptress by Bugling Bull and Fighting Cow by Carlton. I try to use these calls sparingly though.


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[buglelk]

My personal favorite for diaphragm is the All-Star. If you're used to really blowing to make sounds, the All-Star might not be the best call for you though. It is a light stretched, light latex. It is easy to control with very little air pressure, and the sounds are amazing. If you like to really dig into a call, the Raging Bull might be a better fit. Either one will provide versatility and make all the elk sounds you could ever need to make.

Combine that with a Bully Bull grunt tube and you have a great combination!

Corey Jacobsen
Elk101.com - Extreme Elk Magazine

[TheHunt]

I have used most every reed call on the market.  My personal opinion is that Glen Berry has the best quality. 

Who ever posted the double aspen was a great cow call is very true, but as stated they are no longer made.

My opinion is use quality and use a reed that you can make "the tone" to get a response.  As long as you can make the tone you are golden.