Choosing Diaphragm Turkey Calls
Written by: M.D. Johnson
If you’ve ever held a wide piece of green grass between your thumbs, blown a strong breath through it, and produced a high-pitched whistle, you’ve unknowingly mimicked the “kid equivalent” of using a diaphragm-style turkey call.
Diaphragm calls, also known as reed calls or simply reeds, consist of a U-shaped frame made of plastic or aluminum covered in tape, with thin rubber or latex stretched between the legs of the U. Sometimes the rubber is single-layered, other times double or even triple-layered. This call is placed on the roof of your mouth with your tongue up, and air is passed across the latex to produce a whistle. By applying pressure with your tongue, you can manipulate the latex to mimic various turkey calls, particularly the sounds of a hen turkey.
Confused? Don’t be. While diaphragm calls do have a steeper learning curve compared to box or pot calls, their versatility and convenience are unmatched by any other turkey hunting tool.
Types of Diaphragm Turkey Calls
There are countless variations of diaphragm turkey calls on the market today—well, maybe not 1.437 million, but quite a few! For example, Slayer Calls offers eight different reed styles for turkey hunters (with two new calls debuting this coming season). While all are similar in shape and size, the key differences are the number of reeds (ranging from one to three) and modifications made to the top reed. These alterations—such as cuts, notches, or slits—change the tone of the call.
The three main types of diaphragm calls are:
Single Reed Diaphragms
As the name suggests, this call has a single layer of latex stretched tightly in the U-shaped frame. It produces a clear sound, similar to that of a young hen. Single reeds are often used in the fall to mimic the high-pitched KEE KEE RUN or ‘lost call’ of a young turkey. With only one moving part, single reeds are relatively easy to learn and are sometimes referred to as ‘straight calls.’
Double Reed Diaphragms
A double reed call has two reeds, with the top reed usually modified to produce a less clear, raspier sound—more like an older hen. Slayer Calls offers several variations of modified double reeds, such as the Batwing, Fang Cutter and Snake Bite, Double reed calls can be more difficult to master due to their additional reed.
Triple Reed Diaphragms
Triple reed calls feature two unaltered bottom reeds and one modified top reed. This setup allows for a balance of clear and raspy sounds. Triple reeds, while versatile, are the most difficult to control due to their complexity. Slayer’s Center Cut Triple and Split Triple are great examples of this style.
Pros and Cons of Diaphragm Turkey Calls
Some hunters find diaphragm calls physically challenging to use, such as those with dentures or a high, narrow upper palate, as they struggle to achieve the airtight seal needed for proper operation. In these cases, a pot call or traditional box call is a good alternative.
Here are the pros and cons of diaphragm calls:
Pros
- Hands-free operation
- Unaffected by weather conditions
- Extremely versatile with a wide range of possible sounds
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Learning curve can be steep compared to other calls
- Requires time to master
- Needs care: Keep dry and avoid prolonged sun exposure
Most hunters new to diaphragm calls won’t take one into the field and instantly produce realistic turkey sounds—though it’s possible, it’s unlikely. Diaphragm calls are incredibly versatile in the hands of a caller who has put in the time to learn the ins and outs. Once mastered, a caller with a range of reeds can mimic nearly every sound a wild turkey can make—and then some!
