MAD RIP Growl Deer Call Review

Let’s Review the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call from Mad promises to deliver authentic whitetail vocalizations, simulating the sounds a real deer would make. It achieves this with a unique design incorporating a reflective nasal and vocal cavity. I’ve spent over a decade in the field, and I’m always searching for that edge to bring in mature bucks. The claims that this call could also mimic doe and fawn sounds, plus include a removable snort wheeze, piqued my interest.

I’ve been frustrated with calls that sound artificial or lack the volume to reach deer in windy conditions. My hope was this call would provide both realism and power. Upon unboxing, the call felt solid, though lighter than expected; the molded plastic construction was smooth and appeared durable. I compared it to my Primos Buck Roar and Flextone Bone Collector call; the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call seemed more compact, perhaps an advantage in dense woods, but I worried about the volume compared to the larger-bodied Primos.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was intrigued by the design and the potential for versatile sounds. It didn’t blow me away with premium materials or heft, but the functionality seemed promising and potentially better than other calls on the market.

Real-World Testing: Putting MAD RIP Growl Deer Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call was during an early morning hunt in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The conditions were cool and damp, with a slight breeze. I set up near a known deer crossing and began with a series of doe bleats, followed by a buck growl. I found the call relatively easy to use, although achieving the right tone required a little practice.

The volume seemed adequate for the moderate wind, but I noticed the sound seemed to lack some of the deeper resonance of my natural vocals. No deer showed up on my first attempt that day.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the rut, the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of cracking or damage to the plastic, despite being exposed to rain and mud. Cleaning the call is simple; a quick rinse with water is all it takes. While the call’s construction and durability is solid, I did find that the overall sound of the call left something to be desired in my hunting scenarios.

Compared to my previous experiences with diaphragm calls that require more technique, the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call is easier to produce sounds with, especially for beginners. It hasn’t outperformed my diaphragm calls in attracting mature bucks.

Breaking Down the Features of MAD RIP Growl Deer Call

Specifications

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call is designed to mimic natural whitetail vocalizations. It achieves this by incorporating a reflective nasal and vocal cavity, processing air to simulate a real deer’s sound production. The call emits doe and fawn bleats, buck growls, and includes a removable snort wheeze attachment for aggressive calling sequences. The removable snort wheeze is a key feature adding versatility.

These specifications are important because they dictate the call’s ability to produce realistic and varied sounds. A poorly designed call can sound artificial and scare away deer, while a well-designed call like the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call can significantly increase your chances of attracting deer.

Performance & Functionality

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call performs adequately in producing a range of whitetail sounds. It is relatively easy to use and produces consistent sounds with practice, although the authenticity of the calls can be improved. The call’s strength lies in its versatility, but its weakness lies in the lack of depth and realism compared to natural vocalizations.

The call meets expectations for ease of use and basic sound production, but it falls short of delivering truly convincing deer sounds that elicit a strong response from mature bucks.

Design & Ergonomics

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call features a molded plastic construction, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The build quality is decent for the price point, although the plastic feels less robust than more expensive calls. It’s comfortable enough to hold and operate, but the ergonomics could be improved with a more contoured grip. The lightweight design is certainly an advantage for carrying all day.

The call is reasonably user-friendly, but achieving optimal sound requires some practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call appears to be durable enough for several seasons of use, assuming it’s properly cared for. The molded plastic is resistant to cracking and breaking under normal hunting conditions. Maintenance is simple; rinsing with water after use is sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly. Proper storage away from extreme heat and sunlight will extend its lifespan.

The call should last for a reasonable amount of time with basic care, offering a good value proposition for its price point.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call comes with the removable snort wheeze attachment, allowing hunters to add an aggressive element to their calling sequences. There are no other official accessories or customization options available directly from Mad. However, some hunters may choose to modify the call by adding a lanyard or experimenting with different mouthpieces to alter the sound. The removable snort wheeze is the only major included accessory.

The call’s lack of customization options limits its versatility compared to more modular calling systems.

Pros and Cons of MAD RIP Growl Deer Call

Who Should Buy MAD RIP Growl Deer Call?

Perfect for: Beginner hunters who are learning to use deer calls and hunters on a budget who need a versatile call that can produce a variety of sounds. The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call can also be beneficial for hunters looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry option.

Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters who demand the highest level of realism in their calls and are willing to invest in premium, hand-tuned options. Hunters who frequently hunt in windy conditions might find the volume insufficient.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible and prevent loss in the field.

Conclusion on MAD RIP Growl Deer Call

The MAD RIP Growl Deer Call is a decent entry-level deer call that offers versatility and affordability. Its ability to mimic a range of whitetail sounds, including doe bleats, fawn bawls, and buck growls, makes it a valuable tool for beginner hunters. The removable snort wheeze adds an aggressive element, useful during the rut.

However, the sound quality lacks the depth and realism of more expensive calls, and the plastic construction feels less durable. At a price of $41.19, the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call offers reasonable value for its features and functionality.

I would recommend it to beginner hunters on a budget, but experienced hunters seeking the highest level of realism should consider investing in a higher-end call. Give the MAD RIP Growl Deer Call a try – it might just be the sound that brings that buck into range, but be prepared to supplement it with other calling techniques.