After looking at the rnt mondos for a while and trying to decide what model I wanted I went with the LA S. Should be coming in sometime this week.

I understand cut down style calls take a completely different technique than traditional j frame calls.

Any tips to shorten the learning curve?

Not much different. Just gotta blow like hell.

In the next few days or until the call gets there, practice holding your breath for as long as you can. (until you almost pass out)

You're gunna need all the lung strength/capacity that you can get. they take ALOT more air than a J frame.

Had a few different models myself and just not crazy about them. I just end up trading them off. They are night and day different IMO.
I keep telling myself that I'm going to dedicate an off season to learning to run one, just haven't done it yet

People who really, actually, know how to run one swear by them though.

The way I learned how to blow a cutdown is all in how you present the air in the call. You will have to learn how to open up your throat and not constrict your air in anyway. If you do constrict your air in anyway it will flat wear you out. A normal J frame call doesn't take anywhere near the amount of air that a cutdown does. because a J-frame call has what they call HOLD or back pressure built into them. A cutdown call has zero back pressure in it. So in other words you get what you put out. You will have to learn how to push your airway from down deep in your diaphragm. The notes for a cutdown call are quick and sharp. The guys that call with them call this making it "Bark". They are a fun and frustrating call to learn how to run, but when you finally get the hang of it you can run any call. I hope this helps.