The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a game of deception, a dance of mimicry where the hunter becomes the hunted. This is why I was immediately intrigued by the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit. As a seasoned outdoor gear specialist, I’m always searching for tools that truly bridge the gap between theory and practice, and this kit promised a comprehensive approach to turkey calling.
For years, I’ve relied on a patchwork of individual calls, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The challenge has always been juggling them effectively in the field, especially when a wary gobbler hangs up just out of range. This combo kit presented a potential solution: a curated selection of calls designed to cover a wide range of vocalizations and scenarios, all in one affordable package.
Unboxing the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit was an exercise in expectation management. At a price point of $17.49, I wasn’t expecting premium, hand-tuned instruments. I was more interested in practical functionality and durability. Initial impressions were positive; the calls felt reasonably sturdy, and the variety was immediately apparent.
Compared to my collection of custom-made diaphragm calls (which can cost upwards of $30 each), the “Double D” diaphragm felt a bit stiff. Compared to standalone crow and owl calls from other brands, the Hammerin’ Crow and “The Hooter” Owl Call seemed compact and easily packable. Ultimately, I chose this kit for its promise of versatility and convenience – the potential to have all the necessary tools at my fingertips without breaking the bank.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The price was certainly right, but the true test would be in the field. Would these calls produce realistic sounds? Could they withstand the rigors of a spring turkey season? The only way to find out was to put them to work.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit was on a crisp, early morning in the Appalachian foothills. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and budding foliage. I had scouted the area extensively and knew that a group of gobblers frequented a nearby ridge. I set up in a natural blind overlooking a small clearing.
I started with “The Hooter” Owl Call, hoping to elicit a shock gobble and pinpoint the turkeys’ location. The call produced a convincing hoot, and within seconds, a thunderous gobble echoed from the ridge. Encouraged, I switched to the Lil’ Deuce Wild Turkey Call, a friction call with a carbon striker. It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot and produce consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs. The sound was adequate, but not as rich or resonant as my slate call.
The turkeys responded cautiously, moving slowly through the brush. A hen appeared first, followed by two jakes. They were wary, but curious. I then transitioned to the Premium Flex “Double D” diaphragm call. It was at this point that I began to struggle. The “Double D” diaphragm, while potentially capable of producing a variety of sounds, proved difficult to master. The latex felt thick and unresponsive, requiring significant air pressure to produce a consistent sound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit has proven to be a mixed bag. The Lil’ Deuce Wild friction call has held up well, showing minimal wear and tear despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop. The Hammerin’ Crow Call has also remained reliable, consistently producing loud, clear crow calls that can be useful for locating birds or breaking up silence in the woods.
However, the “Double D” diaphragm call continues to be a challenge. While I’ve managed to improve my technique, it still requires significantly more effort than other diaphragm calls I’ve used. The latex shows signs of stretching and wear, and I suspect it will need to be replaced before the end of the season.
Cleaning the calls is relatively simple. The friction call can be wiped down with a damp cloth, while the diaphragm call can be rinsed with water. Overall, the kit is reasonably durable for its price point, but I wouldn’t expect it to last for multiple seasons with heavy use.
Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end calls, the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit falls short in terms of sound quality and ease of use. However, it offers a decent level of functionality and versatility at an affordable price.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit
Specifications
- Lil’ Deuce Wild Turkey Call: A friction call designed to produce yelps, clucks, and purrs. This call provides versatility for various turkey vocalizations.
- Hammerin’ Crow Call: A mouth-blown call that imitates the sound of a crow. It can be used to locate turkeys or break up the silence.
- “The Hooter” Owl Call: A tube call designed to mimic the hooting of an owl. This is effective for eliciting shock gobbles from roosted turkeys.
- Premium Flex “Double D” Diaphragm Call: A mouth call featuring Infinity latex. It aims to produce a range of turkey sounds, offering hands-free calling.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit provides a decent foundation for turkey calling. The Lil’ Deuce Wild friction call is relatively easy to learn and produces acceptable yelps and clucks. The Hammerin’ Crow Call is loud and effective for locating birds, especially in areas with dense cover.
The “Double D” diaphragm call is the weakest link in the kit. It requires significant practice to master and doesn’t produce the same level of realism as higher-quality diaphragm calls. That said, the hooter is a great confidence tool and the friction call is easy to pack.
The overall performance meets expectations for a budget-friendly kit, but experienced turkey hunters may find the sound quality and ease of use lacking. The diaphragm call needs improvement; its performance does not meet expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The calls in the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a vest or pack. The Lil’ Deuce Wild friction call has a comfortable grip, and the mouth calls are reasonably ergonomic.
The build quality is adequate for the price point. The materials used are not the highest quality, but they seem durable enough to withstand moderate use. There is a slight learning curve to using the diaphragm call, but the other calls are relatively straightforward.
The kit is generally user-friendly, but the diaphragm call may require some patience and practice. The lightweight construction makes it easy to carry.
Durability & Maintenance
The calls in the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit should last for at least one turkey season with proper care, but the diaphragm call may need to be replaced more frequently.
Cleaning the calls is simple and requires minimal effort. The friction call can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The latex diaphragm call can be rinsed with water. The calls are reasonably easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit includes four calls designed to cover a range of turkey vocalizations. There are no additional accessories included in the kit, but hunters can customize their setup by adding a lanyard for carrying the calls or a chalk holder for the friction call.
The calls are compatible with most standard turkey hunting vests and packs. There are no specific customization options available for the calls themselves. There are no options for external brand accessories.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit
Pros
- Affordable Price: The kit offers excellent value for money, providing a comprehensive set of calls at a budget-friendly price point.
- Versatile Call Selection: Includes friction, diaphragm, crow, and owl calls, covering a wide range of turkey hunting scenarios.
- Compact and Lightweight: The calls are easy to carry and pack, making them ideal for mobile hunters.
- Easy to Learn (Except Diaphragm): The friction, crow, and owl calls are relatively easy to master, even for beginners.
- Effective for Locating Birds: The crow and owl calls are useful for eliciting shock gobbles and pinpointing turkey locations.
Cons
- Diaphragm Call Difficulty: The “Double D” diaphragm call requires significant practice and may not produce realistic sounds for all users.
- Sound Quality: The sound quality of the calls, particularly the diaphragm call, is not as high as more expensive, specialized calls.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit?
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile set of calls to get started. It is also a good option for experienced hunters who want a backup set of calls or a convenient way to carry multiple vocalizations in the field.
This product is not ideal for experienced turkey hunters who demand the highest levels of realism and sound quality. These hunters are more likely to benefit from investing in individual, high-end calls that are specifically tuned to their preferences.
A must-have accessory for this kit is a call lanyard to keep the calls organized and accessible. A diaphragm call case would also be helpful to protect the “Double D” from damage.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit is a solid, budget-friendly option for turkey hunters of all skill levels. While the diaphragm call may require some practice, the kit provides a versatile selection of calls that can be used in a variety of hunting situations.
The price is definitely justified, especially for beginners who are just starting to learn the art of turkey calling. It is an accessible price point for entry level hunters.
I would recommend the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Turkey Call Combo Kit to anyone looking for an affordable and convenient way to get started in turkey hunting. Grab yours today and get ready for a thrilling spring season!