Strut Commander Starter Pack Review

The Strut Commander Starter Pack Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting season is a sacred time. It’s a chance to connect with nature, test your skills, and hopefully, bring home a delicious meal. The right call can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the woods. I needed reliable, easy-to-use mouth calls, without breaking the bank, which led me to the Strut Commander Starter Pack.

The Strut Commander Starter Pack from Strut Commander promised to be just that: an accessible entry point into the world of turkey calling. The pack contains two turkey mouth calls, the Strut Commander SC21M6, designed for beginners. Its affordable price point made it worth exploring despite my years of experience.

Unboxing the Strut Commander Starter Pack was simple. The calls were neatly packaged and seemed well-constructed for their price. The reeds appeared to be properly aligned, and the tape felt secure. My initial thought was, “These might actually work.”

Compared to my higher-end custom calls from brands like Primos and Woodhaven, the Strut Commander Starter Pack was noticeably simpler. These more expensive calls are typically individually tuned and made with higher-quality materials. However, the Strut Commander Starter Pack held its own in terms of value for money.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While they obviously weren’t top-of-the-line, the Strut Commander Starter Pack offered a promising starting point. I was eager to see how they performed in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Starter Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Strut Commander Starter Pack was during a scouting trip in early spring. I ventured into a hardwood bottom known for holding turkeys. The weather was damp and cool, typical for that time of year.

The calls initially felt a bit stiff, but with a little practice, I was able to produce some decent yelps and clucks. The sound quality was surprisingly good, especially considering these are marketed as beginner calls. A couple of gobblers responded to my calling from a distance, but didn’t commit.

The calls were easy to use but I did have to work the diaphragm to get the “cluck” just right. There was a noticeable learning curve but after a little while I felt more comfortable. I had no issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Strut Commander Starter Pack on various scouting trips and actual hunts, the calls held up remarkably well. There were no signs of wear and tear on the reeds or tape. They remained functional and consistent in their sound production.

Maintenance was simple. I rinsed them with water after each use and stored them in a cool, dry place. The calls continued to perform well, exceeding my initial expectations.

Compared to some cheaper calls I’ve used in the past, the Strut Commander Starter Pack definitely outperformed them. The sound quality was better, and the durability was significantly improved. They aren’t quite on par with my custom calls, but for the price, they’re a fantastic option.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Starter Pack

Specifications

The Strut Commander Starter Pack (SC21M6) includes two turkey mouth calls. They are designed for producing a variety of turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, and purrs. The calls feature a standard three-reed design, constructed with thin latex reeds and held together with waterproof tape.

The compact size and lightweight construction make these calls easy to carry and use. These features provide a good foundation for producing realistic turkey sounds and allow new callers to experiment with various reed configurations.

Performance & Functionality

The Strut Commander Starter Pack performs its job admirably. The calls produce clear and realistic turkey sounds. They are relatively easy to use.

The strengths of this product are its affordability and ease of use. They provide a great starting point for novice turkey hunters. The main weakness is the lack of individual tuning.

The Strut Commander Starter Pack meets and even exceeds expectations, especially given its low price point. It’s not going to win any calling contests, but it will certainly help you call in turkeys.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Strut Commander Starter Pack is simple and functional. The calls are lightweight and comfortable to hold in your mouth. This allows for extended calling sessions without fatigue.

The calls are reasonably user-friendly. There’s a slight learning curve for mastering different sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Strut Commander Starter Pack is impressive, especially considering its price. With proper care, the calls should last for at least one hunting season, if not longer.

The calls are easy to maintain. Rinsing them with water after each use is typically sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Starter Pack comes with two mouth calls, offering some variety in sound. There are no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited.

Due to their design, these calls are not really customizable. Aftermarket reeds can be used, but aren’t designed for it.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Starter Pack