The Strut Commander Commander Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting. It’s a sport that demands patience, skill, and the right tools. When I stumbled upon the Strut Commander Commander pack of three turkey mouth calls, manufactured by Strut Commander, my ears perked up. I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and the allure of a new call, especially one promising superior sound and ease of use, is always enticing.
My turkey hunting experience is extensive, ranging from the dense hardwood forests of the Ozarks to the open, rolling hills of Texas. Years of trial and error have taught me that the right call can be the difference between bagging a bird and going home empty-handed. I was looking for a call that offered realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs without requiring a lung capacity the size of a tuba.
Unboxing the Strut Commander Commander pack was a simple affair. The calls were neatly arranged, and my initial impression was favorable, they felt well-constructed. The design was streamlined, nothing flashy. The calls felt lightweight in hand. Compared to some of my older, bulkier diaphragm calls, these seemed promising.
I’ve used calls from Primos and Zink in the past, both reputable brands. The Primos calls often require a lot of air to produce the desired sounds, while the Zink calls can be a bit finicky to adjust. The Strut Commander Commander seemed to offer a middle ground, based on initial inspection – a compact design promising ease of use. Ultimately, the price point and the Strut Commander name (known for quality turkey hunting gear) swayed me.
My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. The Strut Commander Commander pack seemed like a solid contender. I was eager to get into the woods and see if it could deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Commander to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strut Commander Commander was during the opening week of turkey season in central Missouri. The weather was typical for spring – damp and cool, with a light breeze. I situated myself along a well-worn game trail overlooking a small clearing known to be frequented by toms.
The conditions were less than ideal, but a seasoned turkey hunter knows that persistence is key. I deployed the first call from the pack. Initially, I struggled to produce consistent, realistic sounds. It took some experimenting to find the sweet spot and the right amount of air pressure. After about 30 minutes of practice, I started getting the hang of it, producing decent yelps and clucks.
There were no immediate responses from the surrounding woods, which can be common. Later that morning, I used a different call from the pack, a double reed. This call was easier to use right away. It was able to produce raspier, more mature hen sounds. The different call was a welcome surprise after my struggles.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strut Commander Commander calls, I’ve formed a more solid opinion. The calls have held up well to repeated use, showing no signs of wear and tear. I make sure to clean and dry the calls after each use to prevent mold or damage.
The latex reeds seem to be holding their shape and tension. This suggests decent durability for the price point. My experience is mixed when looking at performance over time. One of the three calls is now my go-to call with reliable results. The other two are still in my vest, but I don’t count on them.
Compared to some of my higher-end diaphragm calls, the Strut Commander Commander pack doesn’t quite match the same level of realism and versatility. For the price, it still performs well and is a decent starting point for new turkey hunters.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Commander
Specifications
The Strut Commander Commander SC21M4 Turkey Mouth Call Pack includes three individual diaphragm calls. Each call is designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. The specific materials used in the construction are latex reeds stretched over a frame. The exact frame material is not explicitly stated but appears to be a durable, molded plastic.
The calls are designed to fit comfortably in the roof of the mouth, allowing for hands-free operation. Weight is negligible, and the small size makes them easy to carry in a vest or pocket. These specifications matter because they influence the sound quality, ease of use, and overall comfort of the call. The latex reed material is a key factor in producing realistic turkey sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Commander calls perform adequately, especially considering their price point. The calls can produce a range of turkey sounds. These sounds can be used to lure gobblers during different phases of the hunting season.
The main strength lies in its affordability and the inclusion of three different calls. This gives hunters options for varying their calling strategy. The weakness is the inconsistent sound quality across all three calls in the pack. Not all of the three calls are created equal.
The Strut Commander Commander generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly turkey call pack. Experienced hunters might find the sound quality lacking. Beginner hunters will find it an accessible starting point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Commander features a straightforward, functional design. The calls are lightweight and compact, designed for comfortable placement in the mouth. The build quality is decent, considering the price.
There is a slight learning curve for new users. Some practice is required to master the proper technique for producing realistic sounds. Experienced diaphragm call users will likely adapt quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strut Commander Commander appears to be reasonably durable. The latex reeds should hold up for a season or two with proper care. Maintenance is simple. Rinse the calls with water and allow them to air dry after each use.
Avoid storing the calls in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will ensure longevity. Check the calls for mold.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Commander pack does not include any accessories beyond the three calls themselves. There are no customization options available for the calls. As they are diaphragm calls, compatibility with accessories is not applicable.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Commander
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Includes three different calls, offering variety in sound and tone.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carry.
- Decent durability for the price range.
- Good for new turkey hunters looking to learn diaphragm calling.
Cons
- Inconsistent sound quality across all three calls.
- May require practice and experimentation to produce realistic sounds.
- Does not match the sound quality of higher-end diaphragm calls.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Commander?
Perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking to learn the art of diaphragm calling without breaking the bank. They are also good for experienced hunters looking for a cheap back-up option.
Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters who demand the highest level of realism and consistency in their calls.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A call maintenance kit (including a cleaning solution and reed conditioner) can help extend the life of the calls.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Commander
The Strut Commander Commander turkey mouth call pack offers a decent value proposition for beginner turkey hunters. It’s an affordable entry point into the world of diaphragm calling. While the sound quality may not be on par with higher-end calls, the variety offered by the three included calls and the overall durability make it a worthwhile purchase for those just starting.
The price is definitely justified for what you get: three calls for under $13. I would recommend the Strut Commander Commander to new turkey hunters. I would also recommend it to those on a tight budget.
Final thoughts? The Strut Commander Commander is a decent starting point, but don’t expect miracles. Pick up a pack, practice, and get ready to chase some gobblers!
