The Strut Commander Commandress Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting. It’s a sport of patience, skill, and above all, deception. After a decade of chasing gobblers, I’ve learned that success hinges on mimicking nature flawlessly. That’s why the Strut Commander Commandress pot call caught my eye. This isn’t just another call; it’s a promise of realistic turkey sounds crafted by passionate American artisans.
I was seeking a pot call offering both consistency and versatility in tone. Many calls I’ve used excel in one area but fall short in others. I wanted a dependable call, capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft clucks to aggressive cuts.
Upon unboxing the Strut Commander Commandress, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the acrylic pot. It felt solid and durable, a promising sign for something that will inevitably face the rigors of the field. The ceramic striking surface appeared smooth and evenly textured, hinting at consistent sound production. It was clearly made in the USA by Strut Commander.
Compared to my slate-over-glass call, which requires frequent conditioning, the Commandress felt like a more weather-resistant option. It also seemed less finicky than my diaphragm calls, which can be difficult to master. Ultimately, I chose the Strut Commander Commandress for its promise of durability, consistent tone, and ease of use.
My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The call’s construction and the promise of realistic sounds filled me with anticipation. I was eager to get it into the woods and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Commandress to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Strut Commander Commandress took place on a chilly morning in the Missouri Ozarks. The air was damp and the woods were silent. Perfect conditions to test the call’s realistic tone. I began with soft clucks and purrs. The Commandress produced clear, mellow sounds that echoed through the trees.
The ceramic surface provided excellent friction, even with a slightly wet striker. I transitioned to more aggressive cuts and yelps, and the call responded beautifully. A nearby gobbler answered almost immediately! It was effortless to produce different sounds. No other pot call was as easy to handle.
There were no initial issues with the call’s performance. The Commandress delivered on its promise of consistent tone and ease of use. The turkeys responded positively to its realistic sounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting in varying conditions, the Strut Commander Commandress has proven its durability. It has weathered rain, mud, and accidental drops without showing any signs of wear. The acrylic pot remains scratch-free, and the ceramic surface maintains its consistent friction.
Maintaining the Commandress is simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after each hunt is all it takes. Unlike slate calls, there’s no need for frequent conditioning or sanding. I find this maintenance incredibly convenient.
Compared to my previous pot calls, the Strut Commander Commandress has outperformed them in terms of both durability and consistency. Its weather resistance and ease of use make it a reliable tool in any hunting scenario. It has quickly become my go-to call.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Commandress
Specifications
- The Strut Commander Commandress features a durable, weatherproof acrylic pot. This provides a solid base that can withstand the elements.
- It has a ceramic run surface over a glass soundboard. This combination delivers a consistent and realistic tone.
- The call is proudly made in the U.S.A. This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and materials.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s performance and longevity. The acrylic pot resists damage from moisture and impact, while the ceramic surface ensures consistent sound production. The USA-made guarantee assures that it’s made with quality materials.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Commandress excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It effortlessly creates soft clucks and purrs, as well as loud cuts and yelps. The ceramic surface offers excellent friction.
Its strengths lie in its consistent tone, ease of use, and weather resistance. The only area for potential improvement would be the addition of texture to the side of the call for improved grip. Otherwise, it’s perfect.
The Commandress meets and exceeds my expectations. It is a dependable and versatile turkey call that produces realistic sounds in various hunting conditions. Its performance has consistently attracted gobblers.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Commandress boasts a well-built acrylic pot that feels solid and durable. The ceramic striking surface is smooth and consistent.
The call is user-friendly. Even novice hunters can quickly learn to produce realistic turkey sounds with minimal practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality materials used in the Strut Commander Commandress ensure its longevity. With proper care, this call should last for many hunting seasons.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe after each use. There’s no need for frequent conditioning or specialized cleaning products.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Commandress comes with a matched striker, specifically designed for the ceramic surface. Currently, there are no advertised customization options.
While it doesn’t offer extensive customization, the Commandress is compatible with most standard pot call strikers. Hunters can experiment with different strikers to find their preferred sound and feel.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Commandress
Pros
- Consistent and realistic tone: Produces a wide range of turkey vocalizations with clarity and realism.
- Durable and weatherproof acrylic pot: Can withstand the rigors of the field, resisting damage from moisture and impact.
- Easy to use: Suitable for both rookie and seasoned hunters, requiring minimal practice to master.
- Low maintenance: Requires only a quick wipe after each use, eliminating the need for frequent conditioning.
- Made in the U.S.A.: Guarantees high-quality craftsmanship and materials.
Cons
- Slick side finish: Lack of texture on the sides of the call could make it slippery in wet conditions.
- Limited customization: Few options for personalization beyond the included striker.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Commandress?
The Strut Commander Commandress is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels seeking a dependable and versatile call. Those who appreciate American-made craftsmanship and require a weather-resistant call will find it particularly appealing.
Hunters who prefer highly customizable calls or those who primarily hunt in dry conditions might consider other options. A lanyard is a must-have accessory for convenient carry.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Commandress
The Strut Commander Commandress is a well-crafted and reliable turkey call that delivers on its promise of consistent, realistic sounds. Its durability, ease of use, and weatherproof design make it an excellent choice for any turkey hunter.
At $31.99, the price is justified by the call’s performance and quality. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about turkey hunting.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Strut Commander Commandress. It’s a fantastic call that has earned a permanent place in my turkey hunting arsenal. Add the Commandress to your gear today.