First Impressions of Strut Commander Starter Pack
The Strut Commander Starter Pack promises to be an entry point into the world of effective turkey calling. Offered by Strut Commander, a brand aiming to equip hunters with reliable tools, this starter pack piqued my interest as a potentially budget-friendly option for beginners or those looking to expand their call repertoire. My initial hope was to find a simple, effective solution for bringing those elusive toms within range during the spring season.
I was in the market for an inexpensive, all-in-one solution to get started with turkey hunting calls. I had a few basic diaphragm calls, but wanted to experiment with other types without breaking the bank. The Strut Commander Starter Pack seemed like the perfect way to do just that.
Upon unboxing, the lightweight packaging and simple construction were immediately apparent. The calls felt… well, inexpensive, but not alarmingly cheap. Compared to higher-end, custom-made calls I’ve used over the years, the difference in materials and craftsmanship was obvious, but for a starter pack priced at $10.99, I wasn’t expecting perfection. It was much better than trying to construct something myself.
Compared to a Primos Heart Breaker box call (around $30) or a WoodHaven Cherry Classic crystal call (around $50), the Strut Commander Starter Pack is significantly more affordable. I chose this pack because I wanted a diverse set of calls to experiment with before investing in more expensive, specialized options. This allows me to determine what style of call best suits my hunting style and the turkey populations in my area.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price point is undeniably attractive, and the pack seemed to offer a decent variety of calls to begin with. However, the real test would be how they perform in the field and whether they could genuinely produce convincing turkey sounds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Starter Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strut Commander Starter Pack during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. This environment presented a mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and challenging terrain, perfect for evaluating the pack’s effectiveness in diverse conditions. The weather ranged from cool, crisp mornings to warmer afternoons with occasional light rain.
The calls performed adequately in dry conditions, producing somewhat raspy hen sounds. However, in the damp conditions, the friction calls became a bit more difficult to use, requiring frequent chalking to maintain consistent sound. It definitely tested my skills as a caller.
The ease of use varied depending on the type of call. The slate call was relatively easy to learn and produce basic clucks and purrs with minimal practice. However, the box call required more finesse to avoid producing unnatural sounds and achieve a convincing yelp.
After the first few calling sequences, I noticed the box call was sticking a little. This required me to adjust my grip and pressure to achieve the desired tone, which can be challenging when trying to remain concealed and ready for a shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strut Commander Starter Pack throughout the turkey season, the calls held up reasonably well for their price point. The slate call showed some minor wear on the striking surface, but it didn’t significantly affect its sound quality. The box call, however, continued to require occasional adjustments and cleaning to maintain consistent performance.
The durability seems acceptable given the price. While the calls are not built to withstand heavy abuse, they survived multiple hunts without any catastrophic failures. Regular cleaning and storage in a dry environment are essential to prolong their lifespan.
Maintaining the calls is fairly straightforward. The slate call requires occasional sanding to remove any buildup and keep the surface rough. The box call benefits from periodic chalking to ensure smooth friction and prevent sticking.
Compared to more expensive calls I’ve used in the past, the Strut Commander Starter Pack doesn’t offer the same level of nuanced sound or durability. However, for a beginner-friendly and budget-conscious option, it provides a reasonable starting point. It certainly outperforms doing nothing, and it got me out there.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Starter Pack
Specifications
The Strut Commander Starter Pack includes a variety of calls designed to imitate different turkey vocalizations. The pack contains at least one friction call (slate or glass), and likely a box call, depending on specific packaging.
- Manufacturer: Strut Commander
- Additional Features: No
- Weight: 0.08 lb
- Length: 8 in
- Width: 3.75 in
- Height: 1 in
These specifications are significant because they highlight the pack’s lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry in a vest or pack. The small size, however, can also make the calls more challenging to manipulate for hunters with larger hands.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Starter Pack performs adequately for its intended purpose: attracting turkeys within shooting range. The calls are capable of producing a range of turkey vocalizations, including clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts. However, achieving realistic and consistent sounds requires practice and patience.
The strengths of this pack lie in its affordability and variety. It allows beginners to experiment with different types of calls and learn the basics of turkey calling without a significant financial investment. The weaknesses are in the quality of materials and construction, which can affect sound quality and durability.
The Strut Commander Starter Pack meets basic expectations for a starter kit, providing a functional set of calls at a budget-friendly price. However, experienced hunters seeking premium sound quality and durability may find it lacking.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point, but the materials used are clearly not top-of-the-line. The calls are lightweight and easy to handle, but they may not withstand heavy use or harsh environmental conditions.
The calls are relatively user-friendly, but there is a learning curve associated with mastering each type of call. Beginners will need to dedicate time to practice and experiment with different techniques to achieve realistic sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strut Commander Starter Pack is not designed to last a lifetime. With proper care and maintenance, the calls should survive several seasons of moderate use. However, they are unlikely to withstand the rigors of frequent hunting in harsh environments.
Maintaining the calls is relatively simple. The slate call requires occasional sanding, and the box call needs periodic chalking. Storing the calls in a dry environment is essential to prevent moisture damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Starter Pack typically doesn’t include many additional accessories. It’s a basic kit. There are no significant customization options available for the calls themselves.
The calls are generally compatible with standard call lanyards and holders, allowing hunters to easily carry them in the field. However, there are no specific accessories designed exclusively for this particular starter pack.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Starter Pack
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Variety of calls allows experimentation with different techniques.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carry.
- Provides a functional starting point for learning turkey calling.
- Suitable for introducing children or new hunters to the sport.
Cons
- Lower-quality materials and construction compared to higher-end calls.
- Sound quality may not be as realistic or nuanced.
- Requires practice and patience to master each type of call.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Starter Pack?
The Strut Commander Starter Pack is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable way to get started with calling. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want to expand their call repertoire without breaking the bank, or for those who need a backup set of calls. This would be a great gift for someone just getting into the sport.
Those seeking premium sound quality and durability should skip this product. Experienced hunters who demand the best performance from their gear should invest in higher-end, custom-made calls.
A must-have accessory for this starter pack is a call lanyard to keep the calls organized and readily accessible. A small container of sandpaper or chalk for maintaining the striking surfaces is also recommended.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Starter Pack
The Strut Commander Starter Pack offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of turkey calling. While it may not boast the premium materials or nuanced sound quality of more expensive options, it provides a functional and accessible set of calls for beginners and casual hunters.
The price is certainly justified, considering the variety of calls included and their basic level of functionality. For $10.99, it’s hard to argue with the value proposition.
I would personally recommend the Strut Commander Starter Pack to anyone just starting out in turkey hunting. It’s a great way to learn the basics of calling and experiment with different techniques without a significant financial investment. Get out there, practice, and good luck bagging that tom!