Let’s Dive into Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit
Turkey hunting. It is a game of patience, skill, and above all, sound. The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit promises to equip you with the essential tools to lure in that elusive gobbler, combining several key calls into one convenient package. Hunters Specialties, a trusted name in the hunting world, has put together this kit to cater to both novice and seasoned turkey hunters.
As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve used countless calls. However, I was looking for a comprehensive, budget-friendly option to recommend to new hunters joining our annual spring turkey hunt. The convenience and variety offered by this kit immediately stood out.
The kit includes the Li’l Deuce Wild Turkey Call with carbon striker, the Hammerin’ Crow Call, “The Hooter” Owl Call, and a Premium Flex “Double D” diaphragm call. Upon unboxing, the calls felt lightweight, but reasonably sturdy for their intended purpose. My initial impression was that this was a decent collection of calls to get a beginner started, but I needed to get into the field to validate performance.
I considered several other options, like individual calls from Primos or Zink, but the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit offered a broader range of sounds at a lower price point. The decision was driven by value and the all-in-one convenience for a beginning hunter, rather than individual call performance at the highest end of the spectrum. My initial excitement was cautious optimism; I was eager to see if the “authentic sounds” lived up to the claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit during the opening week of turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was typical for spring: cool mornings, warming to mild afternoons, with occasional light rain showers. I primarily used the diaphragm call and the Li’l Deuce Wild box call, focusing on producing yelps, clucks, and purrs.
The diaphragm call took some practice to master, as expected. But the box call was surprisingly easy to use, producing decent yelps and cuts right out of the box. The owl hooter was effective in locating birds at dawn, and the crow call, while less frequently used, helped to gauge bird activity in the area. The performance was adequate, though not outstanding; each call served its basic purpose.
After the first day, I noticed the carbon striker on the Li’l Deuce Wild showing some wear. Otherwise, there were no major issues. The diaphragm call stayed relatively dry even with some light rain, maintaining consistent sound. The box call produced a slightly muffled sound when wet, which is typical, but still functioned.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit, primarily during morning hunts, the calls have held up reasonably well. The box call shows some minor cosmetic scratches from being carried in my vest, but nothing affecting its sound quality. The diaphragm call continues to perform consistently, though I’ve found that rotating between a couple of different diaphragm calls throughout the season helps prolong their lifespan.
The carbon striker has held up well, showing only slight wear with consistent use. Cleaning the calls after each hunt is simple: wiping down the box call with a dry cloth and allowing the diaphragm call to air dry. Compared to some of my higher-end custom calls, the sound quality and build aren’t quite as refined, but for the price point, the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit provides reliable performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is comprised of four distinct calls. These include the Li’l Deuce Wild Turkey Call with a carbon striker. “The Hooter” Owl Call is also included. The Hammerin’ Crow Call rounds out the set, as does a Premium Flex “Double D” diaphragm call featuring Infinity latex.
The box call is constructed from plastic and ceramic, while the striker is made of rosewood. The diaphragm call uses latex, a standard material for producing realistic turkey sounds. The owl and crow calls are plastic. These materials were chosen for their balance of affordability and functionality in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit performs adequately, providing a range of essential turkey hunting sounds. The Li’l Deuce Wild box call is simple to use and produces consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs, making it ideal for beginners. The diaphragm call requires more practice but offers a wider range of vocalizations for more experienced callers.
The owl call effectively locates birds at dawn, while the crow call can help to gauge their activity throughout the day. The main weakness lies in the overall sound quality, which isn’t as refined or realistic as higher-end individual calls. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly kit aimed at novice hunters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is designed for ease of use and portability. The box call is compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably in a vest pocket. The diaphragm call is small and unobtrusive, easily stored in a call holder.
The plastic construction of the owl and crow calls makes them durable and weather-resistant. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the diaphragm call, but the box call is instantly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The calls in the Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit are reasonably durable for their intended use. The box call may show some cosmetic wear over time, but the plastic and ceramic construction is generally resistant to damage. The diaphragm call will eventually wear out with use, but replacements are inexpensive and readily available.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will help to prolong the lifespan of the calls.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit comes with everything you need to get started. There are no additional accessories included in the kit. While the calls themselves aren’t customizable, you can experiment with different strikers for the box call to alter the sound.
The diaphragm call can be replaced with other brands or styles to suit individual preferences. The kit is compatible with most standard call holders and lanyards, allowing for easy carrying in the field.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- All-in-one kit provides a variety of essential turkey hunting sounds.
- Li’l Deuce Wild box call is easy to use, producing consistent yelps and clucks.
- Owl and crow calls help to locate birds and gauge their activity.
- Compact and lightweight design is ideal for portability in the field.
Cons
- Sound quality isn’t as refined or realistic as higher-end individual calls.
- Diaphragm call requires practice to master.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit?
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is perfect for novice turkey hunters looking for an affordable and comprehensive starting point. It is also good for experienced hunters who want a budget-friendly backup set of calls. It is ideal for those hunting in areas with moderate turkey densities, where highly refined calls aren’t essential.
Experienced hunters seeking the highest level of realism and customization in their calls should skip this product. Hunters in areas with call-shy or heavily pressured birds may also want to invest in higher-end individual calls. A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case to help extend its life, as well as a small piece of sandpaper to scuff the ceramic on the box call.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit
The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is a solid choice for beginner turkey hunters, offering a good value proposition for its price. The calls are functional and reliable, providing a range of essential sounds needed to lure in a gobbler. While the sound quality isn’t as refined as higher-end options, it’s more than adequate for the price point.
I would personally recommend it to anyone just starting out in turkey hunting or looking for an affordable backup set. The Hunters Specialties Super Strut Combo Kit is a great way to get into the sport without breaking the bank. Grab yours today and get ready to chase those spring gobblers!