First Thoughts on the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion decoy promises to be a revolution in turkey hunting. Higdon Outdoors aims to deliver hyper-realistic movement and detail in a compact, aggressive package. The inclusion of a remote-controlled motion system and lifelike feathering caught my attention immediately.
I was looking for a decoy system that could convince even the most call-shy Tom to commit. Having seen countless hunts foiled by wary birds that hang up just out of range, the promise of realistic strutting motion, without wind, was incredibly appealing. I’ve tried static decoys and even some older, less convincing motion decoys.
Unboxing the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion, I was immediately impressed by the detail in the hard body. The flocking is rich and the painted feather detail is surprisingly vibrant. The size also struck me; “XS” is accurate, and this is a significantly smaller profile than many full-strut decoys.
Compared to a Flambeau Storm Front 2 Strutter (more bulky and static) and a Lucky Duck Lucky HD Strutter (wind-dependent and less detailed finish), the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion seemed to offer a unique combination of realism, portability, and controlled movement. The smaller size, coupled with the remote-controlled motion, made it feel like a more adaptable tool for various hunting situations. It felt like a step above the typical bulky, wind-reliant strutter decoys.
My first impression was excitement, mixed with a little skepticism. Could this compact decoy really draw in mature Toms? The build quality seems excellent, but the proof is always in the pudding. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hunt with the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion was in a heavily pressured public land area in central Pennsylvania. I set up near a well-used strut zone I’d scouted earlier in the week. The morning was cool and overcast, with very little wind, perfect for testing the non-wind-driven motion system.
The decoy was incredibly easy to deploy. The stake tunnel made for quick placement, and the Tru-Motion system was simple to activate. I set the decoy about 20 yards out in a small clearing, using the remote to initiate the strutting motion. Within 30 minutes, a mature Tom responded to my calls and came into view.
The Tom initially hung up at about 60 yards, but the subtle strutting motion of the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion seemed to pique his interest. He closed the distance cautiously, eventually entering the clearing and engaging with the decoy. The realistic movement definitely made the difference in sealing the deal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of use in various terrains and weather conditions, the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion has proven remarkably durable. It’s been subjected to everything from light rain and mud to being crammed into my decoy bag alongside other gear. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The painted details have held up surprisingly well. Only minor scuffing is visible. The flocking still looks excellent, and the Tru-Motion system continues to function flawlessly.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each hunt is usually sufficient. The battery life is also impressive. I typically get two to three full hunts out of a single charge. Compared to previous experiences with other decoys, the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability, realistic movement, and overall effectiveness. It’s a game-changer!
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion
Specifications
Type: Hard Body Strutting Tom Decoy. This signifies a durable construction built to withstand field use.
Motion System: Patented Tru-Motion system. The innovative motion system allows for realistic strutting movement without relying on wind.
Power: Li-ion battery with charger and 4-channel remote control. It provides long-lasting power and convenient remote operation.
Feather Detail: XHD Hyper Feathering. Higdon’s detailed carving and ultra-realistic paint highlight each individual feather, creating a lifelike appearance.
Fan: Includes premium Apex Synthetic Fan, also compatible with natural feather fans. It offers flexibility in choosing your preferred fan.
Flocking: Rich, natural-looking black flocking on the back. Flocking adds a realistic texture and reduces unnatural shine.
Size: XS (Extra Small). Its smaller size makes it more approachable to territorial toms, encouraging confrontation.
Accessories: Metal stake, stealth decoy carry bag. It provides secure mounting and convenient transportation.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the decoy’s effectiveness and user experience. The lifelike feathering and flocking fool wary Toms. The controlled motion draws their attention. The compact size ensures it is less intimidating than full-size decoys.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion performs its job exceptionally well. It is incredibly effective at drawing in mature Toms, especially in pressured areas. The realistic strutting motion, coupled with the smaller size, creates a believable scenario that triggers an aggressive response from territorial birds.
The decoy’s strengths lie in its realism, ease of use, and portability. The remote-controlled motion is a game-changer. The smaller size and durable construction are other benefits.
A minor weakness is that the synthetic fan, while durable, doesn’t quite have the same visual appeal as a real fan. Some hunters might want to switch it out. Overall, it significantly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The hard body construction feels robust and well-made. The weight is manageable, making it easy to carry in a decoy bag or by the removable handle.
The design is user-friendly. The Tru-Motion system is simple to operate. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion is built to last. The materials are high-quality. With proper care, it should provide many seasons of use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down after each hunt is typically all that’s needed. The battery is easily charged with the included charger.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion comes with a metal stake, a stealth decoy carry bag, a collapsible synthetic fan, a Li-ion battery, a charger, and a 4-channel remote control. The most obvious customization option is replacing the synthetic fan with a real turkey fan, which is easily accomplished using Higdon’s innovative magnetic fan ring.
While not specifically designed for other accessories, the universal stake tunnel means it could likely be used with aftermarket decoy stakes. The remote control is specific to the Higdon system.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion
Pros
- Realistic Strutting Motion: The Tru-Motion system draws in even the wariest Toms.
- Durable Construction: The hard body and quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
- Compact Size: The XS profile is less intimidating to territorial Toms.
- Remote Control Operation: Allows for easy activation and deactivation of the motion system.
- Realistic Feather Detail: The XHD Hyper Feathering and flocking create a lifelike appearance.
Cons
- Synthetic Fan Appearance: While durable, the included synthetic fan doesn’t quite match the realism of a real fan.
- Price Point: At $249.99, it is a significant investment compared to static decoys.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion?
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to increase their success rate, especially in pressured areas. It’s also well-suited for hunters who value realism, portability, and ease of use. It can benefit hunters who are looking for a reliable and effective decoy system.
Hunters who are on a tight budget or who primarily hunt in areas with consistently strong winds might want to consider a less expensive, wind-driven option.
A must-have modification would be to replace the synthetic fan with a real turkey fan for maximum realism.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion
The Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion is a top-tier turkey decoy that delivers on its promises. It is a highly effective and innovative tool. The realistic motion, durable construction, and compact size make it a standout product in a crowded market.
The price of $249.99 is justified by the decoy’s performance and features. I wholeheartedly recommend the Higdon Outdoors Tru-Strutter XS Turkey Tom Species XS Motion to any serious turkey hunter looking to gain an edge. Invest in this decoy, and get ready to experience a new level of success in the turkey woods!