HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack Review

First Thoughts on the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack

Turkey hunting is a game of deception, of mastering the language of the wild turkey hen to lure a gobbler within range. It’s a pursuit that demands dedication, patience, and, above all, the right tools. Among those tools, the diaphragm call reigns supreme for its versatility and realism. That’s why I was intrigued by the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack, a set of diaphragm calls promising easier use and improved sound quality, especially for those, like me, who sometimes struggle with perfect diaphragm placement.

For years, I’ve relied on various diaphragm calls, experiencing both triumphs and frustrations. This pack, from HS Strut, caught my eye with its “Tone Trough” design, intended to guide airflow and reduce the dreaded “gag reflex” – a common hurdle for many diaphragm call users. Coming in at just $6.49, the price point made it an easy gamble to try and improve my calling game. Compared to single, higher-end diaphragm calls or even full custom sets, the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack seemed like a budget-friendly way to potentially upgrade my sound. I was hopeful this pro-pack would bring consistency and realism to my calls.

Unboxing the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack was straightforward. Inside, I found the two included calls, the Tone Trough Cutt’n 2.5 and the Split V II, each sealed and ready to use. The build quality seemed adequate for the price, although the Infinity Latex felt a bit thinner than some premium diaphragms I’ve used. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Tone Trough design looked promising, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its claims of easier use and better sound. The promise of reducing the “gag reflex” alone was enough to pique my interest.

Real-World Testing: Putting HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack was during an early spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. The weather was typical for that time of year, cool mornings giving way to warmer afternoons, with a dampness lingering in the air. I decided to start with the Cutt’n 2.5 call, attempting some aggressive cutting and yelping to locate a responsive gobbler.

Initially, the Tone Trough design did seem to aid in proper diaphragm placement. I noticed a slight reduction in the “gag reflex,” allowing me to produce cleaner, more consistent sounds than I sometimes manage with traditional diaphragms. The Cutt’n 2.5 produced a raspy, aggressive tone that I felt would be effective in cutting through the early morning silence. However, after about 30 minutes of calling, the latex began to feel a bit softer, affecting the crispness of the cuts.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack during scouting trips and subsequent hunts, I developed a more nuanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The durability of the Infinity Latex proved to be a limiting factor. After about a week of regular use, the reeds on both calls started to show signs of wear, with some fraying along the edges.

Cleaning was relatively simple, involving rinsing the calls with lukewarm water and allowing them to air dry. However, unlike some of my more durable diaphragms, the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack calls seemed more susceptible to moisture and required more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal sound quality. Compared to my experiences with higher-end diaphragm calls, the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack didn’t quite match their longevity or consistent performance over time. They are a good value for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack

Specifications

• The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack includes two diaphragm calls: the Tone Trough Cutt’n 2.5 and the Split V II. These calls are designed to be mouth-operated and hands-free, allowing hunters to keep their hands free for their weapon.
• Both calls feature the HS Strut Tone Trough design, intended to aid in proper pallet placement and direct airflow over the reeds. This feature aims to make the calls easier to use, especially for beginners or those who struggle with diaphragm call placement.
• The diaphragms are constructed with Infinity Latex, a material chosen for its sound quality and responsiveness. While responsive initially, this latex is thinner than some premium options.
• The Cutt’n 2.5 is designed for aggressive cutting and yelping, producing a raspy, high-pitched sound. This is ideal for locating gobblers or cutting through wind or other ambient noise.
• The Split V II is designed for more versatile calling, capable of producing yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts. This call offers a wider range of sounds for different hunting situations.

Performance & Functionality

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack performs adequately for its price point. The Tone Trough design does offer a noticeable improvement in ease of use, particularly for those who struggle with diaphragm placement. The Cutt’n 2.5 call is effective at producing loud, aggressive sounds, while the Split V II offers more versatility.

However, the durability of the Infinity Latex is a weakness. The reeds tend to wear out relatively quickly with regular use. This results in a decrease in sound quality and responsiveness over time. While the calls meet basic expectations for diaphragm calls, they don’t exceed them in terms of longevity or consistent performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack features a simple, functional design. The Tone Trough is the key design element, intended to improve ergonomics and ease of use. The light weight is comfortable in the mouth.

However, the thinness of the Infinity Latex contributes to its reduced durability. There is minimal learning curve, especially for those with some experience using diaphragm calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack is not designed for extended durability. The thin Infinity Latex is prone to wear and tear, especially with frequent use. Regular cleaning with lukewarm water and air drying is essential to maintain optimal sound quality.

However, even with proper care, the calls are unlikely to last as long as higher-end diaphragms with thicker, more durable latex. Repair is not really an option; replacement is the more practical approach.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack comes with the two diaphragm calls only. There are no included accessories or customization options. However, users can explore different cutting techniques and air pressures to modify the sounds produced by each call.

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Diaphragm calls are fairly standard in size and shape, so experimentation might be possible, but it is not officially supported.

Pros and Cons of HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack?

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use diaphragm call set. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want a backup set or are experimenting with diaphragm calling without investing in expensive custom calls.

This product should be skipped by experienced hunters who demand maximum durability and consistent performance from their diaphragm calls. They will want something more robust. Must-have modifications: None, these are what they are.

Conclusion on HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack

The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack offers a good value for the money, providing two diaphragm calls with a user-friendly design at an affordable price. The Tone Trough feature is genuinely helpful in aiding proper diaphragm placement and reducing the “gag reflex,” making it a great option for beginners. However, the limited durability of the Infinity Latex is a significant drawback for experienced hunters who demand consistent performance over extended periods.

The price of $6.49 is certainly justified for what you get. The HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack are economical options, but not long term. I would personally recommend the HS Strut Tone Through Pro-Pack to beginner turkey hunters. If you are an experience hunter, get this as a backup or something to use while learning new sounds. Get out there, call in a gobbler, and experience the thrill of the hunt!

Check Best Price HERE