HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack Review

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting is a game of deception, a delicate dance of calls and camouflage. After a decade navigating the woods and learning the language of the wild turkey, I’ve grown accustomed to relying on quality gear. My initial interest in the HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack stemmed from a desire to introduce a friend’s young son to the art of turkey calling. This package seemed like a perfect entry point, offering a variety of calls at an incredibly accessible price point.

Unboxing the HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack, I was immediately struck by the simplicity. The three diaphragm calls – the Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D, Raspy Old Hen, and Split V II – were neatly packaged. While they lacked the finesse of some higher-end custom calls I own, the build quality appeared decent for the price. I needed something basic, easy to learn and affordable for a beginner.

I’ve previously used individual diaphragm calls from HS Strut, but never a starter pack like this. I compared the Lil Strut Starter Pack to a similar pack from Primos, which was priced slightly higher but offered a comparable selection of calls. I chose the HS Strut due to its lower price and reputation for producing user-friendly calls. The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack promised an affordable entry point into turkey calling, and I was eager to see if it lived up to that promise. My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic.

Real-World Testing: Putting HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

The first test for the HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack came during a scouting trip in preparation for the upcoming youth turkey season. I took the calls along, intending to familiarize myself with them and assess their ease of use. I sat at the edge of a field known for turkey activity, and began experimenting. The Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D was the first I tried.

I immediately noticed the smaller frame, which is ideal for smaller mouths or beginners who are still developing their calling technique. It took a little practice to get the air pressure right, but I was soon producing decent yelps and clucks. The Raspy Old Hen was next, and as the name suggests, it offered a dirtier, more mature hen sound. The Split V II was the most versatile. While I am an experienced user, I could appreciate how beginner-friendly they were.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following weeks, leading up to and during the youth season, the HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack became a regular part of my scouting and hunting routine. While I typically rely on my custom-made calls, I found myself reaching for these more often, especially when teaching the young hunter. The Lil Strut Starter Pack proved surprisingly durable for its price point. The latex showed no signs of tearing or degradation, even after repeated use in varying weather conditions.

Cleaning was simple. After each use, I rinsed the calls with warm water and allowed them to air dry. I was genuinely impressed with how well these budget-friendly calls held up under consistent use. The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack certainly exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack

Specifications

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack includes three diaphragm turkey calls. It includes the Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D, Raspy Old Hen, and Split V II. These diaphragm calls utilize Infinity Latex™. The primary function is to create realistic turkey vocalizations for hunting purposes. The diaphragm calls are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth.

These specifications are crucial because they determine the type of sounds the calls can produce. The Infinity Latex™ impacts the call’s durability and tonal quality. The smaller frame of the Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D is important for users with smaller mouths, making it easier to control and produce consistent sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack performs admirably, especially considering its price. The calls produce a range of realistic turkey sounds, from the clear, crisp yelps of a young hen to the raspy, guttural clucks of an older bird. The Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D is particularly effective for producing kee-kees and early-season tree yelps. The Raspy Old Hen excels at creating realistic clucks and purrs, adding depth and realism to your calling sequence.

While the calls are user-friendly, mastering them requires practice and patience. They may not have the nuanced tonal range of higher-end custom calls. The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack more than meets the expectations for an entry-level turkey calling kit.

Design & Ergonomics

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The diaphragm calls are lightweight and comfortable to hold in the mouth. The smaller frame of the Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D is a welcome feature for beginners.

There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering diaphragm calls. However, the calls are designed to be relatively forgiving, making them a good choice for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack is surprisingly durable for its price. The Infinity Latex™ construction appears to hold up well to repeated use. With proper care and maintenance, these calls should last for several seasons.

Maintenance is straightforward. Rinse the calls with warm water after each use and allow them to air dry. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the latex from drying out or cracking.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack does not include any additional accessories beyond the three diaphragm calls. There are no customization options available. However, users can purchase lanyards or call holders to keep the calls organized and easily accessible while hunting.

These calls are compatible with most standard call holders and lanyards. However, no customization or modification is suggested or necessary.

Pros and Cons of HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack

Who Should Buy HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack?

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack is perfect for beginners who are just starting to learn how to turkey call. It is also well suited for experienced hunters who want a budget-friendly backup set of calls. Youth hunters will also benefit from the smaller frame of the Premium Flex™ Small Frame Double D.

Those seeking a call with advanced tonal qualities, or prefer pot and striker calls, should skip this product. A lanyard or call holder to keep the calls organized and easily accessible is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack

The HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack is an exceptional value for the money. It offers a comprehensive introduction to diaphragm turkey calling at an incredibly affordable price. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to get started in turkey hunting or looking for a reliable backup set of calls.

The price is more than justified by the quality and versatility of the calls. If you’re looking to learn the language of the turkey, the HS Strut Lil Strut Starter Pack is an excellent place to start. Grab a pack, hit the woods, and start talking turkey. You won’t regret it!