HS Strut Premium Flex 4 Review

The HS Strut Premium Flex 4 Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting, for me, isn’t just a sport; it’s a ritual steeped in tradition and requiring absolute stealth. Over the years, I’ve cycled through countless diaphragm calls, each promising the perfect yelp, cluck, or purr to lure in that elusive gobbler. My most recent search led me to the HS Strut Premium Flex 4, a quartet of calls promising versatility and realism at a price that seemed almost too good to be true.

What drew me to the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 was the variety of sounds it offered in a single package. I needed a set of calls that could adapt to different situations and turkey personalities. The promise of four distinct calls, each designed for a specific sound, was incredibly appealing.

Upon opening the package, the first thing I noticed was the construction. The calls felt sturdy, and the Infinity Latex appeared to be of decent quality, especially considering the budget-friendly price. My initial thoughts were cautiously optimistic; however, I’ve been burned before by inexpensive calls that sound more like a dying cat than a seductive hen.

Comparing the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 to other diaphragm call sets I’ve used, like those from Primos or Quaker Boy, the price difference is significant. While those brands offer excellent individual calls, buying four distinct calls from them would easily triple the cost. I chose the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 because I was intrigued by the potential for diverse sounds at an unbeatable value. My initial excitement was tempered by the understanding that I’d be sacrificing some premium materials for cost savings.

First impressions were definitely mixed. The calls looked promising, but the true test would come in the field. Only time, and a discerning longbeard, would tell if the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 could deliver on its promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting HS Strut Premium Flex 4 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 took place during the spring turkey season in the Ozark Mountains. The conditions were challenging: a crisp morning with a light drizzle, and winds that occasionally gusted through the timber. I hoped the calls would cut through the wind and still produce realistic sounds.

The Li’l Strut call, designed for higher-pitched kee-kees, proved effective in the open hardwoods. It took a bit of practice to master the call, but once I did, the sound was surprisingly clear. However, the Smokin’ Gun, intended for raspy yelps, struggled in the damp conditions, producing a muffled tone.

The Sickle Cutter, meant for cutting, and the Triple Trauma, for aggressive calling, were tested later that morning with disappointing results. I found them difficult to control, and the sound quality was inconsistent. No issues with the call itself as it simply could have been my lack of experience with the product.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 showed both strengths and weaknesses. The Li’l Strut remained reliable, holding its shape and producing consistent sounds, even after repeated use and cleanings. The other three calls, however, showed significant wear.

The Smokin’ Gun’s latex began to lose its flexibility, resulting in a flatter, less realistic sound. Both the Sickle Cutter and Triple Trauma exhibited fraying along the edges, impacting their performance and requiring constant adjustments. The calls are difficult to maintain and clean.

Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end diaphragm calls, the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 falls short in long-term durability. While the Li’l Strut performs admirably, the overall set doesn’t match the consistent performance and longevity of calls from brands like Primos or Woodhaven. However, it’s important to remember the price point.

Breaking Down the Features of HS Strut Premium Flex 4

Specifications

The HS Strut Premium Flex 4 includes four distinct diaphragm calls:

• Li’l Strut: Designed for higher-pitched kee-kees and soft yelps. The Infinity Latex allows for a crisp, clear tone.
• Smokin’ Gun: Intended for raspy yelps and mature hen sounds. Its design aims to replicate the sound of an old, dominant hen.
• Sickle Cutter: Made for creating cutting sounds to entice aggressive gobblers. This call is designed to produce loud, sharp calls.
• Triple Trauma: Designed for loud, aggressive calling and cutting through wind. The multi-reed design offers increased volume and rasp.

The key specification across all four calls is the use of Infinity Latex. This material is marketed for its consistent sound and durability. The price is $7.99.

The variations in reed cuts and thicknesses among the four calls allow hunters to create a diverse range of turkey vocalizations. This versatility is crucial for adapting to different hunting situations and turkey personalities.

Performance & Functionality

The HS Strut Premium Flex 4 performs best when used by experienced callers who can manipulate the diaphragm to produce accurate sounds. The Li’l Strut shines for its ease of use and clear tone.

The other three calls require more practice and finesse to achieve consistent, realistic sounds. The Smokin’ Gun can be finicky in wet conditions, while the Sickle Cutter and Triple Trauma demand precise mouth pressure and tongue control. I found the calls a little too difficult for me.

While the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 provides a broad range of sounds, the inconsistency in performance across the four calls is a drawback. The Li’l Strut consistently meets expectations, while the other three require more effort to achieve desired results. With a price this low, having one reliable call is a bargain.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 is adequate for the price, but not exceptional. The Infinity Latex is thin and flexible.

The calls fit comfortably in the mouth, but the frames can feel slightly bulky compared to some higher-end diaphragm calls. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the frames.

The frames are a tad bulky, but the comfort is surprisingly good.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 is a concern, particularly for the Smokin’ Gun, Sickle Cutter, and Triple Trauma. The thin latex is susceptible to wear and tear, and the calls require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Expect the calls to last one full season before replacing them.

Maintaining the HS Strut Premium Flex 4 involves rinsing the calls with water after each use and allowing them to air dry. Storing the calls in a dry, cool place will help to prolong their lifespan. I would store the calls in a dry place.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HS Strut Premium Flex 4 comes as a set of four diaphragm calls and does not include any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for these calls. All calls are stock.

The calls are designed to be used as-is and are not compatible with any aftermarket accessories. All of the calls work well together.

Pros and Cons of HS Strut Premium Flex 4