HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls Review

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls Made a Bold First Impression

After a decade chasing gobblers across various terrains, from the dense hardwoods of Pennsylvania to the open fields of Texas, I’ve learned one thing: a reliable call can make or break a hunt. I’ve cycled through countless pot calls, box calls, and diaphragms, each with its own quirks and characteristics. When I saw the HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls advertised, the “Tone Trough” design piqued my interest.

My biggest challenge has always been consistent mouth placement. The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls promised to solve this, offering easier calling and consistent tone thanks to its unique design. I was looking for a diaphragm that would offer both ease of use and realistic sound.

Unboxing these calls, the first thing I noticed was the bright orange tape. The Premium Flex frame felt sturdy, and the Infinity Latex reeds appeared thin and responsive. The overall build quality seemed decent for a call priced at $4.99.

I’ve used diaphragm calls from Primos and Quaker Boy extensively. Those calls required significant practice to master. The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls seemed to offer a more user-friendly design at a fraction of the cost.

I was cautiously optimistic. The “Tone Trough” design was intriguing. I hoped it would deliver on its promise of easier calling and realistic sounds.

Real-World Testing: Putting HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test came on a scouting trip to a local wildlife management area. The early morning air was crisp and damp, perfect for testing a diaphragm’s performance in challenging conditions. I wanted to see how easy these calls were to use right out of the package.

The Tone Trough design made a noticeable difference in consistent mouth placement. I was able to produce yelps, clucks, and purrs much faster than with other diaphragm calls. However, the initial sounds were a little too high-pitched for my liking.

There were no immediate issues with the call’s construction. Even in the damp conditions, the latex remained responsive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent practice and a few actual hunts, the HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls held up surprisingly well. The latex reeds showed no signs of tearing or fraying. The orange tape remained firmly attached to the frame.

The calls proved to be quite durable. I stored them in a dedicated diaphragm call case to protect them from moisture and debris. The maintenance was minimal; I simply rinsed them with water after each use.

Compared to my higher-end diaphragm calls, the HS Strut calls didn’t quite match the depth and complexity of sound. They did, however, provide a very usable, realistic turkey sound at a fraction of the price and were far easier to use.

Breaking Down the Features of HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls

Specifications

• Tone Trough Design: The “Tone Trough” is intended to assist with proper mouth placement and consistent airflow, making calling easier for beginners and experienced hunters. This feature is essential for producing consistent and controlled sounds.
• Orange Tape: The bright orange tape holds the reeds and frame together. This makes the call easily identifiable in your gear.
• Premium Flex Frame: The frame provides the structure and shape of the call, ensuring it sits comfortably in the mouth. This design balances flexibility and rigidity for optimal performance.
• Infinity Latex Reeds: The Infinity Latex is designed to be durable and produce realistic turkey sounds. This is a key factor in the call’s ability to mimic natural turkey vocalizations.
• Split V II (Two Thin Reeds with Split V Cut): This model features two thin reeds with a Split V cut for producing a variety of turkey sounds, including yelps, cutts, clucks, and purrs. This is ideal for hunters who want versatility in their calling.
• Raspy Old Hen (Two Reeds with Double Split Top Reed): This model features two reeds with a Double Split top reed for producing raspy yelps and soft calls. This replicates the sound of an older hen.

The specifications of these calls contribute directly to their performance and ease of use. The Tone Trough design and Premium Flex frame aim to simplify the calling process. The Infinity Latex reeds are meant to provide realistic sound and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls perform their intended job effectively. They produce a range of turkey sounds with relative ease. The “Split V II” is best for sharp, clear calls, while the “Raspy Old Hen” excels at producing softer, more subtle vocalizations.

The main strength is the ease of use. The Tone Trough design truly simplifies mouth placement. A weakness is that the sound quality, while realistic, doesn’t quite match higher-end calls.

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls meet expectations for a call in their price range. They’re easy to use and produce realistic sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid for an inexpensive call. The materials are durable and the frame sits comfortably in the mouth.

The call is very user-friendly, with little to no learning curve. The Tone Trough design makes it easy to get started.

Durability & Maintenance

The Infinity Latex reeds are surprisingly durable. The orange tape holds the frame together securely.

The calls are easy to maintain; simply rinse them with water after each use and store them in a protective case.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls do not come with any specific accessories. No customization options are available. They are designed to be used as-is.

These calls are compatible with standard diaphragm call cases and storage solutions. Hunters can easily pair them with lanyards for convenient access.

Pros and Cons of HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls

Who Should Buy HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls?

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls are perfect for beginner turkey hunters. They are also a good option for experienced hunters looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-use backup call. These calls are well-suited for youth hunters learning the art of turkey calling.

Experienced hunters seeking the most realistic and nuanced sounds might want to skip this product. They may prefer higher-end diaphragm calls with more complex reed configurations.

A must-have accessory would be a diaphragm call case to protect the calls from moisture and damage.

Conclusion on HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls

The HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls offer an excellent value proposition. The price is more than justified by their ease of use and realistic sound.

I would personally recommend these calls to beginner and intermediate turkey hunters. They provide a simple and effective way to produce a variety of turkey sounds.

If you’re looking for an affordable and user-friendly diaphragm call, the HS Strut Tone Trough Diaphragm Turkey Calls are a great place to start. Pick one up and get ready to chase some gobblers this spring!