The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL Made a Bold First Impression
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL isn’t a high-dollar, fancy turkey call, but it promises to deliver the goods when it comes to replicating the sounds of a wild turkey hen. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, a well-known name in the hunting industry, this call features double reeds and yellow Infinity Latex, all for a price that’s tough to beat. This mouth call is designed to produce a variety of hen sounds, crucial for luring in gobblers during spring turkey season.
My pursuit of the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL stemmed from a specific need: affordability and reliability. Having lost my trusty, albeit expensive, custom diaphragm call just days before opening day, I needed a quick and budget-friendly replacement that could still perform. I was looking for a call that could consistently produce realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs without breaking the bank.
Unboxing the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL was straightforward – it comes in a simple plastic package. The call itself felt lightweight and pliable, the Infinity Latex reeds appearing thin yet durable enough. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; it didn’t feel cheap, but its low price point made me wonder about its sound quality and longevity.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, like those from Primos or Woodhaven Custom Calls, the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL felt noticeably thinner. While the Primos calls often have a thicker latex which I felt helped with consistency, they also retail for nearly three times the price. I ultimately chose the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL because of its price and availability, hoping it could at least get me through the early part of the season.
My first impression was surprise. For such an inexpensive call, I was immediately able to produce some decent hen sounds. This immediately alleviated my initial skepticism and made me eager to get it into the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL occurred on opening day of spring turkey season in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The morning was cool and damp, with a light fog clinging to the valleys.
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL performed surprisingly well in these conditions, maintaining its tone even with a bit of moisture. It took a few minutes to get comfortable with the call’s specific pressure points, but after some practice, I was able to produce a convincing series of yelps and clucks. I didn’t experience any major issues during that first hunt, and the call seemed to hold its own.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The call still produces clear and consistent turkey hen sounds, even after multiple hunts in varying weather conditions.
Durability-wise, the Infinity Latex reeds have held up remarkably well, with no signs of tearing or degradation. Cleaning and maintaining the call is simple: I just rinse it with water after each use and let it air dry. I have found that compared to my previous, more expensive calls, the tone does not change as much after several uses.
Breaking Down the Features of HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL
Specifications
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL is a double-reed diaphragm call designed to mimic the sounds of a wild turkey hen. It utilizes yellow Infinity Latex reeds, known for their flexibility and ability to produce a variety of tones. The call is lightweight and designed to fit comfortably in the user’s mouth, allowing for hands-free operation.
The double-reed design is essential for producing realistic and varied hen sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. The quality of the latex directly impacts the call’s tone, consistency, and durability. Comfort is key for extended calling sessions, as an ill-fitting call can cause fatigue and hinder performance.
Performance & Functionality
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL performs its job admirably, consistently producing realistic hen sounds that are effective in luring gobblers. Its ability to make a variety of calls makes it a versatile tool for any turkey hunter.
The strength of this call lies in its ease of use and consistent sound production. The weakness is that the tone may not be as distinct or refined as more expensive custom calls. I believe the call meets expectations for its price point, offering excellent performance for a budget-friendly option.
Design & Ergonomics
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL features a simple and functional design. The materials used are adequate for its intended purpose, and the lightweight construction makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL is fairly user-friendly, although it may take a little practice to master all the different calls. Once you find the right placement in your mouth, the call is easy to control and manipulate.
Durability & Maintenance
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL, with its Infinity Latex reeds, is reasonably durable, capable of lasting through an entire hunting season with proper care. With proper care, one should expect a couple seasons use out of the call.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and air dry after each use. You should be able to extend the life of the call by storing it in a cool, dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s a pre-made diaphragm call.
While you can’t customize the reeds themselves, you can experiment with different cuts and pressures to achieve slightly different sounds. As for compatibility with other brands, there really is not an application for this with diaphram mouth calls.
Pros and Cons of HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL
Pros
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Easy to Use: Relatively easy to learn and produce consistent sounds.
- Reliable: Performs consistently in different weather conditions.
- Durable: The Infinity Latex reeds hold up well to extended use.
- Versatile: Capable of producing a variety of hen sounds.
Cons
- Tone Quality: Sound quality might not be as refined as more expensive calls.
- Limited Customization: No options for adjusting the reeds or frame.
Who Should Buy HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL?
Perfect for: Beginner turkey hunters, budget-conscious hunters, and those looking for a reliable backup call. It is also ideal for hunters who frequently lose or damage their calls and don’t want to risk expensive equipment.
Who should skip this product? Experienced turkey hunters who demand the highest quality sound and customization options may find this call lacking. Those accustomed to premium custom calls might not be satisfied with the slightly less refined tone.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A call case to protect it from damage and contamination. There are no viable modifications.
Conclusion on HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL
The HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL is a fantastic budget-friendly option for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It offers excellent performance and reliability for a fraction of the cost of premium calls.
The price is definitely justified, as it delivers a lot of value for a minimal investment. For someone on a budget or someone looking for a reliable backup, this is a smart choice.
I would personally recommend the HSP STRUT CUTT’N 2.5 DIAPHRAGM CALL to anyone looking for an affordable and effective turkey call. Give it a try – you might be surprised at how well it performs!