Hunters Specialties HS Review

The Hunters Specialties HS Made a Bold First Impression

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-PBTY HS Strut Push Button Yelper Call is a turkey call designed for ease of use and versatility. Marketed by Hunters Specialties as an entry-level option with advanced features, it aims to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly push-button calls and higher-end slate calls. This compact call promises realistic yelps and clucks thanks to its injected molded construction combined with slate and wood striking surfaces.

I was looking for a reliable and easy-to-use turkey call for those early mornings in the field. Many diaphragm calls can be tricky to master, and I wanted a compact, weatherproof option that wouldn’t require constant adjustments. The Hunters Specialties HS appeared to be a good fit, offering a simple push-button design with the added benefit of slate for varied tones.

The Hunters Specialties HS arrived in simple blister pack. The call felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The combination of materials—the injected molded body, the slate surface, and the wood striker—gave me a sense of potential versatility.

Compared to a traditional diaphragm call (which offers unmatched realism but requires practice) and a box call (which can be bulky and weather-sensitive), the Hunters Specialties HS seemed like a happy medium. It was simpler than a diaphragm call and more compact than a box call. Other push-button calls I’ve used felt cheap and produced consistently flat tones. The slate element promised something more.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the potential for a beginner-friendly call with a realistic sound. But I was also skeptical about whether the injected molded construction could truly deliver a quality tone. At $9.99, expectations were tempered, but I was hoping for a useful addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HS to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Hunters Specialties HS was on a scouting trip in early spring. The weather was damp, with a light mist hanging in the air. I tested the call in a wooded area, mimicking hen yelps and clucks.

The Hunters Specialties HS performed decently in the conditions. The dampness didn’t seem to affect the sound or function of the call. The push button was relatively easy to operate, producing consistent sounds. However, I found it difficult to achieve the subtle variations in tone that I can produce with a diaphragm or slate call.

The initial learning curve was minimal; the push-button mechanism is intuitive. The major challenge was learning to control the pressure and speed of the push to create different sounds, rather than simply producing a single, repetitive yelp.

After the first use, I noticed that the wood striker began to show some slight wear. It was a minor issue, but it raised concerns about long-term durability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Hunters Specialties HS has held up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of damage or malfunction. The sound quality remains consistent, although I have noticed a slight decrease in the responsiveness of the wood striker.

The injected molded body has proven to be durable. It’s withstood being bumped around in my vest without any cracking or breaking. The slate surface has also remained intact, though it does require occasional cleaning to remove debris.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to clean the call. I’ve also lightly sanded the wood striker a few times to restore its grip on the slate surface.

Compared to previous experiences with other push-button calls, the Hunters Specialties HS performs better in terms of sound quality and durability. It doesn’t quite match the realism of a high-end slate call, but it’s a significant step up from the cheap plastic push-button calls I’ve used in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HS

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hunters Specialties.
• Type: Push Button Yelper Call.
• Construction: Injected Molded Body. This provides durability and weather resistance.
• Striking Surfaces: Slate and Wood. The slate surface offers a variety of tones, while the wood striker is used to create the sounds.
• Design: Compact and Lightweight. This makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
• Price: $9.99. An affordable entry point for new turkey hunters.

These specifications contribute to a call that is easy to use, relatively durable, and capable of producing a range of turkey sounds. The combination of materials aims to provide a realistic sound profile in a user-friendly design.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties HS performs its core function – producing turkey yelps and clucks – adequately. The push-button design ensures consistent sound production with minimal effort.

The main strength of this call is its simplicity and ease of use. Even a novice turkey hunter can quickly learn to produce basic yelps and clucks. The main weakness is the limited range of tones and the lack of subtlety compared to more advanced calls.

The Hunters Specialties HS meets expectations for an entry-level call. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s a functional and affordable option for beginners or as a backup call for experienced hunters.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price. The injected molded body feels solid and durable, and the slate surface is well-integrated. The light weight makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

The Hunters Specialties HS is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The push-button mechanism is intuitive, and the compact size makes it easy to handle.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hunters Specialties HS is reasonably durable, thanks to its injected molded construction. It should last for several seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and occasional sanding of the wood striker are all that is required to keep the call in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties HS comes with no additional accessories beyond the wood striker. There are no specific customization options available. However, the wood striker could potentially be replaced with a striker from another brand for a slightly different sound.

The Hunters Specialties HS is designed as a self-contained unit, and there are no official accessories or modifications from Hunters Specialties.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HS

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Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HS?

Perfect for: Beginner turkey hunters who are new to calling. Hunters looking for a simple, foolproof backup call. Anyone on a tight budget who needs a functional turkey call.

Who should skip this product? Experienced turkey hunters who demand realistic and nuanced calls. Hunters who prefer the hands-on control of a slate, glass, or diaphragm call.

Must-have accessories or modifications? None are necessary, but carrying extra strikers may be a good idea for extended hunts.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HS

The Hunters Specialties HS-STR-PBTY HS Strut Push Button Yelper Call is a decent entry-level turkey call. It’s affordable, easy to use, and reasonably durable. While it doesn’t offer the same level of realism or versatility as higher-end calls, it’s a functional option for beginners or as a backup.

The price is definitely justified. For $9.99, you get a reliable and easy-to-use call that will produce consistent sounds.

I would recommend this call to beginner turkey hunters or anyone looking for a simple backup option. If you’re serious about turkey hunting and demand the highest level of realism, you should invest in a quality slate, glass, or diaphragm call. But for getting started, the Hunters Specialties HS is a solid choice.

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use turkey call, give the Hunters Specialties HS a try. It might just help you bag that big tom this season!

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