The Strut Commander Button Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a tradition, a challenge, and an obsession for many. When I first saw the Strut Commander Button, or more precisely, the Strut Commander SC21PB Button Pusher Call from Strut Commander, I was immediately intrigued. Could something so simple really make a difference in my success this spring?
I’ve been using box calls, slate calls, and even diaphragm calls for years. I consider myself proficient, but always looking for that extra edge to entice a wary tom. The promise of a hands-free, easy-to-use call piqued my interest because sometimes fumbling with a call can cost you the hunt.
Upon receiving the Strut Commander Button, my initial impression was of its compact and functional design. It’s lightweight, constructed of what appears to be durable plastic, and small enough to easily fit in a vest pocket or on a lanyard. The build quality seemed solid, especially considering its accessible price point of $15.99.
I compared the Strut Commander Button to a few diaphragm calls I regularly use and also a strikers/slate call combo. My thinking here was versatility and ease of use under stress. Diaphragm calls are versatile, but require practice. Strikers offer different tones, but involve more movement. The button pusher style offered the potential for quick, consistent calls with minimal movement. I opted for the Strut Commander Button hoping for a user-friendly option when movement needed to be minimized.
Frankly, I was cautiously optimistic. Button calls can be hit or miss, often sounding artificial or requiring a lot of finesse to produce realistic turkey sounds. Would this be a game-changer, or another piece of gear relegated to the bottom of my hunting vest? Only time and a few stubborn gobblers would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Button to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Strut Commander Button came during early spring turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. The weather was typically unpredictable. One morning it was warm and sunny, the next cold and drizzly. This allowed me to test the call in varied conditions.
I primarily used it while set up against a large oak, attempting to call in a tom I’d heard gobbling on the roost. The ease of use was immediately apparent. A simple push of the button produced a consistent yelp. The hands-free operation allowed me to keep my shotgun ready and minimized movement, which is crucial when dealing with sharp-eyed turkeys. I was able to create soft clucks and purrs by varying the pressure and duration of the button press. The sound projected well.
The only initial issue was achieving subtle volume changes. It required a bit of practice to control the intensity of the sound, but after about an hour, I felt comfortable producing a range of calls. Also, when the call got very wet, the sound changed slightly, becoming a little muffled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strut Commander Button, it has proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve subjected it to rain, mud, and the general wear and tear of being carried in my hunting vest, and it still functions flawlessly. There are no visible signs of damage or degradation of the material.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with water and a wipe down is all it takes. Compared to cleaning the reeds of a diaphragm call, it’s a breeze. This outpaces the mouth calls by miles in cleaning ease. It’s less versatile than a good slate call, but more reliable in wet conditions.
I’ve definitely grown to appreciate the simplicity and reliability of this call. While it might not completely replace my other calls, it has earned a permanent spot in my turkey hunting arsenal. It’s a solid performer that has surprised me in its ease of use and effectiveness.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Button
Specifications
The Strut Commander SC21PB Button Pusher Call is a deceptively simple device.
- Type: Button Pusher Turkey Call
- Material: Durable Plastic (Unspecified Type)
- Dimensions: Compact, easily fits in a pocket
- Weight: Extremely Lightweight (Unspecified Weight)
- Sound: Produces yelps, clucks, and purrs
- Operation: Hand-operated, button-push design
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s portability, ease of use, and the quality of sound it produces. The lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry and deploy quickly. The durable plastic construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the hunt.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Button excels at producing consistent and clear yelps, clucks, and purrs. It mimics hen sounds quite convincingly. The primary strength is its ease of use, even for beginners. A simple push of the button generates a consistent call, eliminating the learning curve associated with diaphragm or friction calls.
A slight weakness is the limited range of tones compared to more versatile calls like a slate or diaphragm. The volume control takes practice. It definitely meets expectations as a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use turkey call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Button features a simple, no-frills design. The plastic body is comfortable to hold and use. The button is easily accessible and requires minimal pressure to activate.
It’s extremely user-friendly, with virtually no learning curve. Even a novice turkey hunter can quickly master its operation.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from what seems to be robust plastic, the call is built to withstand typical hunting conditions. It’s resistant to moisture and impact.
Maintenance is minimal. Just rinsing and drying after use keeps it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Button is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
It’s not designed to be integrated with other accessories. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a self-contained and easy-to-use calling device.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Button
Pros
- Easy to Use: Perfect for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Hands-Free Operation: Allows for greater focus on hunting and less movement.
- Durable Construction: Withstands harsh hunting conditions.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for money.
- Consistent Sound: Produces reliable yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Cons
- Limited Tones: Less versatile than other turkey calls.
- Muffled Sound When Wet: Performance can degrade in heavy rain.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Button?
The Strut Commander Button is perfect for beginner turkey hunters seeking an easy-to-use and reliable call. It’s also great for experienced hunters who want a hands-free option for close-range calling. Hunters who appreciate simplicity and affordability will find it particularly appealing.
This product might not be ideal for experienced hunters who prefer the nuanced tones and versatility of slate, glass, or diaphragm calls. Or hunters who frequently hunt in very wet conditions may want to choose a more water-resistant option.
A lanyard to keep it readily accessible would be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Button
The Strut Commander Button is a surprisingly effective and user-friendly turkey call. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
At $15.99, the price is more than justified. It provides great value, and is definitely worth trying.
I would personally recommend the Strut Commander Button to anyone looking for an easy-to-use, hands-free turkey call that delivers consistent results. Give it a try this turkey season; you might be surprised at how effective this little button can be! It’s a small investment that could yield big results in the turkey woods.