First Impressions of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call arrives promising to be a compact yet effective tool for turkey hunters. Designed by Strut Commander, a brand known for their dedication to hunting equipment, this call aims to provide years of reliable service in the field.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and I’m always on the lookout for calls that offer both realism and ease of use. My go-to diaphragm call can be finicky, and box calls are often too bulky for run-and-gun hunts. The promise of a compact, user-friendly call that can still pull in stubborn toms definitely piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Lil’ Shorty Call immediately impressed me with its compact size. The call feels solid and well-constructed, with no obvious flaws in its design. It’s smaller than I anticipated, easily fitting in the palm of my hand, suggesting it’ll be easily stowable in a vest pocket or pack.
I’ve used similar pot calls from Primos and HS Strut in the past. The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call seemed to offer a more streamlined design. It felt less bulky than my old Primos Wet Box call, which often snagged on brush. It also lacked the sometimes-brittle feel of my HS Strut glass call.
My initial impression is excitement. It seems like the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call might just be the perfect balance of portability and performance I’ve been searching for, offering a promising alternative to my usual call setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call came during a spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. I primarily hunted along ridge tops and creek bottoms, encountering varying terrain and weather conditions throughout the week.
The weather was generally cooperative, with mild temperatures and sunny skies, but one morning brought a brief but intense rain shower. The call performed surprisingly well even with moisture present. The sound remained consistent, and I didn’t experience any issues with the striker slipping.
The learning curve was minimal. The call produced realistic yelps and clucks with just a few minutes of practice. After a couple of hours, I was confidently mimicking a variety of calls, including purrs and cuts.
Initially, I was slightly concerned about the call’s volume, given its small size. However, the Lil’ Shorty proved to be plenty loud enough to reach out and touch distant birds, especially in the relatively open terrain I was hunting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my hunting gear. I’ve carried it on multiple hunts, ranging from early morning scouting trips to all-day sits in the blind.
So far, I haven’t noticed any significant signs of wear and tear. The call’s surface has remained relatively scratch-free despite being carried in my vest alongside other gear. The striker shows some minor wear, but it hasn’t impacted its performance.
Maintaining the Lil’ Shorty Call is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each hunt is usually all it needs. I also lightly scuff the call surface with sandpaper every few hunts to maintain optimal sound quality.
Compared to my previous experiences with other pot calls, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call stands out for its consistency and ease of use. It has quickly become my go-to call for most situations, outperforming my diaphragm call in windy conditions and offering better portability than my box call.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call
Specifications
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance and overall value. Its compact dimensions, measuring 3 inches in width, 5 inches in length, and 13 inches in height, make it highly portable.
The call weighs a mere 0.28 ounces, making it virtually unnoticeable in a vest pocket or pack. The materials used in its construction are designed for durability and consistent sound production. There are no additional features like lanyards or specialized strikers included, emphasizing a focus on core functionality.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s usability in the field. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry and deploy quickly. The durable materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of hunting without compromising sound quality.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It’s particularly effective at creating clear, crisp yelps, clucks, and purrs, all crucial for enticing wary toms.
The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent sound quality. Even novice callers can quickly learn to produce convincing turkey vocalizations with minimal practice. The call is also remarkably forgiving, maintaining its tone even when used in less-than-ideal conditions.
One area that could be improved is its volume in extremely windy conditions. While it’s generally loud enough for most situations, it can struggle to cut through strong gusts of wind. It largely meets my expectations, and the consistent sound and ease of use make it a winner.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call features a simple, yet effective design. The pot is constructed from a durable material with a slightly textured surface for enhanced grip. The striker is well-balanced and comfortable to hold.
The call’s compact size makes it easy to manipulate with one hand. This is particularly useful when trying to remain concealed or when juggling other gear. There is virtually no learning curve. Its design is clearly focused on user-friendliness.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call appears to be built to last. The materials are resistant to scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear. I expect it to withstand many seasons of hard use with proper care.
Maintaining the call is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each hunt is typically sufficient. Periodically scuffing the surface with sandpaper will help maintain optimal sound quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed as a standalone unit, focusing on core functionality.
There are limited customization options available for the Lil’ Shorty Call. Users can experiment with different strikers to alter the sound. However, the call is primarily intended to be used as is, without extensive modifications. While not customizable, the call is built to be effective as is.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call
Pros
- Produces realistic and consistent turkey sounds.
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability.
- Simple to use, even for beginners.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Effective in a variety of hunting situations.
Cons
- Volume may be limited in extremely windy conditions.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call?
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who value portability, ease of use, and consistent sound quality. It’s an excellent choice for both seasoned veterans and beginners looking for a reliable and effective call.
This call might not be the best option for hunters who primarily hunt in open areas with consistently high winds. They may prefer a louder call with greater range.
A small piece of sandpaper for surface conditioning and a quality striker (although the included one is good) are all the must-have add-ons.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call is a well-designed and effective tool that delivers on its promises. It offers a compelling combination of portability, ease of use, and realistic sound quality.
At $39.59, the price is certainly justified. This makes it an excellent value for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.
I would definitely recommend the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call to anyone looking for a compact and reliable turkey call. It has earned a permanent spot in my hunting vest and is a call I will confidently use for many seasons to come. Add it to your kit and get ready to call in some gobblers!