The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Made a Bold First Impression
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty turkey call promises big sound in a small package, a tempting prospect for any serious turkey hunter. At a mere $15.99, my expectations were realistic, but I was eager to see if this call could truly deliver the goods. I wanted a compact, easy-to-use call that could produce a variety of convincing turkey sounds.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and my vest has seen its share of calls come and go. Many bulky pot calls and diaphragm calls clutter most hunters’ vests. I was looking for something minimalist and highly effective, something that could be easily deployed without fumbling around. The promise of a compact design coupled with the Strut Commander name caught my eye.
Unboxing the Lil’ Shorty was simple. It’s a small, streamlined call; the materials felt adequate for the price point. The build quality seemed decent, though I wasn’t expecting a premium feel at this price. It’s clearly built with portability in mind.
I’ve used various slate calls, diaphragm calls, and box calls. I picked the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty hoping for a middle ground – something simpler than a diaphragm, yet more versatile than a basic box call. Its size was the biggest draw. First impressions were good; I was intrigued by the compact design and eager to see how it performed in the field. It seemed surprisingly easy to use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was on a scouting trip in early spring in the rolling hills of Kentucky. I carried it along with my usual arsenal of calls, hoping to strike up a conversation with a lonely tom. The Lil’ Shorty was easy to carry, hardly noticeable in my vest pocket.
The weather was cool and damp, typical for springtime turkey hunting. The Lil’ Shorty performed surprisingly well in the moisture. I managed to produce some decent clucks and purrs. It took a bit of practice to get a consistent sound, but overall, it was relatively easy to use. Initially, I struggled to get the higher-pitched yelps just right.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve taken the Lil’ Shorty on multiple hunts. The call has held up well. It’s shown no significant signs of wear and tear.
The Lil’ Shorty is surprisingly easy to maintain. A quick wipe with a dry cloth after use is usually all it needs. Compared to some of my higher-end calls, it performs admirably, especially considering the price. I will mention that it will take practice to master this call.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty
Specifications
The Strut Commander SC21B1 Lil’ Shorty Call is a compact friction call designed for turkey hunting. Its dimensions are roughly 3 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width. The call is constructed from a combination of materials, likely including a wood or composite body and a striker made from a complementary material, which helps create various turkey vocalizations.
These specifications are important because they determine the call’s portability, ease of use, and sound quality. The compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly. The materials chosen affect the tone and durability of the call.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty performs its job reasonably well, producing a range of turkey sounds. The call is capable of producing clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts, although mastering each sound requires practice. Its accuracy is decent, but achieving consistent, realistic sounds requires a good touch and understanding of turkey vocalizations.
The main strength is its ease of carry and deployment. A weakness is its sound is not as refined as higher-end pot calls. It meets expectations for a call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lil’ Shorty boasts a simple, functional design. The build quality is adequate for the price; it feels solid enough to withstand regular use. It is lightweight and comfortable to hold.
The Lil’ Shorty is generally user-friendly. A beginner may take a few minutes to get a good sound. More experienced callers will grasp its nuances relatively quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty should last several seasons. The materials seem durable enough for typical hunting conditions. A simple wipe-down after use is sufficient for maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty typically does not come with additional accessories beyond the call itself and a striker. There are no official customization options for this particular call. However, users may experiment with different strikers to achieve different tones and sounds. Aftermarket strikers from other brands may or may not be compatible. Be sure to research and ask other hunters who have more experience with this specific call.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy carry.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Versatile enough to produce a variety of turkey sounds.
- Relatively easy to learn, even for beginners.
- Durable enough for regular use in the field.
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as refined as higher-end calls.
- Requires practice to master all turkey vocalizations.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty?
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a compact, lightweight backup call. This call is also an affordable and easy option for youth hunters just starting out.
Hunters seeking professional-grade sound or extensive customization options should skip this product. A must-have accessory is a reliable striker.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty
The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty is a solid, budget-friendly option for turkey hunters. The price is definitely justified. It delivers a good balance of portability, ease of use, and versatility.
I would personally recommend it to novice turkey hunters and those looking for a backup call. For the price, it’s hard to beat the Lil’ Shorty for its compact design and basic functionality. Pick one up and get out in the woods!