First Impressions of Strut Commander Original Strut Commander
Turkey hunting is a passion that’s been passed down through generations in my family. Calling in a gobbler is an art form, and a good call is as essential as a reliable shotgun. The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander diaphragm call caught my eye with its promise of a raspy yelp, perfect for those seasoned toms who’ve heard it all.
I’ve been chasing longbeards for over a decade and have tried countless calls, from box calls to slates, but the diaphragm remains my favorite for its hands-free operation and realistic sounds. My biggest issue has been finding a diaphragm call that’s both easy to use and delivers that perfect raspy tone, especially during those critical moments when a tom is closing the distance. That’s what led me to the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander.
Upon receiving the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander, the first thing I noticed was its simple, no-frills design. The latex reeds felt thin and pliable, suggesting a call that wouldn’t require excessive air pressure to operate. Its lightweight construction barely registered in my hand, a far cry from some of the bulkier diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past.
Compared to my go-to diaphragm calls, like the Primos Lil’ Deucey and the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander felt like a different beast altogether. The Primos call has always been reliable, but sometimes lacks the rasp I need for older birds. The Quaker Boy is easy to use, but occasionally sounds too high-pitched. I chose the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander hoping it would fill that gap, providing both rasp and user-friendliness.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander looked promising, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims in the field. Could this be the diaphragm call that finally nails the perfect balance of rasp and ease of use? Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Original Strut Commander to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to field-test the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander came during the opening weekend of turkey season in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. The morning air was crisp and cool, with a light fog hanging in the valleys – perfect turkey weather. I nestled into a familiar spot overlooking a hardwood ridge, ready to put this call through its paces.
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander performed admirably, even in the damp conditions. Initially, I struggled to get the exact tone I wanted, but after a few minutes of practice, I started producing some convincing yelps and clucks. The soft-to-medium volume was perfect for the early morning stillness, carrying just far enough without spooking any nearby birds.
The only real issue I encountered was a slight learning curve in mastering the triple reed design. My previous calls were mostly double-reed, and it took a bit of adjusting to get the right mouth pressure and tongue placement. But after about an hour, it felt natural.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting arsenal. The latex reeds have held up remarkably well, showing no signs of tearing or stretching, despite frequent use and exposure to varying weather conditions. I typically hunt 3-4 days a week during the season.
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander has maintained its sound quality throughout the season. The call is easy to clean with a quick rinse and air dry, and I’ve noticed no degradation in performance. This is crucial for a call I rely on to bring birds into shooting range.
Compared to some of the more expensive diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and consistency. It might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end calls, but it delivers consistent results in the field. It outperforms some calls costing 2-3 times as much!
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Original Strut Commander
Specifications
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander is a latex diaphragm turkey call designed for producing raspy yelps. The call features a triple reed design. It is intended for intermediate callers.
- Manufacturer: Strut Commander
- Additional Features: No
- Species: Turkey
- Length: 8 in
- Weight: 0.07 lb
- Width: 3.8 in
- Height: 1 in
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The triple reed design is what gives the call its signature raspy sound, which is often more effective on pressured birds. The soft-to-medium volume makes it versatile for calling in different terrains and weather conditions. And the lightweight construction ensures comfort during long days in the woods.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander excels at producing realistic turkey sounds, particularly raspy yelps and clucks. Its strengths lie in its ability to mimic the vocalizations of mature hens, which is essential for attracting gobblers during the breeding season. The raspiness is especially effective on older, more cautious birds that have become accustomed to standard yelps.
The call’s main weakness is its learning curve for beginners. While it’s marketed towards intermediate callers, those new to diaphragm calls may find it challenging to master the proper technique. But with practice, anyone can learn to use it effectively.
Overall, the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander meets and even exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. It delivers consistent and realistic turkey sounds, making it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander features a simple and functional design. The latex reeds are thin and pliable, allowing for easy manipulation and consistent sound production. The frame is comfortable to wear and doesn’t cause excessive mouth fatigue.
The call is user-friendly, but requires some practice to master. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander is surprisingly durable for a call made from latex. The reeds have held up well throughout the season, with no signs of tearing or stretching.
Maintenance is simple: just rinse the call with water after each use and allow it to air dry. With proper care, this call should last for multiple seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander does not come with any accessories, nor are there any specific customization options. This is a no-frills call designed for pure performance. However, users can experiment with trimming the reeds to achieve different sounds and tones. Some hunters will customize the call by adjusting the length or shape of the reeds.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Original Strut Commander
Pros
- Realistic Raspy Yelps: Perfect for calling in pressured toms.
- Soft-to-Medium Volume: Versatile for different terrains and weather conditions.
- Durable Latex Reeds: Holds up well to frequent use.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: Ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Learning Curve: May be challenging for beginners.
- No Accessories: A bare-bones call with no extra features.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Original Strut Commander?
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander is perfect for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who are looking for a reliable and affordable diaphragm call that produces realistic raspy yelps. It’s ideal for those who hunt pressured birds or in areas where a softer calling approach is necessary. This call is a great choice for hunters who want a durable and easy-to-maintain diaphragm call without breaking the bank.
Beginners who are new to diaphragm calls may want to start with a simpler, single-reed call before moving on to the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander. Hunters who prefer calls with built-in accessories or customization options may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory for any diaphragm call is a call case or holder to protect the reeds from damage and keep them clean.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Original Strut Commander
The Strut Commander Original Strut Commander is a solid performing diaphragm call that delivers on its promise of raspy yelps and reliable performance. It may have a slight learning curve, but its durable construction, realistic sound, and affordable price make it an excellent value for the money.
The price is absolutely justified. For under $10, you get a call that can compete with models costing significantly more.
I would definitely recommend the Strut Commander Original Strut Commander to any serious turkey hunter looking for a dependable and effective diaphragm call. Don’t let the low price fool you – this call is a serious contender. Get yours today and get ready to bring those gobblers into range!