Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps Review

First Impressions of Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps caught my eye because I’m always looking for reliable and versatile turkey calls. Strut Commander promises a full range of slate sounds from a poly body, which intrigued me since slate calls can be finicky. I needed a go-to call that could consistently produce quality yelps in various conditions, without the hassle of constant conditioning or delicate handling.

My current slate call, while producing excellent sound, is very sensitive to moisture. This limits its usability during early morning hunts with heavy dew or unexpected rain. The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps seemed like a promising solution, offering the sound of slate with the durability of a polymer construction.

Upon unboxing, the call felt solid and well-constructed. The weight was reassuring, not too light to feel cheap, but also not cumbersome for carrying in a vest. The heartwood striker looked like it would produce the necessary friction for generating realistic turkey sounds.

I considered the Primos Heart Breaker Slate Call and the HS Strut Crystal Mistress, but the Strut Commander’s poly body seemed more resistant to the elements. It promised consistent performance regardless of weather, which is a significant advantage during spring turkey season. I was eager to test if it could deliver on that promise.

My initial excitement was high. A durable, weather-resistant slate call that doesn’t break the bank? That’s a recipe for a happy turkey hunter. Now, the real test would be to see how it sounded and performed in the field.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps to the Test

First Use Experience

My first hunt with the Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps was in the pre-dawn chill of a Missouri spring morning. I tested it on a public land hunt where getting a gobbler to respond to a call amongst the heavy hunting pressure takes skill. The air was damp, with a thick fog clinging to the timber, conditions that would typically silence my traditional slate call.

I was pleasantly surprised by the call’s responsiveness. It produced clean, crisp yelps and clucks, even with the humidity. The heartwood striker paired well with the slate surface, creating realistic sounds that carried well through the fog.

There was a slight learning curve to find the sweet spot on the slate, but after a few minutes of practice, I was confident in my ability to produce the calls needed to bring in a Tom. There were no immediate issues; it felt like a very effective calling tool.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps has proven to be a reliable performer. It has been exposed to rain, mud, and the general wear and tear of being carried in a hunting vest. The call surface shows no signs of significant wear, and the sound quality remains consistent.

Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. The poly body is impervious to moisture, eliminating the need for the careful drying and conditioning required for traditional slate calls.

Compared to my previous slate call, the Strut Commander has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and weather resistance. It’s a welcome relief to have a call that performs consistently, regardless of the conditions. My confidence in this call has only grown with each hunt.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps

Specifications

• The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps is manufactured by Strut Commander, a company known for producing affordable and reliable turkey hunting gear. It is designed as a user-friendly pot call for hunters of all skill levels.
• The call measures 11 inches in Length, 6.9 inches in Width, and 1.3 inches in Height. It has a lightweight design at 0.38 lb (just over 6 ounces) making it easy to carry in a vest pocket.
• A key feature is its poly body construction, offering enhanced durability and weather resistance compared to traditional slate calls. The combination of the poly body and slate surface ensures consistent performance in various hunting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. Hunters can easily create realistic yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts with the included heartwood striker. It is easy to use, even for beginners.

The main strength lies in its consistent sound quality and weather resistance. Its weakness is in its somewhat muted or softer tone, which may require a more open and quieter calling scenario. It meets expectations as a durable, all-weather slate call, but may fall short for hunters needing extremely loud calls for windy or distant scenarios.

Design & Ergonomics

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The poly body is comfortable to hold, providing a secure grip even in wet conditions. Its dimensions are well-suited for use with gloves.

The call is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce realistic turkey sounds. The heartwood striker is comfortable to grip and allows for precise control over the call’s tone and volume. No learning curve is involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The durable poly body and robust construction ensure it can handle the bumps and scrapes of the field. This pot call can easily handle the conditions it will face on a hunt.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance. No special tools or cleaning solutions are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps comes with a single heartwood striker, which is designed to produce optimal sound quality with the slate surface. No additional accessories are included with the call.

While the call itself offers limited customization options, hunters can experiment with different strikers to achieve a variety of sounds and tones. Aftermarket strikers made from different materials (e.g., carbon, glass) are readily available and can be used to fine-tune the call’s performance.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps?

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps is perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize durability and weather resistance. This product is perfect for beginners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use call and experienced hunters who need a dependable backup call for wet weather.

Hunters who require extremely loud calls for windy conditions or for reaching long distances may want to consider a different option. Those who prefer a more traditional, handcrafted slate call with more customization options might also find this product lacking. A must-have accessory would be a striker holder to keep your striker handy for an immediate response.

Conclusion on Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps

The Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps is a solid and dependable turkey call that offers excellent value for its price. Its weather-resistant construction and user-friendly design make it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels. It provides reliable performance in the field.

At $39.99, the price is absolutely justified given its durability and consistent performance. It is a reliable tool that will undoubtedly help bring turkeys into range. I wholeheartedly recommend the Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps to anyone looking for an affordable, durable, and effective turkey call.

If you’re tired of your slate calls failing in wet weather, give the Strut Commander Slate On Ploy Yelps a try. It just might be the call that fills your tag this spring.