First Impressions of Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit
The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit promises to be a hunter’s first step towards mastering the art of attracting wary game. Strut Commander aims to provide hunters with the tools they need to effectively call in their quarry, and this kit is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to that world. The price point of $63.99 suggests an accessible entry, but the real question is whether it delivers on its promise of quality and effectiveness.
For years, I’ve relied on a cobbled-together collection of calls, some handed down, others picked up on clearance. My calling success has been inconsistent, to say the least. I was looking for a consolidated, purpose-built kit designed by experts to improve my calling game, especially during the critical sunrise hours when birds are most vocal.
Upon receiving the Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit, my initial impression was of a thoughtfully packaged set. The calls felt lightweight, but the materials appeared durable enough for field use. Compared to my usual mix-and-match setup, this kit offered a sense of organization and a promise of coordinated sounds. I considered building my own kit with individual calls from different brands, but the convenience and curated selection of the Strut Commander kit won me over, hoping to find a synergistic approach to calling.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed well-assembled, but the true test would be in the field, where performance and realism are paramount.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to field test the Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit came during an early spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of central Missouri. The morning was crisp, with a light fog hanging in the valleys, perfect conditions for sound to travel. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to entice a tom into range.
I began with the slate call, attempting soft, seductive purrs and clucks. The call produced a decent sound, but required a more deliberate hand than I anticipated. After about 30 minutes with no response, I switched to the diaphragm call, which proved more challenging to master. Despite my experience, producing consistent, realistic yelps required a concerted effort, and my initial attempts were less than convincing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple hunts, the Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit revealed both its strengths and limitations. The slate call, after some practice, became a reliable producer of soft calls, ideal for close-range enticement. However, the diaphragm call continued to present a challenge, requiring constant adjustment and practice to maintain consistency. The box call wasn’t included in the kit, which was an oversight that should have been included.
The materials held up reasonably well to regular use and exposure to moisture, with no noticeable wear or damage. Cleaning the calls was straightforward, requiring only a dry cloth to remove debris. While the kit improved my calling repertoire, it didn’t magically transform me into a master caller.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit
Specifications
The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit includes a slate call with a wooden striker and a diaphragm call. The slate call measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and is made from a composite material. The wooden striker is roughly 4 inches long. The diaphragm call is a standard two-reed design made from latex.
These specifications are essential because they influence the tone and range of the calls produced. The slate call offers a softer, more subtle sound, while the diaphragm call is capable of louder, more aggressive calls.
Performance & Functionality
The slate call performs admirably, producing realistic purrs, clucks, and whines. It’s particularly effective for drawing birds in close. The diaphragm call, however, requires significant practice to master. Achieving consistent, realistic yelps and cuts is a challenge.
The slate call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and realistic sound, while its weakness is its limited volume. The diaphragm call offers greater volume and versatility, but its steep learning curve is a significant drawback. Overall, the kit partially meets expectations, providing a solid foundation but requiring dedication to fully realize its potential.
Design & Ergonomics
The slate call is compact and comfortable to hold, even with gloved hands. The diaphragm call fits snugly in the mouth, but its comfort can vary depending on individual mouth shape and size. The quality of the slate striker is acceptable.
The slate call is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce basic sounds. The diaphragm call has a significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials appear reasonably durable and should withstand regular use in the field. Cleaning the calls is simple, requiring only a dry cloth to remove moisture and debris. With proper care, the kit should last for several seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit includes only the slate call, striker, and diaphragm call. There are no additional accessories included. The calls are not customizable, but hunters can experiment with different strikers for the slate call to alter the sound. The kit is designed to be a standalone solution, rather than a platform for extensive customization.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit
Pros
- Affordable entry point into turkey hunting calls.
- Slate call is easy to learn and produces realistic soft sounds.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field.
- Provides a foundation for learning various turkey calling techniques.
- Durable construction should withstand regular use.
Cons
- Diaphragm call has a steep learning curve and requires significant practice.
- Limited versatility compared to more comprehensive call sets.
- No box call included, a significant omission for a “starter” kit.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit?
The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit is perfect for novice turkey hunters looking for an affordable and accessible introduction to calling. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters seeking a compact and lightweight backup call set.
Hunters who demand high-end performance or require a wide range of calls should skip this product. Those looking for a complete calling solution right out of the box should also consider other options. A separate box call would be a must-have accessory to complete this kit.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit
The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit offers a mixed bag of value and limitations. The slate call is a winner, providing ease of use and realistic sound. The diaphragm call, however, presents a significant challenge for beginners.
The price is certainly justified for what you get, but it’s important to understand the limitations. The Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit is a decent starting point, but expect to invest time and effort into mastering the diaphragm call, and consider supplementing the kit with a box call for a more complete calling arsenal.
I would cautiously recommend this kit to beginners who are willing to put in the time to practice. For experienced hunters, the slate call alone might be worth the price of admission. Invest in the Strut Commander Sunrise Starter Kit to start your turkey calling journey, but be prepared to expand your arsenal as your skills and ambitions grow.