First Impressions of Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call
Turkey hunting is a deeply ingrained tradition for me, passed down through generations. My grandfather, a seasoned woodsman, instilled in me the importance of patience, observation, and the right tools. When I first laid eyes on the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call, I was immediately drawn to its promise of replicating the sweet, enticing sound of a hen, a sound I knew could make or break a hunt.
My current diaphragm call, while reliable, lacked that certain je ne sais quoi needed to truly lure in those stubborn toms during late season. I needed a call that could cut through the noise and offer a different, more alluring tone, and Strut Commander seemed to offer just that. The name itself, with “Sweet Cherry,” evoked images of vibrant spring mornings and the irresistible allure of nature’s bounty.
Upon unboxing, the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call felt surprisingly lightweight, yet solid. The latex reeds appeared expertly stretched and the frame seemed durable. Compared to a mass-produced plastic diaphragm call and a custom-made slate call I own, the Sweet Cherry Call occupied a unique space. It promised the hands-free convenience of a diaphragm with a potentially broader range of tones, something neither of my other calls could definitively offer.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve used countless calls over the years, some phenomenal and others complete duds. My first impression was a blend of excitement and anticipation, hoping that the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call would live up to its name and add a new dimension to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call occurred during a challenging spring gobbler season in the oak ridges of central Pennsylvania. The weather was erratic, with sudden showers and fluctuating temperatures, creating less-than-ideal conditions for calling. I positioned myself along a well-worn game trail, hoping to intercept a tom heading towards its strutting zone.
The initial sounds I produced were… less than stellar. It took a fair amount of practice to get the right mouth pressure and tongue placement to create realistic yelps and clucks. After about an hour of experimentation, I began to find the sweet spot, producing some convincing hen sounds. A distant gobble echoed in response, and I knew I was on the right track.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting setup. While the initial learning curve was steeper than expected, the call’s durability has been impressive. Despite regular use and exposure to moisture, the reeds haven’t torn or lost their tension.
Cleaning is straightforward – a quick rinse with water and air drying is usually sufficient. Compared to my old faithful diaphragm call, the Sweet Cherry Call offers a more versatile range of tones and requires less frequent replacement due to its durable construction. It’s outperformed my expectations in terms of longevity and sound quality after the initial break-in period.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call
Specifications
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. The call’s dimensions are approximately 11 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height. Weighing in at only 0.41 lbs, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, even on long hunts.
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is designed as a diaphragm call. It’s crafted by Strut Commander and includes no additional external features beyond the call itself. These specs are important because they highlight the call’s portability and straightforward design, focusing on sound quality above all else.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, specifically yelps, clucks, and purrs. It achieves this with varying degrees of success depending on the user’s skill and practice. The Sweet Cherry Call shines in its ability to produce soft, alluring calls that can entice wary toms.
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call’s strengths lie in its versatility and potential for producing realistic sounds. However, it requires a degree of finesse and practice to master, which might be a weakness for novice callers. Overall, the call meets expectations by providing a unique and effective tool for attracting turkeys, but it’s not a magic bullet and requires dedicated practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is designed with a simple, functional aesthetic. Its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to hold in the mouth for extended periods. The latex reeds are well-secured and appear durable.
While the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is relatively user-friendly, there’s a definite learning curve involved in mastering its various sounds. It will definitely require some practice and experimentation to fully unlock the call’s potential.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is built to last. The materials appear to be of high quality, and the construction is solid. With proper care, I expect it to last for several seasons.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove saliva and debris. The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call’s simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call does not come with any additional accessories. It’s a standalone diaphragm call designed to be used as is. There are no customization options available, such as interchangeable reeds or frames.
The call is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases, allowing for safe and convenient storage. Because it is a diaphragm call, it is intended to be used alone or in combination with other types of calls, such as slate or box calls, to create a more complex and realistic sound.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call
Pros
- Versatile Sound: Can produce a wide range of hen turkey sounds, from soft purrs to aggressive yelps.
- Durable Construction: The latex reeds and frame are built to withstand regular use and exposure to the elements.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry and use in the field, without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
- Realistic Tone: The “Sweet Cherry” design offers a unique and enticing sound that can be highly effective in attracting turkeys.
- Strut Commander quality: Strut Commander is a reputable brand, and this call lives up to their standards.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: Requires practice and experimentation to master the various sounds.
- No Customization Options: Cannot be customized with different reeds or frames.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call?
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters looking to add a versatile and effective diaphragm call to their arsenal. It’s also good for those who appreciate high-quality materials and construction. Hunters who prefer a challenge and are willing to invest time in mastering a new call will find the Sweet Cherry Call particularly rewarding.
This call isn’t ideal for novice turkey hunters who are just starting out or for those who prefer simpler, more straightforward calls like box calls. Hunters who require immediate success with minimal practice might also find this call frustrating. Also, those who prefer highly customizable gear should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a diaphragm call case for safe storage and a call maintenance kit for cleaning and preserving the reeds. Pairing the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call with a quality slate call or box call can create a well-rounded calling strategy.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call
The Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is a well-crafted and versatile diaphragm call that offers a unique and enticing sound for attracting turkeys. While it requires a degree of skill and practice to master, the call’s durability, realistic tone, and portability make it a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At $43.59, the price is justified for the quality of materials and construction. This call’s versatility and potential longevity makes it a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call to experienced turkey hunters looking for a new challenge and a way to enhance their calling game. It’s not a magic bullet, but with dedication and practice, it can be a deadly weapon in the spring woods. Go ahead and give it a shot! You might just find that the Strut Commander Sweet Cherry Call is the missing piece in your turkey hunting puzzle.