First Impressions of Strut Commander Tempest Box Call
Turkey hunting, for me, isn’t just about bagging a bird; it’s about the connection to the land, the patience, and the art of the call. I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade, and I’ve cycled through every type of call imaginable. From diaphragms to slates, I’ve found that the box call offers a unique blend of simplicity and realistic sound, and that’s why the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call caught my eye.
The Strut Commander brand isn’t one I immediately recognized, but the promises of quality materials and effective turkey sounds piqued my interest. I was specifically looking for a box call that offered a consistent, authentic sound without requiring a ton of fiddling or constant adjustments. The market is flooded with calls, but this one seemed to strike a good balance between price and claimed performance, which is something I always appreciate.
Upon unboxing the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call, I was initially impressed with its construction. The wood felt solid and well-joined, and the paddle moved smoothly against the box. The dimensions felt comfortable in my hand, a good sign for a call I’d be holding for hours in the field.
I’ve used Primos box calls in the past, finding them reliable but somewhat lacking in tonal complexity, and I’ve also tried a custom slate call, which was beautiful but required too much finesse for my liking in a high-pressure hunting situation. The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call, at first glance, seemed like it might bridge that gap between dependability and realism. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism – could this relatively unknown brand deliver the goods?
Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Tempest Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call was on a blustery spring morning in the Missouri Ozarks. The wind was howling, making it tough for sound to carry, and the birds were being tight-lipped. I set up along a ridge overlooking a hardwood bottom, hoping to coax a tom into range.
The wind made it difficult to judge how the call was projecting, but I was pleased that it didn’t squeak or produce unwanted noise in the gusty conditions. The call required minimal effort to produce convincing yelps and clucks, even with cold fingers. After about an hour of calling sparingly, a gobble echoed from the bottom, and twenty minutes later, a longbeard strutted into view.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call has proven to be a reliable performer. The wood has held up well to moisture and temperature changes, showing no signs of warping or cracking. A light sanding and chalking of the paddle keeps the sound crisp.
I have noticed a small amount of wear on the contact surfaces of the box, but this is to be expected with regular use and hasn’t significantly affected the call’s sound quality. Compared to some cheaper box calls I’ve owned, the Tempest has maintained its tone and consistency far better. It hasn’t blown me away, but it is reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Tempest Box Call
Specifications
The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call boasts a simple, functional design. Strut Commander specifies a height of 10.5 inches, a length of 7 inches, and a width of 1.5 inches, with a weight of just 0.38 pounds. These dimensions make it easy to handle and carry in a vest or pack.
The box is constructed from what appears to be a combination of hardwoods, likely poplar or maple for the body and a denser wood like walnut or cherry for the paddle. The materials contribute to its overall sound quality and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call delivers a decent range of turkey vocalizations. It produces convincing yelps, clucks, purrs, and even cuts with relative ease. I found that varying the pressure and angle of the paddle against the box allowed for subtle changes in tone and pitch, adding realism to my calling sequences.
The call’s strength lies in its consistency and ease of use. A slight drawback is that it lacks the extreme high-pitched kee-kees needed for lost hen calling, but for general turkey calling, it performs admirably. It meets expectations for a mid-range box call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call has a straightforward, ergonomic design. The box is comfortable to hold, and the paddle fits nicely in the hand. The call is lightweight, which reduces fatigue during long calling sessions.
The design is simple and effective, with no unnecessary frills or complex adjustments required. This makes it a user-friendly option for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is built to last. The solid wood construction and tight joints suggest good long-term durability. Regular cleaning and chalking of the paddle are essential for maintaining optimal sound quality.
With proper care, this call should easily withstand several seasons of hard use. It’s not indestructible, but it’s well-made for the price.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options offered by Strut Commander, but some hunters might choose to experiment with different types of chalk or apply a sealant to the wood for added protection. The call is a self-contained unit designed for immediate use.
Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Tempest Box Call
Pros
- Consistent and reliable sound quality. It produces realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs with minimal effort.
- Durable construction. The solid wood and tight joints ensure longevity, even with regular use in the field.
- User-friendly design. It’s easy to learn and operate, making it suitable for hunters of all skill levels.
- Lightweight and portable. The compact size and weight make it easy to carry in a vest or pack.
- Affordable price. At $63.99, it offers excellent value for the money compared to higher-end box calls.
Cons
- Limited tonal range. It lacks the high-pitched kee-kees needed for some specific calling scenarios.
- No included accessories. It doesn’t come with chalk or a carrying case, which would be nice additions.
Who Should Buy Strut Commander Tempest Box Call?
The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is perfect for turkey hunters seeking a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable call. This call is ideal for beginners who are learning the art of turkey calling. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want a dependable backup call or a simple option for specific hunting situations.
Hunters looking for a call with a wide range of customizable tones and advanced features should skip this product. A small piece of sandpaper and some good quality chalk are must-have accessories to optimize the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call’s performance.
Conclusion on Strut Commander Tempest Box Call
Overall, the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is a solid performer that delivers good value for its price. It’s not the flashiest or most feature-rich call on the market, but it gets the job done consistently and reliably. The price is justified.
I would recommend it to any turkey hunter looking for a dependable box call without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to add a reliable and effective call to your turkey hunting arsenal, give the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call a try. You might just be surprised at how well it performs.