Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call Review

Why the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call Might Be Right for You

As someone who has spent well over a decade navigating the demands of outdoor pursuits, workshop tinkering, meticulous lab work, and rugged field operations, I’ve learned that the right equipment isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of your capability. This led me to the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call, a turkey call designed to bring a new level of realism to your hunting setup. My need for a reliable and nuanced call arose from the frustration of inconsistent performance with older, less refined models I’d previously relied on during early season hunts. The promise of CNC machining and select American walnut construction immediately caught my attention. My initial impression upon holding this pot call was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt dense and smooth, hinting at a durable build. I’d briefly considered a few other options, including some composite materials, but the allure of natural wood and proven glass surfaces won out. My first thought was a quiet satisfaction, a sense that I might have found a genuine contender for my calling arsenal.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call took place in the familiar setting of my backyard, mimicking a quiet woodland edge just before dawn. The crisp morning air offered a perfect backdrop for testing its acoustic range and responsiveness. I focused on producing basic yelps, clucks, and purrs, aiming for sounds that would cut through ambient noise without sounding artificial. The call responded exceptionally well, producing clear, resonant tones that felt natural.

I also subjected it to a bit of accidental moisture from morning dew and found that the American Walnut construction held up admirably, showing no signs of swelling or warping. The frosted glass surface, in particular, was forgiving of slight variations in striker pressure. The striker itself, a Dymalux/Ash combination, felt balanced in my hand, allowing for fine control.

Ease of use was surprisingly high; the pot’s depth and the striker’s shape immediately felt comfortable, requiring minimal adjustment to find the sweet spot for different sounds. The only minor quirk was the slight learning curve in replicating very soft, subtle purrs, which took a few more passes than I anticipated to achieve the desired hushed resonance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, both in practice sessions and during actual hunting trips in various woodland environments, the Strut Select Closing Time pot call has proven its mettle. It has been my go-to call for numerous morning and evening hunts, often being the first call I reach for.

The durability has been impressive; despite being carried in my vest pocket, occasionally bumping against other gear, there are no significant scuffs or chips on the walnut pot. The frosted glass striking surface remains consistent, with no visible degradation in its ability to produce high-frequency sounds. Even after repeated exposure to dust and the occasional light rain, a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth is all that’s needed.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a huge plus when you’re focused on the hunt. Storing it dry and giving it a quick clean after each outing is sufficient. Compared to some composite calls I’ve used, which can sometimes develop a “tinny” sound or scratch easily, this call maintains its authentic turkey vocalizations remarkably well. It certainly outperforms cheaper, generic options and rivals some higher-end calls in its ability to produce realistic sounds.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call is constructed with a focus on premium materials and precision manufacturing. Its pot is made from select American kiln-dried walnut, CNC machined to exact specifications for a consistent and resonant sound chamber. You have the option of two primary striking surfaces: a frosted high-pitched glass or a pure raw slate sourced from the Pennsylvania mountains.

Each call is tuned using a glass soundboard, which is crucial for achieving clear and reproducible turkey vocalizations. It comes coupled with a Dymalux/Ash striker, chosen for its density and balance, which aids in manipulating the striking surface to produce a wide range of sounds. The manufacturer, Hunters Specialties, has clearly prioritized quality components.

The choice between frosted glass and raw slate offers distinct tonal characteristics that cater to different hunting styles and preferences. Glass typically produces sharper, higher-pitched sounds suitable for cutting through wind, while slate tends to offer a deeper, more throaty tone ideal for softer clucks and purrs. The CNC machining ensures that the internal dimensions of the pot are precise, contributing to the call’s consistent acoustic output. The combination of these elements means this pot call is engineered for producing authentic turkey sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call is to mimic the complex vocalizations of a turkey, and in this regard, it excels. Its primary job is to produce realistic yelps, clucks, cutts, and purrs, and it delivers with remarkable clarity and range. The frosted glass surface, in particular, allows for high-frequency sounds that are often crucial for attracting wary gobblers at a distance.

One of its major strengths is its versatility. With a bit of practice and adjustment of striker angle and pressure, you can elicit a broad spectrum of sounds. The American Walnut pot provides a warm, resonant base for these vocalizations, giving them a natural depth. The Dymalux/Ash striker is crucial here, offering enough friction and rigidity to control the nuances of the glass or slate surface.

While it performs exceptionally well, achieving extremely soft, subtle purrs might require a bit more finesse than with some other calls. This isn’t a flaw of the call itself, but rather a testament to the sensitivity of quality pot calls; mastering them always involves practice. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a call in its price bracket, offering a significant step up from entry-level options.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The American Walnut pot is not only durable but also provides a comfortable grip, feeling solid and substantial in the hand. The smooth, natural finish of the wood is a welcome change from plastic or composite calls.

The internal dimensions and the depth of the pot are ergonomically designed to facilitate easy striker manipulation. Finding the “sweet spot” for producing different sounds feels intuitive after just a short period of familiarization. The frosted glass striking surface is perfectly integrated into the pot, ensuring a smooth transition for the striker.

Details like the precise machining of the pot’s rim contribute to a clean strike without extraneous scraping sounds. The Dymalux/Ash striker is well-proportioned, fitting comfortably between the fingers for controlled movements. There’s a satisfying tactile feedback when the striker engages the surface, giving you confidence in the sounds you’re producing.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call is built to last. The use of kiln-dried American Walnut means the pot is dense and resistant to cracking or warping, even with repeated exposure to varying humidity levels common in hunting environments. The CNC machining ensures consistent construction, minimizing weak points.

Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort. After use, a simple wipe with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or moisture. It’s advisable to store it in a dry place, perhaps in your hunting vest pocket or a dedicated call pouch, to protect the striking surface.

There are no obvious failure points that concern me. Unlike some calls with glued-in strikers or delicate diaphragms, the pot call design is inherently robust. The main thing to watch out for is keeping the striking surface clean and free of debris, which could affect its sound production. The overall build quality suggests a long lifespan for this call, even under frequent use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call typically comes as a self-contained unit, focusing on the quality of the pot and striker itself. The included Dymalux/Ash striker is chosen specifically to pair with the frosted glass or raw slate striking surface for optimal performance. While there aren’t typically additional accessories bundled, the beauty of this type of call lies in its simplicity.

Customization primarily comes down to the choice of striking surface – the frosted glass for higher-pitched sounds or the pure raw slate for deeper tones. Some users may experiment with different strikers from other brands if they have a preferred feel or material, but the included one is well-matched. It’s important to note that this model isn’t designed to accept interchangeable strikers in the same way some modular calls might. The focus here is on the precise engineering of this specific pot and striker combination.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call?

This call is ideally suited for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who understand the nuances of calling and are looking for a reliable, high-quality instrument to improve their success rates. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the feel and sound of natural materials and appreciate precision manufacturing in their gear. If you’re someone who values authenticity and wants a call that can produce a wide range of vocalizations to fool even cautious gobblers, this is a strong contender.

Hunters who are brand new to turkey calling and prefer an absolute beginner-friendly option might find the learning curve slightly steeper than with simpler, less sensitive calls. However, for those willing to put in a bit of practice, the rewards are significant. I would recommend pairing this call with a good quality locator call and practicing regularly in varied conditions to fully master its capabilities.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call

The Hunters Specialties Strut Select Closing Time Pot Call represents a solid investment for any serious turkey hunter. Its construction from premium American Walnut and the precise CNC machining translate directly into a reliable and sonically rich calling experience. The performance, particularly with the frosted glass striking surface, consistently produces the authentic sounds needed to engage wary birds. While mastering its full range, especially the subtlest purrs, requires dedicated practice, the foundation it provides is exceptional.

Considering its price point of $33.17, the value proposition is remarkably high. You receive a call crafted with quality materials and expert tuning that rivals more expensive options. I would readily recommend this pot call to any hunter seeking to elevate their calling game and add a dependable, high-performing tool to their arsenal. It’s a testament to good design and execution, offering a genuine advantage in the field.