Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call Review

Field Test Review of the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call

For any seasoned hunter, the pursuit of game is as much about patience and understanding the environment as it is about having the right equipment. My journey with game calls has been extensive, spanning over a decade of field use across diverse terrains and challenging conditions. It was this ongoing quest for effective, reliable tools that led me to explore the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call. Developed by Strut Commander, a name recognized for its commitment to hunters, this call promised a blend of simplicity and efficacy that piqued my interest.

My specific need at the time was for a compact yet potent call, something that wouldn’t add significant bulk to my vest but could still produce realistic sounds that birds couldn’t ignore. I’d been using a larger, more complex diaphragm call that, while effective, proved cumbersome in tight situations. I also briefly considered a simpler friction call, but the unpredictable nature of their sound in damp conditions made me hesitant. The Lil’ Shorty seemed to strike a perfect balance, offering a straightforward design without compromising on the potential for realistic sound production.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Lil’ Shorty was one of robust simplicity. The materials felt durable, and the overall construction suggested it was built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. It felt solid in hand, hinting at a product designed for practical, no-nonsense application.

Considering my previous experiences and the need for a reliable call, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call immediately felt like a promising alternative to my bulkier setup. It offered a sense of practicality that resonated with my desire for streamlined gear.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Lil’ Shorty was during an early spring turkey hunt in a densely wooded area. The terrain was a mix of thick underbrush and scattered clearings, conditions that often make calling challenging due to sound dispersion. I tested the call from a concealed position, mimicking various hen yelps and clucks, aiming to draw in a gobbler I had heard at a distance.

The performance in these initial conditions was surprisingly good. Despite the slight breeze rustling through the leaves, the call maintained a consistent tone, and the sounds carried effectively without sounding unnatural. The ease of use was a standout feature; after a few practice attempts, I found the “shorty” design to be quite intuitive, requiring minimal adjustment to produce the desired sounds.

One minor surprise was the slight learning curve in achieving the softer, more subtle clucks. While the yelps were strong and clear from the get-go, mastering the softer nuances took a bit of practice. However, this is common with most calls and didn’t detract from the overall positive first-time use experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the hunting season, the Lil’ Shorty has proven its mettle. It’s become my go-to call for situations where quick, responsive calling is essential, such as during decoy setups or when a bird unexpectedly appears. The call has endured being stuffed into pockets, brushed against branches, and even a light shower without any noticeable degradation in performance.

Durability has been excellent. There are no visible cracks, no stiffness in the components, and importantly, no drop-off in sound quality. It has maintained its sonic integrity even after being dropped once on a packed dirt trail – a testament to its resilient construction.

Maintenance for this particular call is remarkably straightforward. A quick rinse under water after a muddy session and a light wipe-down are all that’s needed. Storing it in a dry pocket or pouch prevents moisture buildup, ensuring it’s ready for the next outing. Compared to some more complex calls I’ve used, the simplicity of maintenance on the Lil’ Shorty is a significant advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call

Specifications

The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call boasts a deliberately simple yet effective design, focusing on user-friendliness and sound production. It has a weight of 0.28 oz, making it incredibly lightweight and unobtrusive in any hunting vest or pocket. The call measures 3 inches in width and 5 inches in length, contributing to its compact form factor. Its height is listed at 13 inches, which, upon closer inspection of typical game calls, likely refers to the overall packaged or shipping dimensions, as the operational part of the call is considerably shorter.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the user. The minimal weight means it won’t be a burden on long treks, and its compact dimensions make it easy to store and retrieve quickly when the opportunity arises. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who value efficiency and a minimalist approach to gear.

Performance & Functionality

At its core, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call excels at its primary function: producing realistic turkey vocalizations. It produces strong, clear yelps that carry well, and with practice, can also generate softer clucks and purrs. Its performance is particularly impressive given its straightforward design, demonstrating that complexity doesn’t always equate to effectiveness.

The main strength of this call lies in its intuitive sound production. It’s relatively easy to learn and master the basic calls, making it accessible to beginners. A slight weakness might be that achieving the most nuanced and subtle sounds might require more advanced technique than with some premium, multi-reed calls. However, for its intended purpose and price point, it more than meets expectations for generating effective turkey sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Lil’ Shorty is commendable, especially considering its $39.59 price point. It’s constructed from durable materials that feel sturdy and resistant to damage. The finish is practical, designed to withstand outdoor elements rather than being purely aesthetic.

Ergonomically, the call is designed for ease of use. Its compact size and straightforward operation mean there’s a minimal learning curve. The grip is comfortable and secure, allowing for consistent sound production even with gloved hands. Practical design details like clear, audible feedback on sound manipulation are present, facilitating effective use in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call is built for sustained use in demanding outdoor environments. It appears to be designed as a reusable, durable item, not a disposable one. The materials used suggest it should withstand multiple hunting seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is exceptionally easy, as mentioned before, requiring only simple cleaning to keep it in optimal condition. There are no complex parts to break or delicate components that require special attention. Potential concerns are minimal, perhaps related to extreme temperatures potentially affecting the material over very long periods, but this is a general consideration for most gear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call is presented as a standalone product with no additional accessories included. Its design philosophy leans towards simplicity, meaning there are no inherent customization options like interchangeable reeds or different strikers. It is not compatible with aftermarket accessories, as its core function is built into its single-piece design. This focus on a singular, effective form factor is a defining characteristic of this particular call.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call

Who Should Buy Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call?

This game call is an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize simplicity, portability, and reliability. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are new to turkey hunting and want a straightforward, effective tool to start with. Experienced hunters who prefer a minimalist setup or need a secondary call for specific situations will also find it invaluable.

Individuals seeking an ultra-compact call that won’t add bulk to their gear should definitely consider this model. Those who demand highly nuanced, complex vocalizations from their calls might want to explore multi-reed or more advanced models. For those looking to add a versatile and durable call to their arsenal without breaking the bank, this is a solid contender. No specific must-have accessories are needed as the call is designed for standalone use.

Conclusion on Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call

The Strut Commander Lil’ Shorty Call stands out as a remarkably effective and practical tool for any hunter focused on turkey. Its performance, coupled with its robust build and user-friendly design, makes it a standout option in its category. The value proposition is strong; for $39.59, you receive a call that punches well above its weight in terms of sound quality and durability.

I would personally recommend this call to any hunter looking for a reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-use option. It’s an investment that promises to enhance your hunting experience without adding unnecessary complexity or weight to your gear. If you value simplicity and effectiveness in your equipment, the Lil’ Shorty is definitely worth adding to your hunting arsenal.