Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 Review

The Road Test: The Unassuming Essentials for the Field

For seasoned hunters, the pursuit of that elusive gobbler often comes down to a thousand tiny details. While the shotgun and calls get the spotlight, sometimes it’s the overlooked minutiae that make or break a successful hunt. This is precisely the philosophy behind the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0, a collection of seemingly minor accessories designed to keep your calls in prime condition and your presence undetectable. Manufactured by Strut Commander, this kit aims to address those basic, yet critical, elements that can often be forgotten in the rush to get into the field.

My journey to this kit began with a frustrating spring morning. A prized box call, usually a consistent performer, sounded flat and unresponsive. A closer inspection revealed a paddle surface that had become too smooth, lacking the necessary friction. Simultaneously, I realized my face paint, essential for breaking up my silhouette, had dried out, leaving me exposed and hesitant. These small oversights, while not catastrophic, chipped away at my confidence and effectiveness. It was clear I needed a more organized approach to these basic but vital maintenance and concealment needs.

Upon receiving the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0, my initial impression was one of practical utility. The components felt robust enough for their intended purpose, without any unnecessary bulk or complexity. It’s a kit that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly promises to fill a gap in a hunter’s arsenal. I had briefly considered assembling these items individually, perhaps opting for a generic brand of chalk or a different facial camouflage product, but the convenience of a pre-packaged solution, especially one from a brand focused on turkey hunting, felt like a more efficient route.

There was an immediate sense of satisfaction, not from a groundbreaking innovation, but from a well-thought-out solution to common field annoyances. This kit promised to bring order to those small but significant aspects of turkey hunting preparation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 occurred during a pre-season scouting trip, followed by a weekend hunting excursion. I kept the face paint tucked into a readily accessible vest pocket, reapplying a light coat before entering a known gobbler territory. The conditioning stick and chalk were also easily accessible. The convenience of having these items immediately at hand, rather than digging through a larger pack, was immediately apparent.

The conditions during my testing were fairly standard for spring turkey season: mild temperatures with occasional light breezes and dry conditions. The face paint applied smoothly, providing an effective matte finish that didn’t feel heavy or sticky, and it held up well for several hours of movement. The chalk applied cleanly to the underside of my box call’s paddle, providing a noticeable improvement in friction and sound quality. The conditioning stick worked as expected on my pot calls, restoring a subtle grip to the surface.

Ease of use was paramount for this kit, and it delivered. There was no learning curve; the face paint is applied like any other, the chalk is straightforward, and the conditioning stick is intuitive. Each component served its purpose with immediate efficacy.

The only minor surprise was the compact nature of the chalk stick; while the description implies it will last seasons, its small size initially made me question its longevity, though actual use proved this concern unfounded. The face paint tube was also smaller than I might have anticipated, but ample for reapplications.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting and practice sessions, the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 has proven its worth. The items within the kit have held up remarkably well, demonstrating a surprising level of durability for their intended use. The face paint tube still has plenty of product, and its applicator has not dried out or become clumpy, even with frequent use.

The chalk stick has barely made a dent, suggesting that it will indeed last for many seasons, just as advertised. Its consistent application has kept my box calls sounding their best, preventing that dreaded slickness that degrades sound. The conditioning stick has also shown minimal wear; it continues to effectively scuff the surfaces of my pot calls, maintaining their desired grip and tone.

Maintenance for this kit is virtually non-existent, which is a significant advantage. The face paint can be easily wiped off if it gets on gear, and the chalk and conditioning stick require no cleaning. Storage is simple; they all fit neatly into a vest pocket or a small hunting pack compartment.

Compared to previous experiences using generic chalk or old, dried-out face paint, this kit offers a noticeable upgrade in convenience and consistent performance. While budget options might exist, the specific formulation and ease of use of the Strut Commander items provide a reliability that is worth the modest investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0

Specifications

The Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 is designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. It includes a tube of Strut Commander Face Paint, a stick of Chalk for Box Calls, and a Conditioning Stick for Pot Calls. The face paint is formulated for a matte finish and easy application, fitting conveniently into a vest pocket.

The Chalk for Box Calls is specifically designed to add friction to the underside of a box call’s paddle, enhancing its sound production. This chalk stick is compact yet durable, intended for multiple seasons of use. The Conditioning Stick for Pot Calls is designed to lightly abrade and prepare the striking surface of ceramic or glass pot calls, restoring their ability to produce sharp clucks and yelps.

The overall weight of the kit is a mere 0.21 oz, and its dimensions are compact: 8 inches in length, 1.5 inches in height, and 5 inches in width, making it exceptionally portable. The Manufacturer is Strut Commander. The product does not list any “Additional Features” beyond the three core components, emphasizing its focused utility.

These specifications translate directly into user experience. The low Weight and compact Dimensions mean the kit adds negligible bulk to hunting apparel. The Face Paint‘s pocket-friendly size allows for quick, on-the-fly adjustments in the field. The durable nature of the Chalk and Conditioning Stick ensures they won’t be depleted quickly, offering long-term value.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 is to enhance a hunter’s ability to remain undetected and maintain their calls in optimal condition. The Face Paint performs exceptionally well, providing a deep, non-reflective camouflage that effectively breaks up facial features against natural backgrounds. It’s easy to apply and remove, which is crucial in a hunting context.

The Chalk for Box Calls is a standout component. Applying it to the underside of the paddle immediately restored the crisp, cutting sounds my box call was capable of. Without it, the paddle can become too smooth, producing muffled or less responsive tones. This chalk ensures that essential friction is maintained.

The Conditioning Stick for Pot Calls also functions precisely as advertised. A light application restored the “tooth” to my pot call surfaces, which had become slightly glazed over time. This allows for more precise control and a wider range of sounds, from soft yelps to sharp cuts.

The main strength of this kit lies in its focused effectiveness. Each item performs its specific task with proficiency. A minor weakness, if any, could be that the Face Paint tube might be small for hunters who need extensive reapplication in varied conditions, but for typical use, it’s perfectly adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of each component within the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 prioritizes practicality and field usability. The Face Paint comes in a slim, twist-up tube that fits easily into a shirt pocket or a small pouch on a hunting vest. Its ergonomic design allows for quick application without needing separate applicators.

The Chalk and Conditioning Stick are presented in a cylindrical format, roughly the size of a large crayon or a small stick of lip balm. This shape is easy to grip, even with gloves on, and the solid nature of the sticks means there’s no mess or spillage. The Manufacturer‘s commitment to simple, effective design is evident.

The materials feel appropriate for their use: the face paint has a smooth, creamy texture, the chalk is firm but deposits readily, and the conditioning stick has a slightly waxy feel. There are no complex controls or mechanisms, making the entire kit incredibly user-friendly right out of the package.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 appears to be excellent for its intended purpose. The Face Paint tube is made of sturdy plastic, and the twist-up mechanism feels robust. The chalk and conditioning stick are solid, and unlikely to break under normal handling or accidental drops.

Given that these are consumable items, their “durability” is measured in how long they last. As noted, the Chalk and Conditioning Stick are designed to last multiple seasons. The Face Paint, while a finite product, is packaged efficiently for field use, and its formulation seems resistant to premature drying.

Maintenance is practically nil. The face paint tube can be wiped clean if smudged. The chalk and conditioning stick require no special care. Storage is as simple as tucking them away in a gear bag. There are no obvious failure points that would be exacerbated by typical hunting scenarios like moisture or temperature fluctuations, within reason.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 itself is a curated set of essential accessories. The kit provides a Face Paint tube, a Chalk stick, and a Conditioning Stick. These three items are the core of the package and are specifically chosen to complement turkey hunting gear.

There are no further accessories included, nor are there extensive customization options for the items within the kit itself. The Strut Commander brand focuses on providing these specific, high-utility items. Compatibility with external accessories is not applicable here, as these are self-contained field-use items. The emphasis is on the intrinsic quality and function of each provided component.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0

Who Should Buy Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0?

The Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 is an ideal purchase for any turkey hunter, from novice to seasoned veteran, who values having their gear in top condition and their presence undetectable. This includes hunters who rely on box calls and pot calls, as well as those who understand the importance of good facial camouflage for avoiding detection by wary gobblers. It’s particularly beneficial for hunters who are often on the move and need quick touch-ups in the field.

Individuals who might skip this kit are those who exclusively use diaphragm calls, have already established a superior system for facial concealment, or who perhaps do not consider call maintenance to be a critical aspect of their hunting strategy. Anyone looking for a comprehensive gear overhaul rather than specific, targeted solutions might also look elsewhere.

For those who do purchase it, consider keeping the face paint in one vest pocket and the chalk/conditioning stick in another for even faster access. While not strictly necessary, a small, inexpensive brush could be useful for more thorough cleaning of call surfaces before applying the conditioning stick, though experience shows the stick works effectively on its own.

Conclusion on Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0

The Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference in the field. This kit expertly addresses those often-neglected aspects of turkey hunting: maintaining your calls and ensuring your concealment. The Face Paint provides reliable camouflage, the Chalk revitalizes box calls, and the Conditioning Stick keeps pot calls singing.

At a mere $9.95, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. The modest price grants access to tools that can directly improve your hunting success by ensuring your calls perform at their peak and your profile remains hidden. It’s a minor investment that can pay significant dividends in the woods.

I would readily recommend the Strut Commander Ready Kit 2.0 to any turkey hunter. If you use box or pot calls, and if you understand the importance of breaking up your facial silhouette, this kit is a no-brainer. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable solution to common hunting challenges that every hunter should consider adding to their gear.