Strut Commander Tempest Box Call Review

Using the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call in the Real World

As someone who has spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across diverse environments – from rugged outdoor expeditions to the controlled precision of laboratories and the unpredictable demands of field work – I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely enhance performance. The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is one such instrument that caught my eye, promising to be a solid companion for hunters. Strut Commander, a name with a solid reputation in the hunting industry, has clearly invested considerable effort into creating a game call that’s both effective and enduring. My personal journey to this particular box call began with a frustrating season of inconsistent turkey responses, where my previous calls simply weren’t cutting through the ambient noise or replicating the nuanced vocalizations needed to bring in a wary gobbler. I needed a reliable tool that could offer a wider range of sounds and a more authentic tone. My initial impression of the Tempest Box Call was positive; its solid construction and thoughtful design suggested it was built for more than just a few outings. Compared to some flimsy plastic calls I’d encountered, or even other wooden box calls that felt rough to the touch, this unit offered a pleasing tactile experience and an immediate sense of potential. My first reaction was a quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I might have finally found a tool to bridge the gap between intention and execution in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Strut Commander Tempest Box Call** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call took place in a familiar, albeit somewhat challenging, springtime woodland environment. I chose an area known for its mature oaks and dense underbrush, a typical turkey habitat that demands clear, resonant calls. The weather was cool and slightly damp, conditions that can sometimes dampen the acoustics of wooden calls.

I began by trying to replicate basic hen yelps and clucks. The call felt natural in my hands, and the striker glided smoothly across the call’s surface. Even with minimal pressure, the sound produced was surprisingly crisp and carried well through the trees.

I encountered a minor quirk: the lid of the box call was a tad tight initially, requiring a bit more force to open and close than I expected. However, after a few minutes of deliberate manipulation, it loosened up to a more manageable tension. This slight stiffness was a small price to pay for the overall solid construction.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use, the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call has proven itself to be a remarkably reliable piece of equipment. I’ve taken it on multiple hunts, from early morning ambushes to late afternoon calls, and it has held up admirably.

The durability of this unit is impressive. Despite being carried in my vest, occasionally bumping against other gear, and being exposed to morning dew, there are no signs of significant wear. The wood finish remains intact, and the internal mechanics, which produce the sound, show no degradation in performance.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a huge plus for any hunter. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after each outing is sufficient to keep it in top condition. I haven’t experienced any issues like warping or cracking, which can be common with less robust wooden calls.

Compared to some budget-friendly box calls I’ve used in the past, which often developed a hollow or tinny sound after just a few uses, this call maintains its authentic tone. It also seems to outperform some higher-end models that I’ve found to be overly sensitive or prone to producing unwanted scratchy noises if not handled perfectly.

Breaking Down the Features of **Strut Commander Tempest Box Call**

Specifications

The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call measures 10.5 inches in height, 7 inches in length, and 1.5 inches in width, with a weight of 0.38 lbs. This makes it a substantial call, offering a good grip and a resonant chamber for sound projection.

The dimensions are well-balanced, providing enough surface area for versatile calling techniques without being overly cumbersome to carry. The 1.5-inch width is particularly noteworthy, allowing for a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.

Its weight is distributed effectively, contributing to the quality of sound produced. The call’s construction utilizes what the manufacturer describes as “longest enduring supplies,” hinting at a focus on durable wood species and robust adhesive techniques.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is, of course, to mimic turkey vocalizations, and it excels at this task. Its design facilitates the creation of a wide spectrum of sounds, from soft clucks and purrs to loud, sharp yelps and cutts.

The striker is well-matched to the call’s surface, allowing for a fluid transition between different tones. I found it particularly adept at producing realistic hen yelps, which are crucial for attracting dominant gobblers.

The only slight drawback in performance was the initial tightness of the lid, which required some working in. However, once loosened, it operated smoothly and without any extraneous noise, which is critical in the field. It certainly meets, and in many ways exceeds, expectations for a call in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The wood grain is visible and feels smooth to the touch, indicating quality craftsmanship.

The overall feel is solid, with no loose parts or concerning gaps. The lid opens and closes securely, which is essential to prevent accidental noise in the field.

The ergonomic shape makes it comfortable to hold and manipulate for extended periods. The 7-inch length provides a good surface area for the striker to work its magic, and the 10.5-inch height of the call itself contributes to its resonant qualities.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call appears to be built for the long haul. The 0.38 lb weight, while substantial, comes from dense wood that suggests good resilience against impacts.

Maintenance is straightforward: a simple wipe-down to remove dirt or moisture is all that’s needed. I have not noticed any signs of wear that would suggest a limited lifespan.

Potential failure points are minimal, primarily related to the lid hinge, which, as noted, was a bit stiff initially but has since performed flawlessly. There are no obvious weak spots that would give me cause for concern in demanding hunting situations.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call typically comes as a standalone unit, focusing on the core functionality of the call itself. It does not usually include additional accessories like strikers of different materials or specialized cleaning kits.

However, its design allows for compatibility with a wide range of standard box call strikers. Hunters can experiment with different striker materials (e.g., carbon, hardwood, bamboo) to fine-tune their sound production.

While there are no built-in customization options like adjustable reeds found on some other call types, the inherent acoustic properties of this wooden box call are what make it special. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the natural sound it produces right out of the box.

Pros and Cons of **Strut Commander Tempest Box Call**

Cons

• Stiff lid mechanism initially: The lid may require some breaking in to open and close smoothly without extra effort.
• Limited included accessories: Typically sold as a single unit without interchangeable strikers or specialized cleaning tools.

Who Should Buy **Strut Commander Tempest Box Call**?

The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call is an excellent choice for dedicated turkey hunters who prioritize authentic sound and reliable performance. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the classic, natural tones that wooden box calls provide and who face challenging hunting environments.

Beginner hunters looking for a straightforward yet effective call will also find this model beneficial, as it’s relatively easy to master basic calls. Those who prefer to keep their gear simple and low-maintenance will appreciate its robust build and minimal care requirements.

However, hunters who require extremely compact gear or are looking for calls with extensive electronic features or highly specialized acoustic adjustments might want to explore other options. For those seeking a solid, dependable, and authentic-sounding box call, this Strut Commander model is a strong contender.

Conclusion on **Strut Commander Tempest Box Call**

The Strut Commander Tempest Box Call stands out as a high-quality, reliable instrument for serious turkey hunters. Its combination of durable construction, authentic sound production, and user-friendly design makes it a valuable asset in any hunter’s vest. While the initial stiffness of the lid is a minor point, it’s quickly overcome and doesn’t detract from the call’s overall excellent performance.

Considering its price point and the quality of materials and craftsmanship, this box call offers exceptional value. It delivers the kind of authentic sounds needed to convince wary gobblers, a feat that not all calls can achieve.

I would confidently recommend the Strut Commander Tempest Box Call to anyone looking for a dependable and effective game call. If you’re searching for a tool that will consistently bring the turkeys within range, and you value a well-built piece of equipment that’s ready for the rigors of the field, this is a purchase you won’t regret.