Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack Review

The Final Word on the Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack

As an avid outdoorsman with a passion for turkey hunting, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can genuinely enhance my success in the field. The Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack caught my eye because it promised a versatile solution for a critical aspect of hunting: calling. It’s a two-pack of diaphragm calls, designed to offer a range of sounds and reed configurations, aiming to elevate my hunting game. My primary motivation for purchasing this pack was the inconsistency I’d experienced with single calls; sometimes a certain cut or sound just doesn’t work on a particular bird or in a specific situation. Having a pair with distinct profiles felt like a smart investment to cover more bases. Upon first impression, the calls felt reasonably well-constructed. The latex reeds seemed pliable, and the frame appeared standard for this type of call, hinting at a functional, no-frills design. I briefly considered other brands that offer multi-packs, but Strut Commander’s reputation for crafting calls with a dedicated focus on turkeys made this particular pack a more appealing option. My initial reaction was one of pragmatic optimism – I was eager to see if these two calls could truly offer the promised versatility and performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place during the spring turkey season in varied woodland environments. I used the calls from dense thickets, open fields, and even from the edge of a swampy area, trying to replicate typical hunting scenarios. The calls were subjected to morning dew, occasional light rain, and the general dust and debris common in a hunting pack. They also endured periods of being left in a vest pocket for several hours.

The ease of use was paramount for me. I wanted calls that were relatively intuitive, and for the most part, both diaphragm calls in the Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack delivered. While mastering any diaphragm call takes practice, these felt comfortable against the roof of my mouth with minimal adjustment needed to find a good seal. One call produced a surprisingly raspy, mature hen sound with a softer blow, while the other excelled at higher-pitched, excited yelps.

There were a couple of minor quirks. One call’s frame felt slightly rougher against my palate than I’m accustomed to, requiring a bit of deliberate placement. Additionally, finding the exact air pressure to achieve the desired realism on both calls took a few outings to dial in, which is typical for any new call but worth noting for beginners.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent field use, which included multiple hunts and practice sessions, both diaphragm calls in the Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack have held up commendably. They’ve been dropped lightly on dirt and leaves, and tucked away in my vest without any signs of structural damage. The latex reeds have maintained their elasticity and shape, a crucial factor for consistent sound production.

Durability has been impressive for their price point. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear that would compromise their function. The frames remain intact, and the tape holding the reeds secure shows no sign of peeling or loosening.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick rinse under cool water and gentle patting dry with a soft cloth after each outing is all that’s typically needed. I store them in their original packaging or a designated call pouch to protect the reeds. Compared to some budget single diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, these seem to offer a longer lifespan. They don’t quite match the premium, custom-built calls in terms of nuanced tonal control, but for their accessibility and performance, they are a solid choice.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack

Specifications

The Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack is a set of two diaphragm calls. The product description states they offer “a variety of range, reed cuts and sounds.” Specific dimensions are provided: a length of 8 inches, a height of 0.75 inches, and a width of 3.75 inches. The weight is a mere 0.09 lb, making them incredibly lightweight and unobtrusive.

These specifications highlight the compact and portable nature of the calls. The dimensions likely refer to the packaging, as the calls themselves are much smaller, designed to fit comfortably in the mouth. The minimal weight means you’ll barely notice them in your gear, a critical advantage in the field. The “variety of range, reed cuts and sounds” is the key performance specification, implying different acoustic profiles are engineered into each call.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core performance, the Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack delivers on its promise of offering varied vocalizations. One call in the pack consistently produced a fantastic, throaty cluck and purr, perfect for those subtle, close-range interactions. The other call excelled at cutting through the woods with sharp, clear yelps and excited hen sounds, ideal for attracting gobblers from a distance.

The primary strength lies in this duality; having two distinct sound profiles in one pack is invaluable. It allows a caller to adapt to different situations and potentially replicate a wider range of hen vocalizations. A minor weakness is that achieving the most nuanced tones on either call requires a certain level of air control and reed manipulation, which might be a slight learning curve for absolute beginners. However, for anyone with some experience, they perform admirably and meet expectations for producing realistic turkey sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the calls in this pack is classic diaphragm style. They utilize a latex reed system, anchored within a plastic frame. The frames appear to be made from a durable, somewhat rigid plastic that holds its shape well.

Ergonomically, they are designed to be held between the user’s tongue and the roof of their mouth. Both calls fit comfortably for extended periods once positioned correctly. The tape holding the reeds is securely applied and provides a good seal against the frame. The specific reed cuts on each call, though not detailed, are clearly different, contributing to the varied sounds. The overall feel is one of functional simplicity, prioritizing performance over elaborate design elements.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of these calls seems quite good for their intended use. The latex, a key component, is of a quality that resists premature drying or tearing with proper care. I anticipate these calls will last at least a full season, possibly longer, with diligent maintenance.

Cleaning is simple: just rinse with water and air dry. It’s important to keep them away from extreme heat or direct sunlight, which can degrade the latex over time. There are no complex parts to maintain or replace, making them very user-friendly. Potential failure points would likely be reed damage from improper storage or excessive mishandling, but under normal hunting conditions, they should prove quite resilient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack itself is the primary offering, containing two diaphragm calls. There are no additional accessories included. This pack is not designed for customization in the way a multi-tool or a modular firearm might be.

The calls are ready to use right out of the package. While you could theoretically trim the frame for a custom fit, this is generally not recommended as it can negatively impact sound quality and seal. Their value is in the two distinct, pre-set sound profiles they provide, eliminating the need for additional purchases to achieve varied vocalizations.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack

Who Should Buy Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack?

This pack is an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced turkey hunters who understand the importance of varied calling sequences and want a reliable, affordable way to carry two distinct sounds. It’s also a strong contender for beginner callers looking to experiment with diaphragm calls and get a feel for how different reed cuts can produce different vocalizations without a significant financial outlay. They are perfect for use in most typical hunting scenarios, from early morning roost calls to mid-day locator yelps.

Those who should skip this product are absolute beginners who might find diaphragm calls too challenging to master initially, or hunters seeking extremely high-end, custom-tuned calls that offer hyper-specific tonal control and sound profiles. For a beginner, pairing these with a more traditional box or pot call might offer a broader learning experience. No specific accessories are mandatory, but a call vest or pouch to protect them is recommended.

Conclusion on Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack

The Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack offers a compelling value proposition for turkey hunters. It successfully delivers two distinct diaphragm calls that cover a good range of vocalizations, from subtle hen talk to more aggressive yelps, all at a very accessible price. While absolute beginners might need time to adapt to diaphragm calls, experienced hunters will appreciate the versatility and reliability these units provide. The build quality is solid for the price, and the compact design makes them a practical addition to any hunting kit.

I would personally recommend the Strut Commander Boss Hen Pack to any turkey hunter looking to expand their calling arsenal without breaking the bank. It’s an honest, functional piece of gear that performs well in the field, offering two reliable ways to communicate with turkeys. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, effective calling solution that provides more options than a single call, this pack is definitely worth considering.