Strut Commander V-Pak Review

The Story of My Time with the Strut Commander V-Pak

As someone who has spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across demanding outdoor, workshop, lab, and field environments, I’m always on the lookout for tools that truly enhance capability. The Strut Commander V-Pak, a two-pack of diaphragm calls from Strut Commander, promised a richer palette of turkey vocalizations. My hunting season was feeling a bit stagnant, relying on a limited set of calls that, while functional, weren’t always eliciting the desired responses from wary gobblers.

The need for greater versatility became apparent during a particularly frustrating morning hunt last spring. A mature tom I’d been working was simply not committing, and I felt my current call repertoire lacked the subtle nuances to bring him in. I was seeking something that could offer a wider range of sounds and a more natural cadence, believing that finer control over vocalizations could be the key to unlocking more opportunities.

Upon receiving the V-Pak, my initial impression was one of practical simplicity. The calls felt robust, constructed from what appeared to be durable materials. They didn’t feel like flimsy, mass-produced items, suggesting a craftsman’s attention. I briefly considered a single, high-end call from another brand, but the value proposition of a two-pack, offering immediate variety, steered me towards this option. My first reaction was a quiet satisfaction, a sense of having acquired a potentially valuable new tool for the upcoming season.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander V-Pak to the Test

My testing ground for these diaphragm calls was primarily the diverse terrain of whitetail and turkey country, interspersed with practice sessions in my backyard and garage. I specifically sought out situations that mimicked real hunting pressure to gauge their effectiveness. This involved calling from different positions—ground blinds, tree stands, and even while actively walking through dense timber.

The performance in varied conditions was surprisingly consistent, which is critical for any piece of hunting gear. I deliberately exposed the calls to light dew and morning mist without any noticeable degradation in sound quality or material integrity. Repeated use during extended calling sequences in a single outing also showed no immediate signs of performance drop-off.

Ease of use was a factor I evaluated closely. For me, as an experienced caller, the learning curve was minimal. The diaphragms settled comfortably against my palate, and I could manipulate them with familiar tongue and air pressure techniques. However, for someone entirely new to diaphragm calling, I would anticipate a slight adjustment period to achieve optimal results with any such call.

A minor quirk I discovered was the initial stiffness of the latex reeds on one of the calls. This required a few more forceful breaths to “break in” and achieve the desired clarity on softer clucks and purrs. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but something a novice might struggle with initially.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of dedicated practice and a full hunting season, the Strut Commander V-Pak held up admirably. These calls became my go-to options for most of my turkey hunts. The durability of the materials, particularly the frames and the latex reeds, remained impressive, showing no signs of premature cracking or excessive stiffness from repeated use.

Maintenance was straightforward; a simple rinse with water and a gentle shake to dry was usually sufficient after a day in the field. Storing them between uses in their original packaging or a dedicated call case prevented them from picking up debris. I did notice a slight dulling of the sharpest tones on one call after prolonged, heavy use, which is to be expected with latex diaphragms.

Compared to budget-friendly, generic diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, these units clearly offered superior sound fidelity and a more natural tone. They performed on par with, and in some aspects exceeded, mid-range calls from other established brands. The consistent ability to produce a variety of sounds without significant effort was a major plus.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander V-Pak

Specifications

The Strut Commander V-Pak includes two diaphragm calls, each designed to offer a distinct sonic profile. While precise reed materials and cuts aren’t detailed, the product description highlights a variety of range, reed cuts and sounds. This implies that within the pack, you’re not getting two identical calls, but rather a pairing intended to cover different vocalizations.

The weight of the package is a mere 0.19 lb, making it incredibly light and easy to carry, which is paramount for any hunting gear. The dimensions of the packaging are 7.75 inches in height, 1 inch in width, and 4 inches in length. This compact size ensures it fits easily into a vest pocket or pouch without adding bulk.

The variety of range is a crucial selling point. This means one call might be optimized for sharper, higher-pitched yelps and cutts, while the other could be tuned for softer, deeper hen sounds like clucks and purrs. The reed cuts are the key to this differentiation; different cuts allow for varied airflow and tension, producing distinct sounds. The craftsmen who have a passion for turkeys is a detail that suggests attention to detail in their construction.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of these calls is to mimic turkey vocalizations realistically, and the Strut Commander V-Pak largely succeeds. The ability to produce a range of sounds is its biggest strength. I found one call was excellent for producing sharp, attention-grabbing cutts and yelps that worked well for locating birds.

The second call in the pack proved ideal for softer, more intimate hen sounds. It was capable of producing convincing clucks and purrs that are essential for bringing a hesitant bird into gun range. The weakness, if one can call it that, lies in the inherent limitation of any diaphragm call: it requires practice to master.

Overall, these calls met, and in terms of versatility for the price, exceeded my expectations. They provide a solid foundation for hunters looking to expand their calling arsenal without breaking the bank.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of both calls in the V-Pak is robust, with a sturdy frame that feels secure in the mouth. The latex reeds appear to be of good quality, offering a good balance between flexibility and durability. The overall feel is one of practical construction, designed for the rigors of the field rather than aesthetic appeal.

Ergonomically, diaphragm calls are inherently a bit of an acquired taste. However, these felt comfortable enough for extended use during calling sequences. The frames were smooth, with no sharp edges that would cause discomfort. The learning curve, as mentioned, is more about mastering the technique than fighting the design.

Practical design details like consistent reed placement and frame thickness across both units were appreciated. This consistency means that once you learn the nuances of each call, you can trust their performance. There are no extraneous elements, just a tool designed to create sound.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal hunting use, these calls are likely to last at least a full season, and possibly longer with careful maintenance. The frames are solid, and the latex, while eventually wearing out, seemed quite resilient. I experienced no premature failure points like frame cracks or reed detachment.

Maintenance is as simple as rinsing with water and allowing them to air dry. Avoiding storing them wet or in direct sunlight will prolong their life. Potential concerns would be accidental damage from dropping them on hard surfaces or prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

The inherent nature of latex means they are consumable to a degree, but the durability here suggests a longer lifespan than some cheaper alternatives.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander V-Pak comes as a 2-pack, providing immediate variety without additional accessories. There are no interchangeable parts or needle options to consider, as this is a direct vocalization tool. The product’s strength lies in the inherent difference between the two calls included.

These diaphragm calls are not designed for compatibility with external accessories. Their functionality is entirely self-contained. The value is in the built-in variety provided by Strut Commander.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander V-Pak

Who Should Buy Strut Commander V-Pak?

The Strut Commander V-Pak is ideally suited for turkey hunters who are looking to expand their calling repertoire without investing in multiple expensive single calls. It’s perfect for intermediate hunters who understand the basics of diaphragm calling and want to explore different vocalizations. New hunters willing to dedicate time to practice will also find this pack a great starting point due to its affordability and built-in variety.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who are completely new to turkey hunting and have never attempted diaphragm calling, or those who prefer external calls like box calls or slate calls. If you demand sterile medical-grade equipment or require highly specialized, niche calls, this pack might not be the right fit.

For those who do purchase it, I’d recommend pairing it with a good quality call pouch or a dedicated call case to keep them protected. Additionally, watching instructional videos on diaphragm calling techniques could significantly speed up the learning curve.

Conclusion on Strut Commander V-Pak

The Strut Commander V-Pak offers a compelling package for turkey hunters seeking more versatility in their vocalizations. The price is certainly justified by the quality and the immediate availability of two distinct calls, allowing for a broader range of sounds. It’s a practical, well-built product that performs its intended function effectively.

I would personally recommend these calls to any hunter looking to upgrade their calling game, especially if they are currently limited to just one or two basic calls. It’s a solid choice for both seasoned hunters and ambitious beginners willing to put in the practice. If you’re in the market for a simple yet effective way to add more realism to your turkey calling, this V-Pak is definitely worth considering.