Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry Review

First Impressions of Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry

The Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry promises a unique and traditional approach to turkey calling. As someone with over a decade in the field, I’m always eager to test tools that blend time-tested methods with modern craftsmanship. This striker-operated call, hand-built by Strut Commander, piqued my interest with its pre-chalked surfaces and dual-sided design intended to produce realistic two-tone yelps.

My journey to explore the Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry stemmed from a desire to reconnect with the core of turkey hunting. I wanted to move away from the more modern, complex calls and return to a simpler, more intuitive tool. I was seeking a call that could produce a range of convincing turkey sounds with minimal effort, while also offering the satisfaction of mastering a classic technique.

Upon receiving the Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry, the first thing I noticed was the rich, warm tone of the cherry wood. The Strut Commander craftsmanship was immediately apparent in the smooth finish and solid feel of the call. Its compact dimensions, approximately 11 inches long, 2.5 inches high and 5 inches wide, suggested a comfortable and easily portable design.

Compared to some slate calls I’ve used, which can be bulky and require a perfectly flat surface, the dugout design of the Pallbearer seemed more practical for varied terrain. Similarly, while diaphragm calls offer hands-free operation, they can be challenging to master and maintain consistent sound; the Pallbearer offered a balance between control and ease of use. I ultimately chose this call, anticipating a blend of simplicity, effectiveness, and the pleasure of working with a finely crafted instrument.

My initial impression was positive, if cautiously optimistic. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could truly deliver the realistic and versatile turkey sounds that Strut Commander promised, while also proving durable and user-friendly in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle throughout the morning, providing a challenging environment for any call.

Despite the wet conditions, the Pallbearer Dugout Cherry performed admirably, producing clear, consistent yelps and clucks. The pre-chalked surfaces seemed to maintain their grip well, even with moisture present. It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot, but once I did, I was able to easily create a variety of realistic turkey sounds. The dual-sided design allowed for subtle tonal variations, which I believe added to the realism.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry has held up remarkably well. The cherry wood has proven to be surprisingly durable, showing only minor scratches from occasional brushes with branches and brush.

Cleaning the call after each hunt has been simple, usually just requiring a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. The pre-chalked surfaces have retained their texture, and I haven’t needed to re-chalk them yet. Compared to some of the other calls I’ve used over the years, the Pallbearer is refreshingly simple to maintain and has consistently delivered reliable performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry

Specifications

The Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry features a hand-built and tuned construction, utilizing cherry wood for its resonant properties. It comes pre-chalked, saving you the initial preparation time. The call is dual-sided, enabling varied tones and realistic rollover sounds.

The call weighs just 0.32 lbs, making it light enough to carry comfortably all day. Its overall length is 11 inches, with a height of 2.5 inches and a width of 5 inches; this provides a good balance between portability and ease of use. These dimensions allow for easy storage in a vest pocket or pack, without sacrificing the ability to produce a loud, clear call.

Performance & Functionality

The Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry excels in its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. From soft, seductive clucks and purrs to loud, aggressive yelps, this call can do it all.

While it may take a bit of practice to master the subtleties of the call, the intuitive design makes it relatively easy to learn. Its strengths lie in its realistic sound production, durability, and ease of use. A potential area for improvement might be adding texture to the sides to improve grip in very wet conditions. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a traditional box call.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry is exceptional, with the smooth cherry wood providing a comfortable and solid feel in hand. Its lightweight design and balanced dimensions make it easy to handle and operate for extended periods.

The dugout design is inherently user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and allowing for quick and easy sound production. While there may be a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with box calls, most users will quickly become proficient with a little practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry, crafted from durable cherry wood, is built to withstand the rigors of the hunt. With proper care, this call should last for many seasons.

Maintenance is simple, typically requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use. Occasional re-chalking of the surfaces may be necessary to maintain optimal sound quality, but this is a quick and easy process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry does not come with any additional accessories. However, the cherry wood can be lightly sanded and stained to customize the appearance, though this is not generally recommended as it could alter the sound.

While there are no specific customization options, the simplicity of the design allows users to experiment with different striker materials and techniques to achieve their desired sound.

Pros and Cons of Strut Commander Pallbearer Dugout Cherry