I currently have an old HS Strut vest that I bought at Wal-Mart for $29.99 about 15 years ago and am looking for an upgrade. I would like something that holds at least 2 box calls and 3 pot calls. I would like to spend $100 or less but would go higher.
Thanks for all suggestions!!
That is a tough one to get a consensus on. Search and read all the vest reviews you can find here and I would also highly recommend taking a trip to several stores so that you can actually put your hands on the different vests. I just went through the same thing looking for the same things you mentioned and ended up with the O'l Tom I beam 2.0. It will take some time using it before I would be able to give it a ringing endorsement. It has a lot of storage with 2 dedicated short box call sleeves, 3 dedicated pot call holders, 6 striker sleeves 8 mouth call sleeves and numerous multi purpose pockets and holders. I like the magnetic seat holders. I like the way it loads up and carries for the most part. I have concerns over the durability of the light weight material, which if durable will be a bonus. Even though I like the magnectic seat holder concept the proof will be how well they hold when they are put in the action. The box call holders are made of some sort of tight, tough elastic which when new seems like it will work nice keeping the call in the vest and quiet, the unknown is how how long will they last. They also will not hold a long box and they do not have a fastener (velcro strap/snap/ clip) to keep the box in the holder. Right now I like the vest but only time will tell. Macks PW has them at 25% off.
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/4c0b1eaf-1554-4ce3-9737-45dcc35311e3_zpsvgajgmp6.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/4c0b1eaf-1554-4ce3-9737-45dcc35311e3_zpsvgajgmp6.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160411_200541082_zpswgg8yn1g.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160411_200541082_zpswgg8yn1g.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/6e4f193b-1afe-4c36-ad4d-066717b305d0_zpslpe9sq3g.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6e4f193b-1afe-4c36-ad4d-066717b305d0_zpslpe9sq3g.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/2e7c209a-cabc-43b6-81f9-218fce77b7df_zpsc71jj6dj.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2e7c209a-cabc-43b6-81f9-218fce77b7df_zpsc71jj6dj.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/2ffb5e5f-cf3f-42f5-98e9-e87da51f6694_zpsa96dijur.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2ffb5e5f-cf3f-42f5-98e9-e87da51f6694_zpsa96dijur.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/9999b502-d230-4d11-ac58-b49b6526853a_zps8ctwvvs8.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/9999b502-d230-4d11-ac58-b49b6526853a_zps8ctwvvs8.jpg.html)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa466/nosajnh/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160411_205905578_zpscgv26q97.jpg) (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/nosajnh/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160411_205905578_zpscgv26q97.jpg.html)
I was shopping for new vest 2 years ago when i ran across a vest review from Field & Stream.
They tested lots of vests but rated the turkey thugs vest from Walmart as one of their favorites.
I went and bought one. Around $40 then. I had planned on spending a lot more money "But" I've never regretted buying this vest.Very comfortable and has lots of storage. Hope this helps.
I absolutely love my cabelas tactical tater 2 vest! It is awesome! My only regret is not buying it sooner. This is my second year with it and it has been great
Cabelas Tactical Tatr 2
I also purchased the Tat'r-2 on sale at Cabela's. I really like the vest, and the only three things I would change would be a magnetic seat, some shell loops, and waterproof material.
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&N=0&fsch=true&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=tat'r-2&x=10&y=6&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products
I really like the layout of the I Beam, but it did not fit me (I am small and slender). The I Beam is a bit more money and the cheapest I have seen it is $160... I tried a different Ol' Tom vest, and the magnetic seat kept popping off even walking in the store (although the model I tried on was a less expensive model).
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Drake-Waterfowl-Time-and-Motion-I-Beam-Turkey-Vest-2.0/productDetail/Turkey-Vests-and-Clothing/prod99999043248/cat112102?ref=google?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shoppingfeeds&utm_term=1381390&utm_campaign=GDF&gdftrk=gdfV25884_a_7c2345_a_7c8590_a_7c1381390&gclid=Cj0KEQjwl-e4BRCwqeWkv8TWqOoBEiQAMocbP2b_uZbbzSsirjgRZqZwFgoZcpxJLb9AxE4LTF6bi8UaAtTB8P8HAQ
One thing I will say about the Tat'r-2 is that everything is easily accessible. There is a diaphragm pocket and a diaphragm case which are both easily accessible. I would love to see a second box call pocket, but I actually like to have a box call on a holster in case I decide to remove the vest to more easily change position on a bird that is hung up...
I like my cabelas super tatr 3
The super tatr 2 gets a lot of good reviews but I've read that the slate call pockets are very tight with a standard sized slate and some say they don't even fit. Can anyone comment on this?
Thanks!!
Mine holds two standard sized 3.5" pot calls without a problem. I've carried a few different ones, never had trouble getting two in it. I'm not a fan of the little stretch cords that hold the calls in tho. It's not bad, just not great.