Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube Review

First Impressions of Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube promises tighter patterns and reduced muzzle jump, a tempting proposition for any waterfowl hunter. This choke tube aims to improve shot consistency and accuracy, ultimately leading to more birds in the bag. I first encountered the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube while struggling with inconsistent patterns using factory chokes on my 12-gauge. My frustration stemmed from too many crippled birds and missed opportunities, highlighting the need for a more reliable solution.

The packaging was straightforward, nothing fancy, but the choke tube itself felt solid in hand. The diagonal ports were immediately noticeable, hinting at the recoil reduction benefits it promised. Compared to the extended Carlson’s choke I’d been using, the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube had a more aggressive, tactical look. I chose it over the Patternmaster Code Black Duck mainly because of its ported design and slightly lower price point, hoping for a noticeable decrease in muzzle climb. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed excellent, and the design was intriguing, but the proof would be in the patterns.


Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube was on a frigid December morning in a flooded cornfield. Geese were the primary target, but the potential for passing ducks was high. The weather was brutal – a biting wind and intermittent sleet made for challenging conditions, demanding reliable performance from both hunter and equipment.

The most immediate difference was the felt recoil; it was noticeably reduced compared to my previous setup. Muzzle jump was also minimized, allowing for faster follow-up shots on crossing birds. The patterns at 40 yards were indeed tighter, consistently putting more pellets in the vital areas of a goose target. There were no malfunctions or issues during the initial hunt; the choke tube performed exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After an entire waterfowl season, the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube has proven its worth. It has endured multiple hunts in various conditions, from flooded timber to open water. The choke tube shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight discoloration around the ports from powder residue.

Cleaning is simple – a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any buildup. Compared to the factory chokes I initially used, the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube delivers consistently tighter and more effective patterns, significantly boosting my confidence in the field. It has not disappointed.

Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube

Specifications

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube is designed primarily for waterfowl and upland game hunting. Its key features center around optimizing shot patterns and mitigating recoil. The conical parallel internal design is intended to minimize flyers and improve pattern density.

The diagonal ports are engineered to reduce muzzle jump, enabling faster and more accurate follow-up shots. The choke tube is compatible with steel shot, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting where lead shot is prohibited. It’s constructed from heat-treated steel for durability. These features ensure a robust and reliable product suitable for demanding hunting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube excels in improving shot patterns at typical waterfowl hunting distances (30-50 yards). The tighter patterns result in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. The reduced muzzle jump is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker target reacquisition.

The choke tube performs exceptionally well with steel shot, maintaining pattern integrity even with larger shot sizes. A minor drawback is that it might produce patterns that are too tight at closer ranges (inside 25 yards), potentially resulting in missed shots. However, this can be easily adjusted for by using a different shell. Overall, the performance is excellent and meets expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube features a rugged and functional design. Its extended design makes it easy to install and remove with a choke tube wrench. The weight is negligible and does not significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.

The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface, essential for minimizing glare in hunting situations. There is no learning curve; it’s a simple screw-in choke tube.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from heat-treated steel, the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube is built to last. It has proven highly resistant to corrosion and wear throughout a demanding waterfowl season. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.

With proper care, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in the field.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube doesn’t come with additional accessories, focusing solely on its core functionality as a choke tube. While there are no direct customization options for the choke tube itself, its compatibility with standard choke tube wrenches allows for easy installation and removal. Its primary customization comes from choosing the right constriction for your specific hunting needs, mimicking full, modified, or improved cylinder constrictions.

It is designed to be compatible with most shotguns that accept screw-in choke tubes, offering broad compatibility. Many choke tube cases or wrenches will work with this model.

Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube

Pros

  • Significantly improves shot patterns at longer ranges.
  • Noticeably reduces muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots.
  • Durable heat-treated steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Compatible with steel shot, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting.

Cons

  • Patterns may be too tight at close ranges (under 25 yards).
  • No included accessories.


Who Should Buy Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube?

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking improved pattern density and reduced muzzle jump. It’s also well-suited for upland game hunters looking for tighter patterns at longer ranges. Any shotgunner wanting to improve their accuracy and consistency will benefit.

Hunters primarily shooting at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) may want to consider a more open choke. Those seeking a product with included accessories might be disappointed. A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.

Conclusion on Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube

The Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube delivers on its promises of tighter patterns and reduced muzzle jump. It is a well-built, durable, and effective choke tube that enhances shooting performance in the field. At $66.08, the price is justified by the improved accuracy and increased success rate it provides.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kicks Industries High Flyer Choke Tube to any waterfowl or upland game hunter looking to improve their shooting performance. It’s an investment in your hunting success. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!

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