The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 Made a Bold First Impression
Recoil. It’s the unwelcome guest at every shooting event, the gremlin that sabotages accuracy, and the architect of sore shoulders. After a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless solutions, from fancy muzzle brakes to bulky vests, each promising to tame the beast. But few live up to the hype, often leaving shooters with more frustration than comfort. My quest to find effective recoil mitigation led me to the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4, a recoil pad from Kick-Eez, promising a superior shooting experience.
I was hunting for a pad that wouldn’t bottom out after a few seasons of heavy use. My shoulder has been screaming during sporting clays season, and I was determined to find a real solution. The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 piqued my interest because of its Sorbothane construction. Sorbothane is known for its exceptional shock absorption and durability.
Unboxing the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 revealed a neatly packaged recoil pad. My initial impression was positive; the pad felt solid and well-made. The Sorbothane material felt dense and slightly tacky, suggesting it would grip well against clothing. I compared it to a Limbsaver pad I’d used previously and a basic rubber pad found on most factory stocks. The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 seemed denser and better contoured than both.
I chose the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 over others because of Kick-Eez’s reputation for quality and the pad’s specific design for sporting clays. The 45-degree heel contour promised easier shouldering from the low-gun position, a must for that discipline. I was cautiously optimistic. Could this pad really make a difference, or would it be another addition to my gear graveyard?
Real-World Testing: Putting Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 at my local shooting range, focusing on sporting clays. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 performed admirably.
Recoil felt noticeably reduced compared to my previous pad. The 45-degree heel contour made a significant difference in how quickly and consistently I could shoulder the gun from the low-gun position. It took only a few rounds to get used to the feel of the new pad. The grip was secure, even with the slight breeze adding a bit of moisture.
Initially, I was surprised by how much more comfortable and controlled I felt during rapid-fire sequences. My shoulder didn’t feel nearly as fatigued after a full round of clays. I didn’t experience any of the “bottoming out” I’d felt with other pads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear or tear. The Sorbothane material retains its density and shape.
The pad remains easy to clean. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. So far, the recoil reduction has remained consistent over time. This definitely outperforms the old rubber pad that came with the shotgun.
Compared to my previous experiences with gel-filled pads that degraded quickly, the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 is a clear winner in terms of durability and consistent performance. It’s a worthwhile investment for any serious sporting clays shooter.
Breaking Down the Features of Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4
Specifications
- Material: Sorbothane, a visco-elastic polymer. The Sorbothane material ensures maximum shock absorption and reduces recoil effectively.
- Dimensions: 2 inches x 5 5/8 inches x 3/4 inches. These dimensions make it compatible with many shotguns.
- Design: Sporting clay pad with a 45-degree contoured heel. This design promotes quicker and more consistent shouldering from the low gun position, which is essential in sporting clays.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact recoil reduction, comfort, and ease of use. The Sorbothane material provides superior cushioning, while the contoured heel enhances handling and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 excels at reducing felt recoil. This allows for faster follow-up shots and increased accuracy. It also mitigates the development of a flinch from heavy recoil.
The pad’s primary strength lies in its ability to absorb shock without bottoming out. A slight weakness might be that fitting requires some skill. Overall, it exceeds my expectations by providing a noticeable improvement in shooting comfort and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The Sorbothane material is dense and durable, with a slightly tacky surface that provides a secure grip.
The pad’s design is user-friendly. The contoured heel promotes a natural and comfortable shouldering position. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sorbothane material is highly resistant to wear and tear. It should last for many years with proper care.
The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 is very easy to maintain. Simply wipe it clean after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The pad itself doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s designed to be installed directly onto the shotgun stock.
While there are no specific customization options for the pad itself, its universal design makes it compatible with various stock shapes. Be sure to get it properly fitted. This allows for some degree of personalization through stock modifications.
Pros and Cons of Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4
Pros
- Significant Recoil Reduction: The Sorbothane material effectively absorbs shock, reducing felt recoil and improving shooting comfort.
- Enhanced Shouldering: The 45-degree contoured heel allows for quicker and more consistent shouldering from the low-gun position.
- Durable Construction: The Sorbothane material is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Improved Accuracy: Reduced recoil translates to better control and accuracy, especially during rapid-fire sequences.
- Easy to Maintain: The pad can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Cons
- Some fitting may be required depending on the shotgun stock.
- Color options are limited.
Who Should Buy Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4?
Perfect for: Sporting clays enthusiasts, trap and skeet shooters, and anyone who experiences discomfort from shotgun recoil. This is for shooters who want to improve their accuracy and extend their time on the range without fatigue.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who are already using an extremely effective recoil reduction system or those who primarily shoot low-recoil loads. People who are unwilling to invest in proper fitting should also avoid it.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A professional gunsmith for proper installation and stock fitting.
Conclusion on Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4
The Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 from Kick-Eez is a well-designed and effective recoil pad. It significantly reduces felt recoil and enhances the overall shooting experience.
At $31.49, the price is justified by the pad’s performance, durability, and comfort-enhancing features. This recoil pad delivers on its promises.
I would highly recommend the Black SRTING CLAY 2 X 5 5/8 X 3/4 to anyone looking to improve their shotgun shooting experience. Reduce your recoil and step up your game – your shoulder will thank you.