Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is a premium choke tube set designed specifically for waterfowl hunters using Benelli shotguns with the Crio or Crio Plus choke system. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill chokes; these are designed with Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST) and porting to improve pattern density and reduce recoil, offering a competitive edge in the field. The set includes Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range chokes, catering to various hunting scenarios and distances.
Having spent years watching ducks flare at the last second due to inconsistent patterns, I knew I needed a choke system that could deliver tighter, more consistent groupings at varying distances. I was searching for a choke system that would give me confidence when that once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself. The Carlson’s Cremator series stood out due to its purported ability to handle steel shot without any velocity restrictions, a crucial factor for ethical and effective waterfowl hunting in my area.
My first impression upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack was that of quality. The black blued finish looked sleek and durable, and the extended design felt substantial and provided a good gripping surface for easy installation and removal. The choke tubes felt solid, precisely machined from 17-4 stainless steel, inspiring confidence in their ability to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
I considered other choke tube sets like the Briley Spectrum and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck, but I ultimately chose the Carlson’s Cremator set because of its TST technology, steel shot compatibility, and the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes. Plus, the three-choke pack provided a versatile setup for different hunting conditions, eliminating the need to swap tubes constantly in the field.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism; choke tubes can be a game-changer, but they have to deliver on their promises. I was eager to get these into my Benelli and put them to the test on some unsuspecting waterfowl.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack during the early teal season on a flooded timber impoundment in Arkansas. I started with the Mid Range choke, anticipating shots between 25 and 35 yards.
The performance was immediately noticeable; my patterns were denser and more consistent than with the factory chokes, and the porting seemed to mildly reduce felt recoil. The improved pattern density resulted in cleaner kills, reducing the chances of cripples and improving my ethical harvest. I easily screwed in the choke tube without any tools.
The conditions were typically humid, with occasional light rain, but the choke tubes remained easy to install and remove, even with wet hands. The lack of slippage was impressive. I was surprised by how much the porting actually seemed to help with muzzle climb.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season of heavy use, the Carlson’s Cremator chokes have held up remarkably well. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated exposure to mud, water, and harsh cleaning solvents.
The chokes are incredibly easy to clean; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. The stainless steel construction has proven to be corrosion-resistant, maintaining its finish and integrity. I did notice that the ports need a little extra attention to ensure they are clear of debris.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s Cremator series has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern consistency, durability, and ease of maintenance. This choke tube system has lived up to, and even exceeded, all of my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack features:
- Gauge: 12 Gauge, a standard for waterfowl hunting.
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus, Benelli Crio, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Benelli shotguns. This compatibility saved me the headache of worrying about finding a matching choke.
- Choke Type: Close Range, Mid Range, Long Range, providing versatility for various hunting scenarios.
- Material: Heat-Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. The heat-treated stainless steel gives me confidence that these choke tubes will last for many seasons.
- Porting: Designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving shot recovery and accuracy.
- Finish: Black Blued Finish, offering a sleek and durable exterior. This prevents glare in bright sunlight.
- Construction: Extended choke tube design with a 25% longer parallel section for tighter patterns.
- Quantity: Pack of 3 Choke Tubes.
- Country of Origin: USA.
- Compatibility: For use with lead, steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth loads. This versatility is key for complying with various hunting regulations.
These specifications are vital because they directly impact the choke’s performance and longevity, and the shooter’s overall experience. The heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures that the chokes can withstand the pressures and corrosive effects of various shotgun loads and environmental conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack performs exceptionally well, delivering consistent patterns at their respective distances. The porting effectively reduces recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The Triple Shot Technology (TST) truly seems to minimize pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and more concentrated groupings.
The strengths of these chokes lie in their versatility, durability, and performance. The ability to use them with various shot types, including steel, without any speed restrictions, is a huge advantage. One area for potential improvement would be a clearer marking on each choke tube indicating its specific range (e.g., “0-20 yards” for Close Range).
These chokes meet and often exceed expectations, significantly improving pattern density and overall shooting confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch; the chokes are precisely machined and feel robust in hand. The extended design makes them easy to install and remove without tools, a convenient feature in the field. The black blued finish looks great and helps to protect against corrosion.
The chokes are incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for installation or removal.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is built to last. The heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures that these chokes can withstand the rigors of heavy use and harsh conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack comes as a set of three chokes, eliminating the immediate need for additional accessories. While there are no included accessories other than the chokes themselves, these chokes are compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for extended chokes.
You can purchase a separate choke tube case to protect the chokes when not in use.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 PackPros
- Significantly improves pattern density and consistency at various ranges.
- The TST technology reduces pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and tighter patterns.
- Ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump, enhancing shooting comfort and follow-up shot speed.
- Compatible with all types of shotgun loads, including steel shot, without speed restrictions.
- Easy to install and remove without tools due to the extended design.
Cons
- The porting requires extra attention during cleaning to ensure all ports are free from debris.
- The range designations could be printed more clearly on the choke tubes themselves.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack?
Pros
- Significantly improves pattern density and consistency at various ranges.
- The TST technology reduces pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and tighter patterns.
- Ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump, enhancing shooting comfort and follow-up shot speed.
- Compatible with all types of shotgun loads, including steel shot, without speed restrictions.
- Easy to install and remove without tools due to the extended design.
Cons
- The porting requires extra attention during cleaning to ensure all ports are free from debris.
- The range designations could be printed more clearly on the choke tubes themselves.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand the best possible performance from their Benelli shotguns. These chokes are ideal for those who hunt in diverse environments and require the versatility of multiple choke options.
Hunters who are recoil-sensitive will appreciate the porting, which helps to mitigate felt recoil.
This choke tube set may not be necessary for casual hunters who only occasionally pursue waterfowl or those who are satisfied with the performance of their factory chokes. Hunters who use shotguns other than Benelli Crio or Crio Plus models should also skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good-quality choke tube wrench for occasional tightening and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is an exceptional choke tube system that delivers on its promises. The improved pattern density, reduced recoil, and versatile choke options make this set a valuable addition to any serious waterfowl hunter’s arsenal.
The price is justified considering the performance gains and the durability of the product.
I would highly recommend the Carlson’s Cremator series to anyone looking to enhance their Benelli shotgun’s performance in the field. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube system can make!