EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685 Review

The EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685 Made a Bold First Impression

The EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685 choke tube promises to extend your shotgun’s reach, and as a seasoned waterfowl hunter always searching for an edge, I was eager to put it to the test. The EAR brand isn’t entirely new to me; I’ve seen their products around but hadn’t personally used them until now. I was looking for a choke that could reliably tighten my patterns at longer distances, giving me cleaner kills and reducing the chance of crippling birds.

The EAR High Voltage arrived in simple, no-frills packaging – a marked contrast to some of the overly-glossy presentations from competitors. Pulling it out, the matte black finish immediately struck me as practical and understated. It felt solid and well-machined in my hand, a testament to what JEBS quality is supposed to be. I’ve used Patternmaster and Carlson’s chokes extensively in the past, and the EAR High Voltage seemed comparable in build, perhaps even a bit more robust than the Carlson’s. Honestly, my first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed solid, and I was eager to see if it could deliver on its long-range promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge was a late-season goose hunt on a sprawling, windswept field. The conditions were far from ideal – a biting wind and a persistent drizzle made for a miserable morning. I used 3-inch, #2 steel shot, a common load for geese in my area. The choke screwed in easily and seated perfectly in my Benelli Crio barrel.

The initial shots were… revealing. At 40 yards, the pattern was noticeably tighter than my usual modified choke, delivering a more consistent density of pellets in the kill zone. This immediately translated to more confident shots and cleaner kills. I did notice a slight increase in recoil, but it was manageable and easily offset by the improved pattern density.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, across multiple duck and goose hunts, the EAR High Voltage has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through it, and it still looks and functions like new. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear or scratching, even after being subjected to mud, rain, and the general abuse of waterfowl hunting.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent gets rid of any residue. It consistently outperforms my previous choke setups at distances beyond 35 yards, offering tighter patterns and more ethical kills. Compared to my earlier experiences with extended range chokes, the EAR High Voltage stands out for its consistent performance and ease of maintenance. It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my waterfowl hunting kit.

Breaking Down the Features of EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, the most common gauge for waterfowl and upland bird hunting.
• Choke Constriction: .685. This tight constriction is designed to produce extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
• Compatibility: Benelli Crio Barrels. It’s specifically designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio choke system.
• Material: High-quality steel. The durable steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear from repeated use and harsh environmental conditions.
• Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish minimizes glare and provides a low-profile look, crucial for hunting situations.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and usability of the choke. The tight constriction translates to tighter patterns, while the durable materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Performance & Functionality

The EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge excels at extending the effective range of your shotgun. It delivers consistently tight patterns at distances where standard chokes would produce unacceptable pellet spread. This increased range translates directly to cleaner kills, reduced crippling, and more ethical hunting.

The choke’s primary strength is its ability to maintain pattern density at longer distances. However, it’s not a miracle worker; it requires careful selection of ammunition to achieve optimal results. One potential weakness is that the extremely tight pattern may be too constricted for close-range shooting, making it unsuitable for hunting in dense cover where shots are typically taken at less than 20 yards.

Design & Ergonomics

The EAR High Voltage features a simple, functional design with a matte black finish that blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench.

Its build quality feels robust, and the weight is negligible, adding no noticeable burden to the shotgun’s balance. There isn’t a steep learning curve. Simply screw it in, pattern your shotgun with different loads, and you’re good to go.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust steel construction of the EAR High Voltage suggests excellent longevity. After weeks of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion.

Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to keep it in good condition. The durable finish resists corrosion, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The EAR High Voltage doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. There aren’t any customization options beyond selecting the appropriate constriction for your specific needs.

While it doesn’t offer direct customization, its compatibility with Benelli Crio barrels means it can be used with a variety of Benelli shotguns, allowing for a personalized shotgun setup. It also works with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio chokes.

Pros and Cons of EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685

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Who Should Buy EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685?

Perfect for: Waterfowl hunters who frequently take shots at longer distances (35 yards and beyond), particularly in open fields or over water. Also suitable for turkey hunters seeking maximum range and pattern density.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in dense cover where shots are typically taken at close range (under 20 yards). This choke’s tight pattern may be too constricted for close-quarters shooting.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A good quality choke tube wrench is essential for installing and removing the choke. Also, experimenting with different ammunition loads is highly recommended to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.

Conclusion on EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685

The EAR High Voltage Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Extreme/Long Range Matte Black .685 choke tube delivers on its promise of extending your shotgun’s reach. Its ability to produce consistently tight patterns at longer distances makes it a valuable tool for waterfowl and turkey hunters.

At $89.99, the price is justified for hunters seeking to improve their long-range shooting capabilities. The durable construction and enhanced kill efficiency make it a worthwhile investment.

I would definitely recommend the EAR High Voltage to experienced hunters who understand the importance of pattern density and ethical kills. If you’re tired of crippling birds at longer ranges, this choke tube is worth a serious look. Upgrade your shotgun’s performance and experience the difference – bag more birds and make every shot count.

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