The KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Made a Bold First Impression
Recoil. It’s the unwelcome guest at any shooting party, especially when you’re focused on breaking clays all day long. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear business, and my shoulders have felt the sting of countless rounds. That’s why I was intrigued by the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad, promising a comfortable and durable solution to taming recoil.
My search for a reliable recoil pad started when I began participating in more sporting clay events. After a long day of shooting, my shoulder would be bruised and aching, impacting my accuracy and overall enjoyment. I needed something to mitigate that punishment.
Upon receiving the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad, my first impression was positive. The pad felt substantial in hand, with a noticeable density that hinted at effective recoil absorption. It was a welcome change from some of the flimsy, generic pads I’d seen.
I considered the Pachmayr Decelerator and the Limbsaver Grind-to-Fit recoil pads before settling on the KICK-EEZ. I chose the KICK-EEZ due to its specific design for sporting clays and the reputation of the KICK-EEZ brand for quality and effectiveness. My initial thought was, “This looks like it could actually make a difference.”
Real-World Testing: Putting KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad took place at my local shooting range, during a sporting clays practice session. I was using my 12-gauge over-under shotgun, a notorious shoulder-thumper.
The weather was typical for early spring – damp and a bit chilly. The KICK-EEZ pad provided a welcome barrier between the cold stock and my shoulder. I immediately noticed a significant reduction in felt recoil. It wasn’t completely gone, but the sharp kick was noticeably muted, more of a gentle push.
Installation took only a few minutes with a screwdriver and a little bit of gunsmithing skill I’ve picked up over the years. I needed no getting used to, the fit was perfect and it felt comfortable right away. No surprises after the first use, just relief.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad has proven its worth. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my shotgun with this pad installed, and my shoulder has never felt better.
Durability has been excellent. There are no signs of cracking or wear, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. Maintenance is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory recoil pads, the KICK-EEZ pad is a night and day difference. The factory pads were often hard and unforgiving, transmitting a significant amount of recoil directly to my shoulder. The KICK-EEZ pad drastically outperforms them in terms of comfort and recoil absorption.
Breaking Down the Features of KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad
Specifications
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad boasts several key specifications. It has a size of 5.625x2x1.125 inches.
This size is optimized for many common shotgun stocks, providing ample coverage without being excessively bulky. The dimensions impact how well the pad fits your shoulder and distributes the recoil force.
Performance & Functionality
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad excels at its primary function: reducing recoil. It significantly diminishes the felt recoil, allowing for longer shooting sessions with less fatigue and discomfort.
Its major strength is its ability to absorb a significant portion of the recoil energy. A minor weakness might be that extreme magnum loads can still be felt, but the pad still offers a noticeable improvement. It definitely exceeds my expectations for a pad in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the KICK-EEZ pad is impressive. The material feels durable and well-made. Its ergonomically shaped design molds comfortably against the shoulder, providing a secure and stable shooting platform.
It is very user-friendly. There’s no complicated installation or adjustment needed, simply screw it on and go shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad is built to last. It is constructed from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear.
Maintaining the pad is easy. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after use to remove any dirt or grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is designed to be a universal fit for many shotguns, so you can easily pair it with a cheek riser for enhanced comfort and sight alignment.
It is compatible with various stock finishing kits, should you want to customize the look and feel of your gun further. This ensures that the pad not only performs well but also seamlessly integrates with your firearm.
Pros and Cons of KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad
Pros
- Provides significant recoil reduction for a more comfortable shooting experience.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Ergonomic design promotes a secure and stable shooting platform.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Extreme magnum loads may still produce noticeable recoil.
- Limited customization options beyond basic fitment.
Who Should Buy KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad?
This KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad is perfect for sporting clay enthusiasts, trap shooters, and anyone who wants to reduce recoil while using a shotgun. It’s also a great addition for new shooters who may be sensitive to recoil.
Those who should skip this product are those shooting primarily light loads, or those who prioritize extreme customization options over plug-and-play simplicity. A must-have accessory would be a properly sized screwdriver for installation.
Conclusion on KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad
Overall, the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad is an excellent product. It delivers on its promise of reducing recoil and improving shooting comfort.
At a price of $36.99, the value is exceptional. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shooting enjoyment and performance.
I would absolutely recommend the KICK-EEZ Dual Action Sporting Clay Recoil Pad to anyone looking for an effective and affordable recoil solution. Go out and tame that recoil today!