The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16 Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade of specializing in outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle nuances that separate good products from great ones. When I first saw the Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16, I was intrigued by its specific design for clay shooting. Recoil management is crucial in any shooting discipline, but the “low gun” stance prevalent in sporting clays presents unique challenges.
My quest for the perfect recoil solution stemmed from increasing shoulder fatigue during extended clay shooting sessions. I needed something that would not only dampen recoil but also facilitate a smoother, more consistent mount from the low gun position. Unboxing the Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad, my initial impression was positive. The pad felt dense and well-constructed, with a noticeable 45-degree angle at the heel.
Compared to other recoil pads I’ve used, like the Limbsaver and Pachmayr Decelerator, the Kick Eez stood out due to its specialized design. The Limbsaver is excellent for general recoil reduction, but lacks the specific angle for sporting clays. The Pachmayr, while comfortable, didn’t seem as effective in reducing felt recoil. Honestly, I was excited to see if the Kick Eez could live up to its promises of enhanced comfort and recoil reduction, potentially transforming my clay shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad was at my local shooting range, nestled amongst the rolling hills outside Austin, Texas. I was shooting a 12-gauge Browning Citori, known for its lively recoil, making it an ideal testbed. The weather was typical Texas: dry and dusty with a slight breeze.
Immediately, the 45-degree heel made a difference in my gun mount. The pad allowed for a smoother, more natural transition from the low gun position to a solid shoulder weld. There were no initial “snags” or awkward adjustments needed. I cycled through several rounds of sporting clays, focusing on maintaining a consistent mount and swing. The felt recoil was noticeably reduced compared to the factory pad.
After the initial session, I noticed a slight improvement in my scores. This wasn’t just due to reduced recoil, but also the enhanced comfort that allowed me to focus more on the target. The only minor issue was the slight “stickiness” of the pad against my shooting vest, which I addressed with a small amount of talcum powder.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad has proven to be a reliable and effective addition to my shooting setup. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain and mud. Maintaining the pad is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each session keeps it clean and ready for the next outing.
Compared to my previous experiences with generic recoil pads, the Kick Eez has significantly outperformed them. The specialized design truly caters to the needs of sporting clay shooters. I can now shoot longer sessions with less fatigue and maintain better accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16
Specifications
The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16 is designed specifically for sporting clay shooters. It features a black finish and is constructed from a dense, vibration-absorbing material. The dimensions are 1 7/8 inches in width, 5 1/4 inches in length, and 15/16 inches in thickness.
The most distinctive feature is the 45-degree angle at the heel. This design promotes a smoother gun mount from the “low gun” position common in sporting clays. The hole spacing is precisely set at 3 & 1/8 inches, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of shotguns. This detailed approach guarantees a secure and proper fit.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad is to reduce felt recoil. It achieves this through its dense material, which effectively absorbs and dissipates recoil energy. This leads to less shoulder fatigue and improved shooting comfort, particularly during long shooting sessions.
The strength of the Kick Eez lies in its targeted design. It excels in situations where a low gun mount is used frequently. A potential weakness, however, might be its less-than-ideal suitability for other shooting disciplines, where the angled heel may not be as beneficial. Overall, it significantly meets expectations for clay shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad boasts a simple yet functional design. The black finish is clean and understated. The material feels durable and well-made. The weight is negligible, adding virtually no extra burden to the shotgun.
The angled heel is the key ergonomic feature, making shouldering the gun from a low position easier and more natural. There is no real learning curve. It’s intuitive and easy to use right from the start.
Durability & Maintenance
The dense material suggests good long-term durability. After weeks of use, there are no signs of cracking or deformation. Maintaining the pad is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove dirt and grime.
Proper maintenance can extend its lifespan considerably. The Kick Eez is designed for years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad itself doesn’t come with additional accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, its compatibility with standard shotgun stocks allows for some customization. You may need to have it professionally fitted by a gunsmith to ensure proper alignment and a seamless finish.
It is compatible with a wide range of shotguns. This is due to its standard hole spacing.
Pros and Cons of Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16
Pros
- Significantly reduces felt recoil.
- Facilitates a smoother gun mount from the low gun position.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Simple and easy to install (professional fitting recommended).
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- May not be ideal for shooting disciplines other than sporting clays.
- Slight “stickiness” against some shooting vests (easily remedied with talcum powder).
Who Should Buy Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16?
The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16 is perfect for sporting clay enthusiasts. It’s especially beneficial for those who experience shoulder fatigue during long shooting sessions. It’s also great for shooters looking to improve their gun mount from the low gun position.
Those who primarily engage in hunting or other shooting disciplines where a low gun mount is not typical might not find this pad as beneficial. For those users, a more generic recoil pad might be a better option. A professional gunsmith fitting is recommended to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics.
Conclusion on Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16
The Kick Eez Sporting Clay Recoil Pad Black 1 7/8 X 5 1/4X 15/16 is a specialized accessory that delivers on its promises. At a price of $36.99, it offers excellent value for money. The enhanced comfort and improved gun mount it provides are well worth the investment.
I would personally recommend this product to any sporting clay shooter looking to reduce recoil and enhance their shooting experience. It’s a simple yet effective upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in your performance. Don’t just endure recoil; conquer it with the Kick Eez! Upgrade your shooting comfort and accuracy today!