The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of shooting accessories. Recoil pads, often an afterthought, can dramatically impact a shooter’s performance and enjoyment. The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 from Kick Eez immediately caught my attention due to its specific design for trapshooting and the promise of superior comfort.
Years of trapshooting have taken their toll, leaving me with a sensitivity to recoil that occasionally impacted my consistency. I was searching for a recoil pad that could effectively mitigate the impact without altering my gun’s fit or feel too drastically. I also have a personal project gun with a factory pad that’s rock hard and useless, ripe for a replacement.
The Kick Eez pad arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive. The black material felt dense and durable, hinting at its shock-absorbing capabilities. The concave design, a defining characteristic of the Kick Eez Trap Recoil Pad, seemed thoughtfully crafted for a secure and comfortable shoulder mount.
I’ve used recoil pads from Limbsaver and Pachmayr in the past, both reputable brands. However, neither offered the specific combination of concave design and trapshooting focus that I was seeking in the Kick Eez. The Kick Eez appeared to offer a more specialized solution.
Honestly, I was excited. I had high hopes that this recoil pad would significantly improve my comfort and shooting accuracy during extended trapshooting sessions. The build quality looked promising. I anticipated noticeable improvement in felt recoil.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 was at my local gun club, under typical sunny, early-spring conditions. I shot three rounds of trap, focusing intently on how the pad felt against my shoulder during each shot. The air temperature was around 60 degrees.
The Kick Eez pad proved easy to mount and provided a surprisingly secure grip, even during rapid follow-up shots. The concave design cradled my shoulder, preventing the gun from slipping or shifting during my swing. I appreciated the enhanced stability.
I didn’t experience any immediate issues. I noticed a significant reduction in felt recoil compared to shooting without a pad. My shoulder felt less fatigued after the first round of trap. This was a clear improvement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad continues to impress. I’ve put over 500 rounds through my shotgun with the pad installed, under varying conditions. This includes both sunny days and slightly damp, overcast afternoons.
The pad shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The material remains resilient, and the concave shape has retained its form. I’ve noticed slight smudging but no cracking or deterioration.
Maintenance is simple: I wipe it down with a damp cloth after each shooting session. I then apply a light coating of silicone protectant. So far, this has kept the Kick Eez pad in excellent condition. The minimal cleaning needed is appreciated.
Compared to other recoil pads I’ve used, the Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad provides a superior level of comfort and recoil reduction. The concave design and specialized focus on trapshooting make it a clear winner in my book. It vastly outperforms the factory pad on my project gun.
Breaking Down the Features of Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8
Specifications
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance:
- Size: Medium (1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″ x 1 1/8″). This size is designed to fit a wide range of shotguns commonly used in trapshooting.
- Material: Proprietary shock-absorbing material. This is designed to minimize felt recoil.
- Color: Black. This gives a clean, classic look that blends well with most shotgun stocks.
- Design: Concave face. This provides a secure and comfortable shoulder mount.
- Hole Spacing: 3 & 1/8″. This makes the pad compatible with many shotguns.
These specifications are crucial. The medium size ensures a proper fit without being overly bulky. The shock-absorbing material directly addresses the issue of felt recoil. The concave design provides stability and consistent gun placement.
Performance & Functionality
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 performs admirably in its intended role: recoil reduction and enhanced comfort for trapshooters.
The primary strength is its ability to significantly reduce felt recoil, allowing for longer shooting sessions without fatigue. Its performance is impressive. The concave design also aids in maintaining consistent gun mount, which improves accuracy.
One minor weakness is that fitting may require some gunsmithing or modification, depending on the shotgun stock. This might deter some users. However, the benefits outweigh this inconvenience. Overall, it exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The material feels dense, durable, and well-made. The concave shape is comfortable against the shoulder. The pad is neither too heavy nor too light.
It is generally user-friendly. Some fitting may be necessary. It will likely require grinding down the edges of the pad to precisely match the stock.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 is built to last.
With proper care and maintenance, this recoil pad should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and the occasional application of silicone protectant are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 does not come with any specific accessories.
It is generally compatible with most standard shotgun stocks. Modification or grinding might be needed for a perfect fit. There are no brand-specific accessories needed. However, various stock finish protectors might enhance the installation process.
Pros and Cons of Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8
Pros
- Significant Recoil Reduction: Dramatically reduces felt recoil, allowing for longer, more comfortable shooting sessions.
- Enhanced Comfort: The concave design cradles the shoulder, preventing slippage and promoting consistent gun mount.
- Improved Accuracy: The stable gun mount contributes to improved shooting accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and construction ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning and occasional protectant application keep the pad in excellent condition.
Cons
- Fitting May Require Modification: Some gunsmithing or stock modification may be necessary for a perfect fit.
- Aesthetics Are Basic: The black color and simple design might not appeal to shooters seeking a more customized look.
Who Should Buy Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8?
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 is perfect for:
- Competitive Trapshooters: Shooters who participate in trapshooting competitions and require consistent performance and recoil reduction.
- Recreational Trapshooters: Individuals who enjoy trapshooting as a hobby and want to improve their comfort and accuracy.
- Shooters Sensitive to Recoil: Anyone who experiences discomfort or pain from shotgun recoil and needs a reliable solution.
- Gun Owners with Hard Factory Pads: The Kick Eez makes an excellent replacement for rock-hard factory pads that detract from a positive shooting experience.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who prioritize aesthetics over function might find the simple black design unappealing. Those unwilling to modify their shotgun stock for a custom fit might also want to consider other options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A professional gunsmith can ensure proper fitting and grinding. Stock finish protectors can prevent damage during installation.
Conclusion on Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 is a worthwhile investment for any trapshooter seeking enhanced comfort, reduced recoil, and improved accuracy.
At $34.99, the price is justified. It offers a significant improvement in performance and shooting experience. It addresses a key pain point. It does so without breaking the bank.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s recoil pad, especially trapshooters.
The Kick Eez Trap Black Recoil Pad Medium 1 7/8 X5 1/4 X1 1/8 delivers on its promise of superior comfort and performance. It’s a must-have accessory for any serious trapshooter. Get yours today and experience the difference!