First Thoughts on the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA, designed for BERETTA/BENELLI MOBIL choke systems with an IMP CYL constriction, immediately caught my attention. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in the field chasing upland game and waterfowl, I’m always looking for equipment that can give me a performance edge. At a price point of $44.99, it presents itself as an affordable upgrade for any 20-gauge shotgun owner looking to improve their patterns and effective range.
My primary issue was inconsistent patterns with factory chokes when using steel shot for waterfowl. I needed a choke tube that could tighten up those patterns without creating excessive pressure or damaging my shotgun. The promise of improved downrange energy and pattern density is what specifically drew me to the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt solid and well-made. The blued finish was even and free of imperfections. The external design features noticeable ports, indicating a focus on reducing recoil and muzzle jump, which are both welcome features.
While I haven’t directly compared it yet to competing chokes like Patternmaster or Carlson’s (which often come at a higher price), I was specifically looking for something that offered a balance between performance and value. My initial excitement stemmed from the KICKS reputation for producing quality chokes that consistently deliver tighter patterns. Only field testing would truly reveal if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA came during a teal hunting trip on a local managed wetland. Conditions were typical for early season: humid, with intermittent light rain. I was shooting a Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge using 3-inch, #4 steel shot.
The difference in pattern density compared to the factory improved cylinder choke was immediately apparent. Birds that previously would have required follow-up shots were dropping cleanly with a single shot. I also noticed a slight reduction in felt recoil, likely due to the ported design of the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA.
The improved patterns boosted my confidence and led to a more successful hunt. No issues arose during the first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during both upland and waterfowl seasons, the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It has been subjected to everything from dusty dove fields to muddy duck blinds, and it hasn’t missed a beat. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the choke tube’s finish.
Maintaining the choke has been simple; I remove it after each hunt, clean it with solvent, and apply a thin coat of choke tube grease before re-installing. This keeps it functioning smoothly and prevents seizing. Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA offers significantly improved pattern density at longer ranges and, overall, outperforms factory chokes in real-world hunting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA
Specifications
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA is designed for BERETTA/BENELLI MOBIL choke systems. It features an Improved Cylinder (IMP CYL) constriction, which typically provides a pattern spread suitable for close to mid-range shooting. The choke tube is constructed from high-quality steel with a blued finish for corrosion resistance.
The ported design is a key feature, designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. This helps in faster follow-up shots. While the exact weight is not specified, it is comparable to other aftermarket choke tubes.
These specifications are crucial for achieving tighter patterns with steel shot, which is often required for waterfowl hunting. The ported design aids in recoil management, allowing for quicker target acquisition and follow-up shots.
Performance & Functionality
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its primary strength lies in producing denser, more consistent patterns with steel shot than factory improved cylinder chokes. This translates to longer effective range and cleaner kills.
However, the IMP CYL constriction may not be ideal for extremely long-range shots. Shooters looking for maximum reach may want to consider a tighter constriction. Despite this, it definitely meets and even exceeds expectations for its intended purpose – improving pattern density at typical hunting ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA boasts a robust build quality with a durable blued finish. The choke tube is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. The ported design, while functional, gives it a somewhat aggressive look, but doesn’t negatively impact usability.
There is no real learning curve associated with using the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA. Anyone familiar with changing choke tubes on their shotgun will find it straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction and corrosion-resistant finish, the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA is expected to last for many seasons with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
The choke is designed for easy maintenance. No specialized tools are required beyond a standard choke tube wrench and cleaning supplies.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA does not come with any included accessories beyond the choke tube itself. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for BERETTA/BENELLI MOBIL chokes. There are no specific customization options available directly from KICKS, but the user can adjust their patterns by experimenting with different shot sizes and shell brands.
Pros and Cons of KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA
Pros
- Significantly improves pattern density with steel shot, increasing effective range.
- Ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant blued finish.
- Easy to install, remove, and maintain with standard tools.
- Affordable upgrade compared to higher-priced aftermarket chokes.
Cons
- The Improved Cylinder constriction may not be ideal for extremely long-range shots.
- The ported design might be considered aesthetically unappealing by some users.
Who Should Buy KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA?
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA is perfect for:
- Waterfowl hunters using 20-gauge shotguns, particularly those required to use steel shot.
- Upland bird hunters seeking tighter patterns for longer shots on flushing birds.
- Shooters looking for an affordable and effective way to improve their shotgun’s performance without breaking the bank.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who primarily hunt at very close range (e.g., quail hunting in dense cover) might not see a significant benefit from the tighter patterns offered by the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA. They might be better served with a more open choke.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA
The KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA is a worthwhile investment for any 20-gauge shotgun owner looking to improve their patterns and effective range, particularly when using steel shot. Its ported design and improved cylinder constriction provide a noticeable performance boost at a reasonable price.
The price is definitely justified given the tangible improvement in pattern density and recoil reduction. I would absolutely recommend the KICKS HIGH FLYER CHOKE 20GA to any hunter or shooter looking for an affordable and effective upgrade for their BERETTA/BENELLI MOBIL choke system. Take your 20-gauge to the next level and put more birds in the bag – grab a KICKS HIGH FLYER and experience the difference!