The Honest Truth About the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl
When you’re out in the field, whether it’s a waterfowl blind at dawn or a dove field on a crisp autumn afternoon, every advantage counts. For me, that often means optimizing my shotgun’s performance, and that’s precisely where I found myself needing a reliable choke. My trusty Benelli, chambered in 20 gauge, has seen a lot of action, and lately, I’d been wrestling with inconsistent patterns, especially at the further edges of my effective range. This led me to seek out an aftermarket solution, one that promised improved shot dispersal and tighter patterns without compromising the smooth swing and handling I’ve come to expect. After a bit of research, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl stood out as a strong contender, lauded for its precision engineering and pattern enhancement.
My initial impression upon receiving the Kicks High Flyer choke was one of solid craftsmanship. The stainless steel construction felt robust, and the black finish was uniform and clean, giving it a professional appearance that matched the premium feel of my Benelli shotgun. There wasn’t much time to deliberate; the upcoming hunting season was a ticking clock. I had briefly considered a standard Carlson’s or Briley model, but the specific claims of enhanced pattern density from Kicks Industries piqued my interest, aiming to tighten up my existing loads. A subtle sense of anticipation, tinged with the practical curiosity of an experienced user, settled in as I prepared to swap out the factory choke.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl to the Test
My first experience with the Kicks High Flyer choke was on a familiar shooting range, the kind where the ringing of steel and the scent of gunpowder are constant companions. I opted for a mix of my go-to waterfowl loads and some birdshot, aiming to get a feel for its performance across different pellet sizes and velocities. Swapping the choke was straightforward; it threaded in smoothly, indicating good manufacturing tolerances and compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system.
The immediate difference was noticeable. With standard #3 buckshot, patterns at 25 yards were tighter than I’d achieved with previous chokes, with fewer flyers. More importantly, when I moved out to 40 yards, where consistency often falters, the High Flyer choke kept the pattern much more dense and centered than I expected. I experienced no issues with it coming loose during firing, nor did it seem to affect the gun’s balance noticeably.
Extended use over several weeks, encompassing several trips to the clays course and a particularly rewarding morning in a duck blind, confirmed the initial positive impressions. The stainless steel construction has held up impeccably, showing no signs of corrosion or undue wear despite being exposed to a light drizzle and some dusty field conditions. Cleaning is as simple as with any other choke tube; a quick wipe-down with a bore snake and a light application of oil suffices. Compared to a standard modified choke I previously used, this Kicks Industries model consistently delivered a more uniform pattern, especially with larger shot sizes. The consistency is reassuring, particularly when a clean harvest is the goal.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl is designed with specific performance enhancements in mind. Its stainless steel construction provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance, crucial for any firearm accessory exposed to the elements. The Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system ensures a precise fit and reliable function with compatible Benelli shotguns.
This specific model is a Cylinder Modified choke, a versatile constriction that strikes a balance between tight patterns for longer shots and adequate spread for closer engagements. This dual capability is what makes it so appealing for a wide range of shooting disciplines, from small game to waterfowl. The engineers at Kicks Industries have focused on achieving optimal pellet alignment and reduced shot deformation during passage through the choke. This design intent translates into more pellets hitting the target and less energy loss, leading to improved effectiveness downrange.
Specifications
The core specifications of the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl are straightforward yet critical to its performance. It is engineered for 20 gauge shotguns and specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system. The choke type is Cylinder Modified, which offers a constriction slightly tighter than a standard cylinder bore but more open than a full choke, making it a versatile option.
The material is stainless steel, a standard for premium choke tubes, offering robust durability and resistance to fouling and corrosion. Its black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is aesthetically pleasing and can be beneficial in certain hunting situations. The gun make compatibility is explicitly Benelli, ensuring a proper fit and function for owners of these firearms.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl excels at delivering consistent and dense patterns. My testing showed a marked improvement in pattern uniformity compared to my previous choke, particularly with #3 buckshot and larger steel shot loads. At 40 yards, the pattern remained cohesive enough for ethical shots on ducks, a distance where many standard chokes begin to show significant stringing.
Its main strength lies in its ability to improve shot dispersal without over-constricting the pattern, which can lead to blown patterns at closer ranges. The “Cylinder Modified” designation is accurate; it performs admirably across a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios. While it might not offer the extreme range of a dedicated turkey choke or the wide pattern of a pure cylinder, its versatility is its greatest asset. I haven’t experienced any issues with it impeding the smooth cycling of my Benelli, which speaks to its precise manufacturing.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this choke tube is straightforward and functional, focusing on delivering results rather than ornate aesthetics. The stainless steel build feels substantial and well-machined, with clean threading that ensures it screws in and out of the barrel smoothly without binding. The black finish is a nice touch, offering a subtle contrast to blued barrels and minimizing glare.
Ergonomically, it’s designed to be installed and removed with a choke tube wrench, though I found it easy enough to thread by hand during initial installation and removal for cleaning. There are no external grips or enhanced features for hand-tightening, which is typical for this type of component. The internal design is where its performance is truly felt, aiming for optimized shot column passage.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, the stainless steel construction of this choke tube suggests excellent long-term durability. After repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions, there are no discernible signs of stress, pitting, or erosion. It has maintained its original tight tolerances.
Maintenance is minimal and consists of routine cleaning to prevent carbon buildup, which is standard for all choke tubes. A quick flush with a choke brush and bore solvent, followed by a light oiling, keeps it in prime condition. The Kicks Industries reputation for quality materials suggests this choke should remain a reliable performer for many seasons to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl comes as a standalone component and does not typically include accessories in the way a firearm or a sighting system might. Its primary “customization” is its inherent design as a Cylinder Modified choke, offering a specific constriction profile. It is designed to fit Benelli Crio Plus compatible shotguns, making it a direct replacement rather than a universally adaptable part.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl
Pros
- Enhanced Pattern Density: Consistently delivers tighter and more uniform shot patterns at various ranges.
- Versatile Performance: The Cylinder Modified constriction is excellent for a wide array of shooting situations, from bird hunting to clays.
- Durable Construction: Made from stainless steel, it offers excellent longevity and resistance to corrosion.
- Precise Fit: Designed specifically for the Benelli Crio Plus system, ensuring reliable compatibility.
- Improved Downrange Effectiveness: More pellets on target mean cleaner harvests and better clay-breaking performance.
Cons
- Limited to Specific Shotguns: Only compatible with shotguns utilizing the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system.
- Price Point: While offering premium performance, it is priced at the mid-to-high range for aftermarket chokes.
- No Enhanced Gripping Features: Lacks external knurling or features for hand-tightening, requiring a wrench for removal and installation.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl?
This choke is an excellent choice for any 20 gauge Benelli shotgun owner who uses the Crio Plus system and is looking to improve their shotgun’s patterning performance. It’s particularly well-suited for wing shooters, such as waterfowl or upland bird hunters, who need a reliable and versatile choke that can handle varying distances. Clay target shooters looking for tighter patterns and improved consistency will also find significant benefit from this model.
Those who should steer clear are owners of Benelli shotguns with different choke systems (like standard Benelli or other manufacturer’s systems) or shooters who require highly specialized constrictions like extra-full or pure cylinder for very niche applications. If you’re looking for an inexpensive upgrade, there might be more budget-friendly options, but they may not offer the same level of pattern enhancement. For maximizing the potential of a Benelli shotgun, especially for hunting scenarios where every shot counts, this specific choke tube is a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Benelli Crio Plus Mod Cyl lives up to its promise of delivering enhanced pattern performance. Its stainless steel construction and Cylinder Modified constriction provide a robust and versatile option for Benelli owners seeking improved accuracy and effectiveness in the field or on the range. While its price point reflects its premium quality and specialized fit for the Benelli Crio Plus system, the tangible benefits in pattern density and consistency justify the investment for serious shooters. I would confidently recommend this choke to anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their Benelli 20 gauge, especially if they value reliable performance and a denser, more effective shot pattern.