The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full Review No One Else Gives You
For years, the pursuit of tighter patterns and more predictable shot delivery from my trusty 20-gauge shotgun has led me down a rabbit hole of aftermarket chokes. My search for a superior alternative to the older styles recently landed me with the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full. This particular model promised a performance leap without the exorbitant price tag often associated with premium choke tubes. My old T-style choke tube, while functional, had always left me wanting more consistency, especially when dealing with longer shots or challenging conditions. Seeing this choke advertised as a direct, cost-effective upgrade caught my attention immediately.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The Kicks Industries brand name is etched cleanly onto the stainless steel body, which sports a matte black finish that feels robust. It has a substantial weight that instills confidence, far from the flimsy feel of some cheaper alternatives I’ve encountered. I had briefly considered a more generic, less expensive option, but the specialized design and claimed performance benefits of the High Flyer ultimately swayed me. My immediate reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation – would this be the choke that finally delivers the consistent results I’ve been chasing?
Real-World Testing: Putting Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full to the Test
My testing grounds for this particular choke tube have primarily been two distinct environments: a well-maintained shooting range and a few challenging outdoor excursions involving varied weather conditions. At the range, I focused on pattern consistency at 25, 35, and 50 yards using various loads of #6 and #7.5 shot. Outdoors, the choke was subjected to light dust, the occasional damp morning, and extended periods of being loaded and unloaded, simulating typical field use.
The ease of installation was a welcome surprise; it threaded into my Winchester-compatible barrel smoothly with no signs of binding or cross-threading. The initial shooting sessions revealed a noticeable tightening of patterns, particularly at the 50-yard mark, which is often where choke performance truly shines or falters. I experienced no misfires or feeding issues directly attributable to the choke, which is a baseline expectation but still worth noting. One minor quirk I noticed on the first few shots was a slightly different report, perhaps due to the ported design, but this quickly became unnoticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full has proven itself to be a remarkably reliable performer. It has consistently delivered tighter patterns than my previous choke, which translates directly to more confidence in the field. I haven’t encountered any issues with it loosening during firing, which the manufacturer specifically addresses with its retention mechanism.
Durability has been excellent. Despite being removed and reinstalled a few times for cleaning, and enduring various environmental exposures, there are no discernible scratches, cracks, or signs of corrosion on the stainless steel body. The matte black finish has held up exceptionally well, showing only minor scuffs in areas that would be completely hidden once installed. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick clean with a bore snake and a light application of a firearm lubricant keeps it in pristine condition. Compared to some other chokes I’ve used that required meticulous care to avoid degradation, this one is refreshingly low-maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full
Specifications
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full is constructed from high-grade stainless steel, finished in a durable matte black. It is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns and utilizes the widely adopted Winchester Choke Tube System. As indicated by its name, this is a Full choke, designed to constrict the shotgun bore to achieve maximum pattern density at longer ranges.
A standout feature is its ported design, intended to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. This is achieved through a unique internal machining process that creates a smaller, higher ejection port within the barrel. The choke also incorporates a nut with a small knurled end cap to ensure a secure fit and prevent unwanted shifting or loosening during firing. This innovative approach aims to provide the benefits of a ported choke without the excessive noise or gas blowback often associated with less refined designs. The stainless steel construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance and longevity, crucial for a component exposed to the rigors of shooting and the elements.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function – delivering shot – the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full performs admirably. The Full constriction consistently produces denser patterns than I previously achieved with my old choke, especially noticeable when shooting at targets beyond 30 yards. This choke excels at holding a tight pattern, which is essential for precise shots at game birds or clay targets.
The ported design genuinely seems to mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise, making follow-up shots quicker and more controlled. This is particularly beneficial when using heavier loads or when engaging multiple targets in rapid succession. While it performs its core duty exceptionally well, it’s important to remember that a Full choke is a specialized constriction. Its tight pattern is not ideal for close-range shooting, where it can lead to over-penetration or excessively dense patterns that might damage smaller game.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this choke tube is both functional and robust. The stainless steel body feels exceptionally solid, and the matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface that blends well with most shotgun barrels. The knurled end cap nut is a thoughtful addition, offering a secure grip for installation and removal, even with slightly damp or gloved hands.
Ergonomically, once installed, it’s simply part of the barrel. The attention to detail is evident in the clean machining and the precise fit within the receiver. There is no learning curve associated with its installation or use; it functions as expected once properly threaded. The slightly reduced ejection port, a key design element, contributes to its unique performance characteristics without creating any ergonomic drawbacks for the shooter.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is a strong suit for the Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full. The stainless steel construction is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring it will hold up to years of use in diverse conditions. I’ve subjected it to standard cleaning protocols—brushing, patching, and light oiling—and it has responded exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear or degradation.
Potential failure points for chokes often involve the threads or the choke itself cracking under extreme stress. Based on my experience and the materials used, this model appears to be built to withstand significant pressure. Its relatively simple design, with the exception of the internal porting, means there are fewer complex parts that could fail. Consistent cleaning after each outing is the best way to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full is a single component, so it does not come with a suite of accessories. It is designed to be a direct replacement or upgrade for an existing choke tube. However, the key “accessory” it interacts with is the specific shotgun barrel it is fitted into. Its compatibility with the Winchester Choke Tube System is a significant advantage, meaning it can be used with a wide range of shotguns that accept this popular standard.
While there are no “customization options” for the choke itself, its performance can be tailored by the ammunition selected. Pairing it with heavier loads or specialized shot types can further enhance the desired pattern characteristics. Owners might consider purchasing a dedicated choke tube brush or a small torque wrench for consistent installation, though these are not specific to this model but good general firearm maintenance tools.
Pros and Cons of Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns compared to standard or older-style chokes, especially at longer ranges.
- Noticeable reduction in felt recoil and muzzle jump due to the ported design, leading to improved shot-to-shot control.
- Robust construction from high-grade stainless steel ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- The nut with a knurled end cap provides a secure fit, preventing loosening during firing.
- A cost-effective upgrade that offers performance comparable to much more expensive options.
Cons
- As a Full choke, it is not ideal for close-range shooting; pattern density can be excessive at very short distances.
- The ported design, while beneficial, can sometimes produce a slightly different sound signature than a non-ported choke, which might be a minor consideration for some.
- Requires a shotgun compatible with the Winchester Choke Tube System; it is not a universal fit.
Who Should Buy Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full?
This choke is an excellent choice for any 20-gauge shotgun owner who utilizes the Winchester Choke Tube System and is looking to improve their pattern performance, particularly for medium to longer-range shooting. It’s ideal for hunters who pursue upland birds, waterfowl, or small game where consistent, dense patterns are crucial for clean shots. Skeet and sporting clays shooters who want to enhance their accuracy and follow-up shot speed will also find significant benefit.
However, shooters primarily focused on very close-range shooting, such as turkey hunting at 20 yards or close-quarters tactical applications (though this is a sporting choke), might find a Full constriction too restrictive. Those with shotguns not using the Winchester system will, of course, need to look elsewhere. A good quality bore brush and a small bottle of firearm lubricant are highly recommended for regular maintenance to ensure this excellent choke continues to perform optimally.
Conclusion on Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full
The Kicks Industries Kicks High Flyer Choke 20ga Win Choke Full has cemented its place as a valuable addition to my shotgun setup. It delivers on its promise of enhanced performance, providing tighter patterns and more manageable recoil thanks to its intelligently designed ported system. The build quality is superb, and the secure locking mechanism is a practical feature that addresses a common concern with aftermarket chokes.
Considering its price point of $69.57, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. It bridges the gap between generic, inexpensive chokes and high-end, often prohibitively expensive models, offering a compelling blend of performance, durability, and thoughtful design. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any shooter with a compatible 20-gauge shotgun who is seeking a tangible upgrade in their patterning capabilities and shooting experience. If you’re looking to wring more consistency and effectiveness out of your 20-gauge, this is a very smart investment.