Was the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack the Right Choice?
The hunting season was fast approaching, and I’d been wrestling with inconsistent patterns from my Benelli, a shotgun I’ve relied on for years across countless waterfowl hunts. My old chokes, while reliable, just weren’t delivering the tight, consistent patterns I needed for those longer shots, especially on ducks and geese that have become increasingly wary. I needed an upgrade, something that promised improved ballistic performance without sacrificing ease of use. This led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack. This particular kit promised three distinct chokes tailored for different ranges, all crafted from durable materials.
My immediate impression upon unboxing this Carlson’s choke tube set was positive. The heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel construction felt substantial and well-machined, exuding a sense of quality. Unlike some aftermarket chokes that can feel flimsy, these had a reassuring heft. I’d briefly considered a competitor’s ported design, but the allure of a non-ported system for potentially quieter operation and a cleaner aesthetic in my waterfowl applications swayed me. My initial feeling was one of quiet anticipation, a sense that this could be the solution I’d been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field tests took place during a series of pre-season dove hunts, which, while not waterfowl, served as an excellent proving ground for pattern density and consistency at various distances. I fitted the “Close Range” choke first, as dove often present closer shots in their erratic flight. Installation was straightforward; the extended, knurled section made it easy to grip and twist into place by hand, a welcome change from flush-mount chokes that sometimes require tools.
The performance was immediately noticeable. The patterns were tighter and more uniform than I was accustomed to with my older chokes, leading to cleaner kills even on challenging retrieves. I then switched to the “Mid Range” choke for the later flights, and again, the results were impressive, extending my effective range without significant pattern degradation. I experienced no issues with jamming or excessive fouling, even after firing numerous rounds across multiple outings.
Extended Use & Reliability
Months later, and having put hundreds of rounds through these tubes during the peak of waterfowl season, their reliability remains exceptional. The heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel has held up remarkably well against steel shot, Hevi-Shot, and even some bismuth loads. I’ve deliberately left them installed for extended periods, sometimes for weeks between hunts, and they’ve never seized or become difficult to remove, a testament to their design and finish.
Cleaning is a simple affair; a quick brush with a standard choke brush and a wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is usually sufficient. I have, on occasion, dropped one of the chokes on hard-packed earth during a hasty reload, and it emerged without any visible damage or impact on its performance. Compared to some budget-friendly aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, which often show pitting or distortion after a season, these Carlson’s chokes feel built to last a lifetime.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Specifications
This particular set, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack, includes three distinct chokes: Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range. Each choke is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, a material known for its excellent strength and corrosion resistance. The chokes are designed specifically for Benelli Crio and Crio Plus 12 gauge shotguns.
A key specification is the 25% longer parallel section, which Carlson’s states leads to tighter and denser patterns. This extended parallel section also contributes to easier installation and removal, a point I can attest to. The non-ported design, a deliberate choice for waterfowl hunters who may prefer a quieter shooting experience and a cleaner visual profile, also means less gas escaping at the muzzle.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of these chokes is to control shot dispersion, and the Cremator Non-Ported set excels at this. The Close Range choke provides an open pattern ideal for those surprise, close-quarters shots common in duck blinds. The Mid Range choke offers a balanced pattern for general field use, effective on both ducks and geese out to about 40-50 yards.
The Long Range choke is where these tubes truly shine for dedicated waterfowl hunters; it consistently delivers incredibly dense and uniform patterns at extended ranges, often pushing effective distances to 60 yards and beyond with premium loads. My experience with these tubes has consistently shown superior pattern density and uniformity compared to my previous chokes, resulting in more ethical harvests and fewer crippled birds. The only minor critique would be that the “Long Range” can sometimes be a bit tight for smaller bird species at very close distances, but that’s precisely its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these chokes is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The knurled, extended barrel extension not only aids in grip for hand-tightening but also provides a visual cue for quick choke identification. The black, blued finish offers a professional look that complements most shotgun finishes.
Ergonomically, the extended design is a significant advantage. It protrudes slightly from the barrel, making it easy to grasp and manipulate, even with cold or gloved hands. This is a critical consideration in the demanding environment of waterfowl hunting. The smooth, well-machined interior of the choke also aids in effortless shot release.
Durability & Maintenance
Built from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, these chokes are designed for extreme durability. They are rated for use with lead, steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth loads, meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging them with modern ammunition. I’ve subjected them to considerable use with steel shot, which can be notoriously hard on chokes, and they show no signs of peening or erosion.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple, requiring only basic cleaning after use to prevent any potential buildup of carbon or residue. The extended design also makes them easier to clean thoroughly compared to flush-mount chokes. I haven’t encountered any failure points with these chokes, and based on their construction and my experience, they should easily outlast many shotguns.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack comes as a complete kit with the three essential waterfowl chokes. There are no additional accessories included with this specific pack, as the chokes are designed to integrate directly into compatible Benelli shotguns. This means you don’t need any special tools for installation or removal, as they are designed for hand installation.
While the chokes themselves are not customizable in terms of aperture size (beyond the included Close, Mid, and Long configurations), Carlson’s offers a wide array of other choke tubes for different shotgun models and hunting needs. The non-ported design of this particular set is a deliberate choice, and ported versions are available from Carlson’s if recoil reduction is a primary concern for a user.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Pros
- Consistently produces tighter and denser patterns across all three included chokes.
- Heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- The 25% longer parallel section significantly improves ballistic performance and choke removal.
- Extended, knurled design allows for easy hand installation and removal, even with gloves.
- Rated for use with all common waterfowl loads, including steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth.
- Non-ported design offers a quieter shooting experience and a cleaner aesthetic.
Cons
- The Long Range choke might be overly constrictive for smaller game at very close distances.
- As a non-ported design, it doesn’t offer the same recoil reduction as some ported alternatives.
- While compatible with Crio/Crio Plus, verify fitment carefully as Benelli has had various thread patterns over the years.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack?
This choke tube set is an absolute must-have for any serious waterfowl hunter who owns a Benelli shotgun compatible with the Crio or Crio Plus system. If you’re looking to maximize the effectiveness of your shots at traditional duck and goose hunting ranges, and appreciate a consistently well-patterned load, then these are for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer the traditional feel and sound of a non-ported choke.
Anyone needing an ultra-compact choke for small game hunting at extremely close ranges might find the Long Range option a bit too tight, but the Close and Mid Range tubes would still be valuable. Those seeking maximum recoil reduction might want to explore Carlson’s ported options. For a dedicated waterfowl pursuit, however, this pack is hard to beat. I’d also recommend having a good choke tube wrench on hand, though it’s generally not needed for installation or removal, it can be helpful for stubborn situations.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is, without question, a stellar upgrade for any Benelli Crio/Crio Plus owner serious about their waterfowl hunting. The improvement in pattern density and consistency across the three included chokes is substantial, translating directly into more effective shots in the field. The build quality from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel inspires confidence, promising years of reliable service even with the toughest shotshells.
At a price point of $163.49 for a three-choke set, the value proposition is outstanding, offering performance that rivals much more expensive options. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube set to any waterfowl hunter looking to elevate their game and maximize their shotgun’s potential. It’s an investment that pays dividends with every clean retrieve.