Limbsaver vs. Decelerator vs. XCoil

mjhdo1 · Mar 8, 2006

Been thinking about replacing the stock "recoil transmitter" (a/k/a "recoil pad") on the end of my stock. Have heard and experienced great things from Limbsavers. Have also had good experiences with Pachmayer Decelerators. Was looking at a new HiViz XCoil pad's packaging, and they are claiming a 30% greater recoil reduction over the next closest competitor. If I remember right, they were claiming in their test the following loads were transmitted (same force applied):

Limbsaver - 90 psi
Decelerator - 60 psi
XCoil - 40 psi

Anyone have any real experiences comparing these different pads? What are your opinions. Note: primary use will be hunting, with clay targets a close second, but no competition, except for fun or charity. Clay targets will be shot low gun, so I do tend to prefer a sporting-style pad. Advice on fitment to gun issues also greatly appreciated. MARK

winders · Mar 8, 2006

mjhdo1,

The most effective recoil pad I have ever used is the Gooey pad. The only problem I have with it is that it is so soft you have to replace every year or so if you shoot a lot. Here is the URL:

http://trapdude.com/

The next best recoil pad is the Kick-Eez pad. This is by far and away the most popular pad available. Just about every vendor that installs pads stocks the Kick-Eez pad. I have one on my K-80.

http://www.kickeez.net/comparison.htm

Scott

TexasTon · Mar 8, 2006

A quote from the Kickeez site:

Based on their test data, technicians at the testing laboratory state categorically that the KICK EEZ pad not only gives more protection from recoil shock, but also stops bouncing much sooner. This allows quicker recovery of the vital cheek-comb alignment, which gives shooters faster and more accurate second shots.

The technicians also stated that there is no equipment in existence today, nor any objective way to measure "felt recoil", as it is strictly a personal opinion and a subjective assessment, which will differ with every shooter.

I guess that means each pad manufacturer can claim whatever their heart desires and not be held accountable :roll: :roll:

I suppose this is the graph from Hi Viz:

So for around $40, I guess a guy would be a fool not to diminish as much recoil as they state. :roll:

I suppose a subjective exercise, only thing I can say for sure in my subjective experience, is any of the later Sorbothane pads are noticably better than a factory pad------the exception being Remington in which with some models, a Limbsaver comes on them.

On my Comp gun, I have Decelerator/Limbsaver/and Kickeez pads fitted to it---two screws and I can compare at will. The limbsaver is on it now, has been for a year and will likely be replaced by a Limbsaver and wouldn't cost a cent to put the others on. Must be in my subjective head :roll: :wink:

W.R. HambidgeM.D. · Mar 8, 2006

Over the past several years I have done numerous recoil reduction jobs for customers who have had cardiac surgery and hence are very recoil sensitive. Many of them are duck hunters, so weight is not a vital issue. I've used most of the 4th generation (soft/gooey pads). They all work to a more or lesser degree and all go "flat" in 18-24 months unless the gun is stored muzzel down. I've used mercury tubes and Edward's spring recoil reducer also in combination with recoil pads. I even went so far as to set up two idendtical gas operated semi-auto 3.5" 12 gauges to use as "test beds". To sum it up, customers choose the gun with the two(2) Edward's spring and the Hi-Viz pad over the one with two(2) mercury tubes and the Decelerator pad. Personally I like working with the Decelerator sporting Clay pad and suggest it for anyone doing snap shooting. Of interest is the new Remington Semi-auto with the oil dampening mechanism unveiled at the Shot Show. Best, Dr. BILL

Leo M' Glass · Mar 8, 2006

I've got Limbsavers on two of my shotguns both NEF Pardener Single shots,and a Hiviz on my Stoeger Uplander. I can't tell a difference as far as which is better. They both are nothing short of miracles at reducung felt recoil.

Ga. Skeet · Mar 8, 2006

I went from kick-ezz on my 2 K-80's to Limbsavers at the World last year and you could really tell the difference in felt recoil. The same gunsmith talked me into a Hi-viz on a new SO at the Seminole cup 2 weeks ago and if anything I think it is a little softer than the limbsaver.

thomasartbutler · Mar 8, 2006

I've had pachmyers, limbsavers, and a kickeez. All were most effective at reducing recoil. Of the three, I actually like the pachmyer best, it looks classy on the gun, matches wood and blue well. But all three work, and my Fox Sterlinworth actually is wearing a limbsaver as we speak.

Limbsaver vs. Decelerator vs. XCoil

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