Favorite Recoil Pad, Limbsaver, Kick-eez, Pachmayr?

[Tyrok]

Hey everybody! I've recently got into shotguns with the purchase of a Benelli M4 (the version with a collapsable stock, that was a pain to change ). Been having a lot of fun setting it up and learning all the ins and out of loading, switching slugs, all that fun stuff.

I'm also practicing the Haught's push-pull technique on the range. But it would be nice to have something to take the edge of off recoil when I'm zeroing slugs from a bench or shooting prone, or just when I don't push-pull well enough with a slug.

So my question is, what is everyone's favorite recoil pad for a shotgun? The premier brands seem to be Limbsaver, Kick-eez, and Pachmayr. What has the best Longevity? What has the best recoil reduction? Is there some other aspect I'm missing?

Thanks everyone for the help!

[fatdog]

I have been a Pachmyr decelerator fan for a about 20 years, none of mine have crumbled and it does provide a lot of help over the standard pads on every shotgun ever sold to me...so one data point. I had my M1S90 Benelli's stocks cut down for 13" LOP, built up new screw anchor points out of marine epoxy, and installed, and then contoured/ground down the Pachmyr decelerators...they were great for that application.

[Bigghoss]

I have only ever tried Limbsaver. I bought a Mesa Tactical Urbino stock for my 11-87 with the Limbsaver option and it helped a lot.

[Erick Gelhaus]

I've happily used Pachmayr for years; the ones on the Magpul stocks have been solid too; and I'm really happy with the Kick-Eez that came on the Chisel Machining stock I've got.

So, yes.

[Pnut]

I only have experience with the LimbSaver and I’m happy with them. I have them on a 1301 and a Benelli M1. I chose them because they have drop in sizes (1301) and grind to fit sizes which I used on the M1 after shortening the stock.

[Learner]

I have used a few Limbsavers, and they do work well, but after a while (10+ years) they have started degrading into a sticky goo. No experience with the others.

[dmiculek]

I have used a few Limbsavers, and they do work well, but after a while (10+ years) they have started degrading into a sticky goo. No experience with the others.

Same experience, just recently replaced them with Kick-EEZ.

[Tyrok]

Same experience, just recently replaced them with Kick-EEZ.

That is very interesting to me. This isn't the first time that I've heard of Limb Saver having a 10-year lifespan. I wonder if Kick-EEZ will be the same? Or will it last longer.

[Tyrok]

Wow, so much great information! You guys are the best!

Please don't hold back if anyone thinks of anything else, and a massive thank you to all who have posted so far.

[Pnut]

Hmmm… now you guys have me worried about my LimbSavers. I wonder if occasional applications of a rubber conditioner like 303 would resolve the problem.

But back on topic… for you guys that have tried the various brands, which one actually absorbs recoil better?