Thats weird, I never had a kick problem with my 835 ulti-mag, even with using the 3.5 magnum shots. I am not saying anything bad, but did you compare the same kick with other guns of the same make maybe? Other than that, even doing a 100 clays at the range or just target shooting has never resulted in a sore shoulder, even with the manufacturers pad. I am glad that you invested in a product that works and reduces pain Killmeatm, but I wanted to let others know, even the ones wanting to buy a Mossberg 835 U/M, is that you don't need a different recoil pad other than the one provided by Mossberg, unless the 12 gauge shotgun is not for you. It would be compared to the same as a Remington or the like in the same round of about model.... good luck killmeatm, but my stock pad is fine with me.