snowdog2 It does kick a little less than my Super Black Eagle. I shot around a dozen 2 1/4 oz loads off the bench during testing patterns one afternoon and can say that there is definately still some harsh recoil, not something that will bother you hunting but not fun at the bench, afterward I slipped in a 1 5/8 oz 2 3/4 load and all I can say is what a difference. My gun has the recoil reducer in the stock and the gel pad which is still quite firm, however the newer Xtrema2 has the available Kickoff system as a $300+ option which they say softens the blow more. I think if I replaced the factory pad on the Benelli with a thick kickeez it would be hard to tell the difference.
BD