What KICK-EEZ does

KICK-EEZ is a privately held, family-owned US manufacturer and specialty retailer of recoil pads for shotguns and rifles, founded in 1985 by Willard Latimer and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. The company's core product is built on Sorbothane, a proprietary viscoelastic polymer that absorbs up to 94.7% of shock energy and is independently tested to deliver roughly twice the recoil reduction of competing rubber, foam, or gel pads. KICK-EEZ is the only recoil pad manufacturer using this material, and sells three pad formats — Grind-to-Fit (customizable, multiple series for Sporting Clays, Trap, Magnum, etc.), Pre-Fit (model-specific), and Slip-On (over existing pads) — at unit prices from approximately $15 to $53 for pads and up to $500 for complete stock systems.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through kickeezproducts.com (BigCommerce) with free shipping on US orders over $55, supplemented by a formal dealer/reseller program for gun shops and sporting goods retailers that includes co-branded marketing assets. Revenue streams extend beyond core pads into shooting accessories (spacers, cheek pads, Jones Adjusters, $10-$90), apparel and gear ($2-$42), and distributed third-party brands including Chisel Machining stocks ($350-$500), Pilla performance eyewear (3-Lens Kits at $949), Vang Comp Systems tactical shotgun parts, Graco Corporation adjustable hardware, Rhino Chokes, Armageddon Gear, and BCM/Magpul-compatible products. The catalog has effectively evolved into a niche shooting-sports marketplace with Sorbothane pads as the anchor product.

KICK-EEZ serves four primary customer segments — competitive shooters (trap, skeet, sporting clays, 3-gun), hunters, military and law enforcement, and recreational shooters — through a mix of DTC, resellers, and content marketing including a YouTube channel (3.2K subscribers, 1.2M views) and athlete testimonials (Olympic and World Championship competitors). The company is bootstrapped with no disclosed institutional funding and remains under family ownership.

Name

KICK-EEZ

Legal name

KICKEEZ Audio Visual LLC

Website

https://kickeezproducts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

KICK-EEZ manufactures and distributes Sorbothane-based recoil pads for shotguns and rifles through DTC e-commerce and a dealer/reseller network. Founded in 1985 in Lexington, Kentucky, the privately held family business serves competitive shooters, hunters, and military/law enforcement buyers, and distributes complementary shooting-sports brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lexington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Recoil Pads: Core revenue stream from shotgun and rifle recoil pads made of Sorbothane. Products include Grind-to-Fit, Pre-Fit, and Slip-On categories in various series (Sporting Clays, Trap, Magnum, etc.). Prices range from $50-$53 for standard pads to $500+ for complete stock systems.
2. Shooting Accessories: Spacers (pitch spacers, aluminum spacers), cheek pads, palm swells, Jones Adjusters, recoil treatment products, and grinding jigs. Prices range from $10-$90.
3. Third-Party Brand Products: Resells products from partner brands including Chisel Machining stocks, Graco Corporation accessories, Vang Comp Systems parts, Rhino choke tubes, and Pilla shooting glasses. Commissions on these products contribute to overall revenue.
4. Apparel & Gear: Branded shooting apparel including hats, hoodies, t-shirts, gun socks, TEKMATs, patches, koozies, and gun towels. Prices range from $2-$42.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KICK-EEZ designs, manufactures, and sells shotgun and rifle recoil pads made from Sorbothane, a proprietary viscoelastic polymer proven to absorb up to 94.7% of shock energy. The product line includes Grind-to-Fit customizable pads, Pre-Fit model-specific pads, and Slip-On pads, alongside shooting accessories, branded apparel, and curated third-party brands such as Chisel Machining stocks, Graco hardware, Pilla eyewear, Rhino chokes, Vang Comp Systems parts, Jones Adjusters, and Armageddon Gear. All KICK-EEZ recoil pads are 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA.

Product overview

KICK-EEZ is a manufacturer and retailer of shotgun and rifle recoil pads and shooting accessories. The core product line consists of three types of Sorbothane-based recoil pads: Grind to Fit (customizable, grind-to-spec), Pre-fit (pre-sized for specific firearm models), and Slip-On (over-existing pad installation). The product portfolio extends to shooting accessories (spacers, cheek pads, palm swells, Jones Adjusters), Chisel Machining stocks, and resale partnerships with Armageddon Gear, Graco Corporation, Jones Adjuster, Pilla (shooting glasses), Rhino Chokes, and Vang Comp Systems. The company also offers shooting apparel and gear. All KICK-EEZ recoil pads use proprietary Sorbothane material.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Grind-to-Fit Recoil Pads Customizable Sorbothane recoil pads designed to be ground down for a perfect fit on any gun stock. Available in multiple series including Sporting Clay, Trap, Modified Trap, Magnum, Rocker, Special Slotted, Junior, and Dual Action, with thicknesses from 1/2 inch to 1-3/8 inches. Priced at $50–$53 per pad.
• Pre-Fit Recoil Pads Pre-sized Sorbothane recoil pads designed to fit specific shotgun and rifle models directly without grinding. Available in models KZ-101 through KZ-115+, mostly 1-1/8 inch thick with select 15/16 inch variants (KZ-115, KZ-119).
• Slip-On Recoil Pads Slip-over recoil pads designed for all shooting applications that fit over existing stock pads without removal, utilizing Sorbothane inserts for shock absorption. Inserts start at $15; full slip-on boot with 1/2 inch Sorbothane insert adds 5/8 inch to length of pull.
• Shooting Accessories Precision-engineered shooting accessories including recoil pad spacers (plastic and aluminum), pitch spacers ($15–$17), aluminum PRS spacers ($19.95–$24.95), Cheek-EEZ cheek pads ($19–$26), palm swells, and grinding jigs. Designed for fine-tuning firearm fit.
• KICK-EEZ Apparel & Gear Branded shooting apparel including hats ($19.95), hoodies, t-shirts ($14.95), gun socks ($10), TEKMATs, patches ($7.50), koozies ($4.99), gun towels ($22.95), and 2-pack coasters ($2).
• Chisel Machining Stocks Chisel Machining shotgun and rifle stocks for Beretta A300/1301, Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Henry, and Marlin firearms with aluminum construction. Stocks priced $350–$500; handguards $209–$440. KICK-EEZ also offers KZ-TAC2-6 recoil pads specifically designed for Chisel stocks.
• Graco Corporation Products Graco Corporation lifetime-guaranteed recoil reducers and adjustable stock hardware since 1986. Includes adjustable comb hardware ($99–$140), adjustable butt plates ($95), Gracoil EZ Model ($351.55), and grinding jig ($78.69) for trap, skeet, sporting clays, and hunting applications.
• Jones Adjusters Stock position adjusters for customizable rifle fit. Includes Original Jones Adjuster ($75.99), EZ Fit Jones Adjuster ($80.99), Thru-The-Pad Adjuster ($89.99), and model-specific variants for Browning Inflex 2, WOOX, Magpul SGA, and Beretta A300/A400.
• Pilla Shooting Glasses Pilla Performance Eyewear offered as an official Pilla dealer. Includes Outlaw series frames and lenses. A 3-Lens Kit deal (3 lenses, 1 frame, 1 case) is offered at $949 with free shipping.
• Rhino Choke Tubes Rhino x KICK-EEZ Elite Choke Tubes with advanced porting technology for superior pattern consistency and reduced recoil in trap, sporting clays, and turkey hunting. Includes Sporting Clays Choke Set ($300), Turkey chokes ($115), Light Invector Plus sets, and Trap Light sets.
• Vang Comp Systems Parts Vang Comp Systems tactical shotgun parts featuring patented precision compensation ports and barrel modifications for tighter shot patterns, reduced muzzle flash, and improved recoil control. Includes safety switches ($20), shell carriers ($30), magazine followers ($25), and rear sights with mounts ($125–$220).
• Armageddon Gear Armageddon Gear rugged shooting accessories including waxed canvas shotgun/rifle cases, shotshell dump pouches, and belt pouches. American-made products built for shooters demanding durable, dependable gear.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94.7% shock energy absorption compared to rubber, foam, or gel materials
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vang Comp SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1990KICK-EEZ partnered with Vang Comp Systems in 1990 to bring their premium shotgun upgrades directly to customers. Vang Comp innovates tactical shotgun parts with patented precision compensation ports and barrel modifications for tighter shot patterns and reduced muzzle flash, trusted by law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters worldwide.
• PillacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKICK-EEZ is an official Pilla dealer, offering Pilla lenses and frames including their popular Outlaw series. Company offers a 3-Lens Kit deal for $949 with free shipping on all Pilla products.
• Chisel MachiningcoreTechnology or IntegrationKICK-EEZ distributes Chisel Machining stocks and accessories including shotgun and rifle stocks for Beretta A300/1301, Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Henry, and Marlin. Also offers Chisel handguards and KZ-TAC2-6 recoil pads specifically designed for Chisel stocks.
• Armageddon GearminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKICK-EEZ offers co-branded Armageddon Gear products including waxed canvas shotgun/rifle cases, shotshell dump pouches, and belt pouches. Built for shooters who demand American-made, rugged, and dependable gear.
• Rhino ChokesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRhino x KICK-EEZ exclusive Elite Choke Tubes featuring advanced porting technology for superior pattern consistency and reduced recoil in trap, sporting clays, and more. Products include Sporting Clays Choke Sets, Light Invector Plus sets, Trap Light sets, and Turkey chokes.
• MagpulcoreTechnology or IntegrationKICK-EEZ offers multiple recoil pads designed for Magpul stocks including SGA/Hunter Stock pads, Carbine Stock pads, and PRS/PRO Stock pads. Special editions include Sentinel Concepts Edition and Fighting Edition variants.
• JonescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJones Adjusters enhance shooter comfort and control by allowing highly customizable stock position. KICK-EEZ distributes Original Jones Adjuster, EZ Fit Jones Adjuster, Thru-The-Pad Adjuster, and model-specific adjusters for Browning Inflex 2, WOOX, Magpul SGA, and Beretta A300/A400.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Limbsaver: Limbsaver produces shock-absorbing recoil pads and firearm vibration-dampening accessories using proprietary NAVCOM vibration-dampening material. It is the closest direct competitor to KICK-EEZ in both product category (recoil pads) and material-science-driven differentiation.
• Jones Adjuster: Jones Adjuster manufactures adjustable stock-position hardware for rifles and shotguns, distributed through KICK-EEZ. It competes for the same shooter-customization use case (stock fit, length of pull, comb height).
• Hogue: Hogue manufactures recoil pads, grips, stocks, and accessories for firearms using rubber and polymer materials. It competes with KICK-EEZ in the recoil-pad category and serves overlapping customer segments in hunting and sport shooting.
• Pachmayr: Pachmayr is a long-established manufacturer of recoil pads, grips, and shooting accessories for shotguns and handguns. It is a direct competitor to KICK-EEZ in the recoil-pad category, serving the same hunters and competitive shooters with similar price-point products.
• Graco Corporation (Recoil Products): Graco Corporation makes adjustable shotgun combs, recoil reducers, and stock hardware. KICK-EEZ is a distributor of Graco products and they directly overlap in the shotgun-stock-fit category with adjustable hardware.

Broad incumbents

• Brownells: Brownells is a major firearms parts, accessories, and gunsmithing retailer. It is both a potential distribution partner for KICK-EEZ and a competitor for shooter wallet share across accessories and recoil-management products.
• Caldwell (Battenfeld Technologies): Caldwell produces shooting rests, bags, chronographs, and recoil-reducing accessories. It overlaps with KICK-EEZ at the shooting-accessory/e-commerce level and competes for the same DTC competitive shooter.
• Magpul: Magpul is a major firearms accessories manufacturer (stocks, grips, sights, magazines). KICK-EEZ makes stock-compatible recoil pads for Magpul products (SGA, PRS/PRO), positioning them as complementary accessories. Magpul is far larger and broader in scope but competes for the same end-customer wallet.

Emerging players

• Vang Comp Systems: Vang Comp makes tactical shotgun upgrades (compensation ports, barrel mods) and is a long-standing KICK-EEZ partner since 1990. It serves the same tactical/competitive shotgun market with complementary (not direct) products.
• Chisel Machining: Chisel Machining produces aluminum shotgun and rifle chassis/stocks. Distributed through KICK-EEZ, it competes in the aftermarket shotgun-stock category that KICK-EEZ's recoil pads complement.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCDd9KtUnh3YtSDDAk6EY0_g
• Xx.com/KICK_EEZ
• Facebookfacebook.com/KICKEEZ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kick-eez

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KICK-EEZ