If you're trying to decide between the kicks high flyer modified vs full choke tubes, you're likely looking for that perfect balance between a lethal pattern and a forgiving spread. It's a common debate in the duck blind, and honestly, the right answer usually depends on how you hunt and how well you can actually swing your shotgun. These chokes have a massive following for a reason—they flat-out perform—but picking the wrong constriction can lead to a lot of "how did I miss that?" moments.
The Kick's High Flyer series is specifically designed for steel shot, which is a big deal because steel doesn't behave like lead. It's harder, it doesn't compress, and it tends to fly in a tighter "plug" than old-school lead loads. Because of that, choosing between a Modified and a Full isn't just about distance; it's about how that shot string develops the moment it leaves your barrel.
The Case for the Modified High Flyer
For the vast majority of waterfowl hunters, the Modified version of the High Flyer is the "bread and butter" choice. If you're hunting over decoys and most of your shots are happening between 20 and 35 yards, this is probably the one you want.
The beauty of the Modified constriction in the High Flyer line is its versatility. It provides a dense enough pattern to fold a mallard at a decent distance, but it's still open enough that you don't have to be a world-class marksman to hit a bird at 15 yards. When ducks are cupped and committed, they're moving in three dimensions, and having that slightly wider "forgiveness" in your pattern can be the difference between a clean kill and a clean miss.
I've found that the Modified works exceptionally well with #2 and #3 steel. It keeps the pellets from bunching up too much, which can actually cause "holes" in your pattern if the constriction is too tight for the shot size. If you spend most of your time in a layout blind or a flooded timber hole where the birds are right in your face, the Modified is almost always the way to go.
Stepping Up to the Full Choke
Now, let's talk about the Full constriction. This is where things get serious. When comparing the kicks high flyer modified vs full, the Full is designed for the specialist. If you're pass shooting or if you're hunting large, open water where birds tend to hang up at 40 or 45 yards, you need that extra reach.
The Full High Flyer squeezes that steel shot string tight. It's built to deliver a high percentage of pellets into a 30-inch circle at long range. For goose hunters, this is often the go-to. When you're shooting BB or BBB shot at big Canada geese, you want every bit of energy focused on the bird.
However, there is a catch. If you use a Full choke on birds that are landing in the decoys at 20 yards, you're essentially shooting a "slug." Your pattern will be so small that you'll either miss the bird entirely or, if you do hit it, you won't leave much meat for the dinner table. It takes a disciplined shooter to use the Full effectively because your margin for error shrinks significantly.
Why the Porting Matters
One thing you'll notice immediately about the High Flyer series is the porting. Those little holes drilled into the side of the choke aren't just there for looks. Kick's uses a "diagonal porting" design that's intended to do two things: reduce muzzle jump and strip the wad.
When the wad (the plastic cup holding your shot) hits the ported section of the choke, the gases are vented outward and the wad is slowed down just a fraction. This allows the shot string to exit the barrel cleanly without the wad "pushing" into the back of the pellets and causing them to scatter.
In the battle of kicks high flyer modified vs full, the porting works the same way for both, but you'll notice the recoil reduction a bit more on the Full since you're likely shooting heavier, high-velocity "magnum" loads. It makes that second and third shot much easier to get on target because your barrel isn't jumping toward the sky.
Patterning Your Shotgun
I can't stress this enough: you have to pattern your gun. Every shotgun barrel is a little different, and even the same choke might perform differently in a Benelli versus a Remington. When you're comparing the kicks high flyer modified vs full, take some cardboard out to the range.
Draw a circle, step back to 35 yards, and see what happens. You might find that the Modified throws a surprisingly tight pattern with your favorite brand of shells, making the Full unnecessary. Or, you might find that the Full is exactly what you need to fill those gaps in your long-range spread. Don't just take the word of the guy at the gun counter—see the holes on the paper for yourself.
Shot Size and Material
The "High Flyer" is built for steel, but it also handles bismuth and other non-toxic alternatives really well. If you're shooting smaller shot, like #4 steel for early-season teal, the Modified is a dream. If you're moving up to the bigger stuff like T-shot or large BB for geese, the Full can help keep those fewer, larger pellets grouped together so you actually get enough hits on the bird to bring it down.
One thing to keep in mind is that "Full" for steel is often tighter than "Full" for lead. Steel doesn't like to be squeezed. If you go too tight, you can actually "blown" a pattern where the pellets collide and fly off in random directions. Kick's has engineered their Full choke to avoid this, but it's still something to watch for if you're using ultra-fast, high-velocity shells.
Making the Final Choice
So, which one wins? If I had to pick just one to leave in my gun for the entire season, I'd probably lean toward the kicks high flyer modified. It's the "everyman" choke. It handles the close shots, it handles the mid-range stuff, and with the right shells, it can still reach out to 40 yards if you've got a steady hand. It's more forgiving on those mornings when you're a little slow on the draw or the wind is whipping your barrel around.
However, if you know you're going to be pass-shooting snow geese or hunting a big reservoir where the ducks refuse to come closer than 45 yards, the Full is a tool that's hard to beat. It turns your shotgun into a long-range surgical instrument.
Most guys I know eventually end up owning both. They'll keep the Modified in for most of the season and then swap to the Full when the birds get "stale" and won't finish in the decoys, or when the big geese start showing up in late December.
At the end of the day, whether you choose the kicks high flyer modified vs full, you're getting a massive upgrade over the factory chokes that came with your gun. The reduced recoil and more consistent patterns are worth the investment alone. Just remember to aim small, lead 'em a bit more than you think, and let the choke do the heavy lifting. Safe hunting!