If you want an affordable, versatile waterfowl choke tube – that can deliver tight patterns at longer ranges – look for a ported choke tube that costs around $80. It will work well with most shotguns while hunting over decoys or for passing shots. (The Patternmaster Code Black has been our favorite for this style for many years). But if you’re looking for something different, we’ve also rounded up the best of the rest – from non-ported to ported and even budget chokes – compatible with most shotguns.
Are your factory choke tubes just not cutting it? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide we’ll take a look at the best waterfowl choke tubes to use next year in 2024 that provide extra downrange energy, tighter patterns, and better pellet distribution at longer ranges. We’ve talked to the experts about what they think, and these are the chokes that came up the most.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that developing great shotgun patterns is a delicate balancing act between the shotgun, choke, and ammo being used. If even one of these is off, your pattern could suffer. Patterning your shotgun and testing it with different choke and ammo combinations is the key to finding what choke works best at the distance you will be hunting.
Our Top Picks
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Patternmaster Code Black Duck 12... |
$85.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
| CARLSON'S Choke Tubes 12 Gauge... |
$60.99
$54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
| Kicks High Flyer 12ga Shotgun Choke... | $51.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
| Jebs Duck Choke 12 Ga Crio .685... |
$89.99
$81.50 | Buy on Amazon |
These are some of the best all-around choke tubes for duck hunting that you should consider that can take a lot of the guess work out of finding a great patterning setup for your shotgun. They can provide exceptional results beyond conventional factory choke tubes.
1) Patternmaster Code Black
The TOP PICK is the Patternmaster Code Black. It’s the most popular and widely used choke for duck and goose hunting that all the experts we asked either praised or had seen some impressive things from those they’ve hunted with that use it.
The Patternmaster Code Black is designed with internal rings that halt the wad as it exits the barrel. This creates a controlled separation with the shot column which reduces negative effects that the wad can have when separation occurs outside the barrel. In turn, the amount of flyer pellets is reduced (more pellets reach the target) and the shot string is shorter (more pellets reach the target at once).
The Code Black choke tube is capable of keeping patterns together at up to 60 yards. It comes in both a Code Black Duck and Goose model (for 3.5 inch shells) depending on which you hunt the most.
Patternmaster Code Black
Current Prices
$89.99
Features:
- Constructed out of carpenter custom 630 17-4ph stainless steel
- Durable non-reflective bronze titanium coating
- Provides dense patterns and shorter shot strings out to 60 yards
- Works with steel, hevi-shot, and other non-toxic shot
- Optimum results are with loads less than 1550fps
- Durable
- 60 yard range
- Wad control
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Expensive
2) Carlson’s Cremator
The BUDGET PICK is the Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube. The experts we talked to said for your money, you can’t find a more affordable choke that patterns as good. It features Triple Shot Technology (TST) which is a series of rings inside the choke that help constrict the wad and shot column gradually to produce better patterns.
The internal rings also help reduce flyer pellets and shot deformation resulting in a more even pattern distribution. This ported extended choke has a 25% greater parallel section which helps create tighter patterns and increases pellet density on target.
The Carlson’s Cremator Waterfowl Choke is made out of premium steel and coated for durability in harsh weather conditions. The outer portions are coated in non-reflective black to reduce glare that could flare ducks on sunny days.
Carlson’s Cremator Choke
Current Prices
$46.98
Features:
- Triple Shot Technology gradually constricts the wad and shot column for improved patterns
- Available in Close Range (.717), Mid-Range (.707), and Long Range (.697)
- 25% greater parallel section improves pattern density
- Grooved for easy installation and removal
- Gradual shot compression
- 50 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Fewer ports
- No wad control
4) Kicks High Flyer
A lot of work went into developing Kicks High Flyer chokes to work with most ammo types and the results are nothing short of amazing. The gas vents are diagonally cut to channel pressure outwards, helping to reduce recoil through an enhanced braking system.
The experts we talked to use this choke all season long and some never take it out of their gun. Field tests show it can deliver dense patterns at extended ranges, especially with Boss shells and other tungsten loads.
The Kicks High Flyer is available in both modified and full choke, with the modified being your decoying choice and the full being your long range goose choke.
Kicks High Flyer Choke
Current Prices
$59.99
Features:
- Available for all popular shotgun brands and gauges
- Modified choke is best for decoying birds inside 40 yards, and the full choke is for shots beyond 50 yards
- Easy to install or remove quickly with handy grip pattern and extended portion
- Designed specifically for lead and steel ammo so you dont have to switch chokes
- Lead and steel compatible
- 60 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Check fitment
3) JEBS High Voltage
JEBS High Voltage choke tubes are another extended ported option to consider when looking for a new duck hunting choke tube. It features 2 restrictions and 2 stabilizing parallels distributed down the length of the tube that other chokes don’t have. This puts drag on the wad in the first series, then as the shot is starting to free the wad cup, it’s stabilized before it leaves the barrel.
The High Voltage Choke Tube is available for almost every gauge and brand of shotgun, including Browning, Beretta, Benelli, Winchester, and Mossberg. You can find these chokes in 20 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge offerings.
The JEBS High Voltage choke can handle all types of shot including steel, lead, copper plated lead, Hevi-shot, and Bismuth. The angled ports can offer up to a 20% increase in pattern density at longer ranges.
JEBS High Voltage Choke
Current Price: $81.50
Features:
- Constructed out of high performance 17-4 PH grade stainless steel
- Angled ports for reduced recoil and muzzle jump
- Up to 20% increase in pattern density at long ranges
- Available for almost every shotgun gauge and choke system
- Black oxide coating for extra corrosion resistance
- Extends over 1 inch past the barrel for easy installation and removal
- Durable
- 60 yard range
- Versatile shot compatibility
- Louder than conventional chokes
- Expensive
5) Cabelas Northern Flight
The Northern Flight Waterfowl Choke Tube was designed by Carlson’s to shoot just about any type of shot. It works well with steel, lead, Hevi-shot, and Bismuth which cuts down on the need to constantly change chokes.
Carlson’s Northern Flight choke tube is an extended ported choke designed to reduce recoil by diverting it away from the shooter. It also offers dense patterns downrange that exceed results compared to conventional choke tubes. The Northern Flight choke is constructed of 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel and coated with black oxide for even more corrosion resistance. It’s only available at Cabelas.
Update: For 2023, the Black Maxx has been rebranded as the Northern Flight Choke.
Northern Flight Waterfowl Choke
Current Price: $49.99
Features:
- Ported grooves provide increased grip for installation and removal in the field
- Optical Ports reduce recoil and muzzle jump allowing for quick follow up shots
- Can be used will all types of shot (steel, lead, hevi-shot, bismuth)
- Easy to read choke constriction printed on the end
- Knurled ring for added grip
- Gradual shot compression
- 50 yard range
- Inexpensive
- Fewer ports
- No wad control
More Chokes to Consider
- Browning Wicked Wing Choke – For Invector DS
- Carlson’s Black Cloud Choke – The Choke for Black Cloud Ammo
- Mojo Fatal Shot Choke – Broad Ammo Compatibility
- Carlson’s Delta Waterfowl Choke – 3 Choke Set for All Ranges
- Muller Waterfowl Choke – Lower Shot-to-Shot Deviation
- Patternmaster Anaconda Choke – Internal Gas System
- Trulock Super Waterfowl Choke – Long Range With Steel
How To Choose the Right Choke Tube
Depending on the way you hunt, there are several aspects of a choke that you want to take into consideration to achieve better results in the field.
If you want a choke tube that can stand up to it all, you should check whether it’s made of high-grade stainless steel – this will dictate how protected it is against the elements. Also consider its coating – painted chokes with black oxide or other protectants not only increase its longevity, but also help reduce glare on sunny days that an unpainted metal choke will not.
If you hunt where long distance shots are frequent, you will want a tighter choke. Full chokes, and even turkey chokes, will be the top choices, as will shooting tungsten based non-toxic ammo. TSS, hevishot, and bismuth work well for long distance shots with tight chokes.
Changing a choke tube can be a pain if it’s stuck, especially when trying to do it in the duck blind without the right tools, but removing one under normal conditions is as simple as unscrewing it from the barrel. An extended choke can make removing a choke easier since it gives you something to grab on to. An extended choke can also protect the end of the barrel if you lean your shotgun on rough surfaces, such as duck blinds and vegetation.
Porting is also a key factor to consider that improves wad stabilization and controlled separation of the shot column. The best ported chokes produce shorter shot strings and help with reducing flyer pellets, a problem that plagues many setups.
What To Expect
The best waterfowl choke tubes can provide more uniform patterns at longer ranges than standard choke tubes. This means shorter shot strings and better wad separation over flush factory chokes. This translates to more pellets in a 30-inch circle at 40 yards and less gaps that waterfowl can escape through. The Patternmaster Code Black is one of the best chokes to get these kinds of results, but the Carlson’s Cremator is a budget option that can still deliver. Whichever you choose, there’s a high chance you can leave the factory chokes at home for good.
Extended vs Non-Extended Choke Tubes
Do you really need an extended choke? NO! But all things equal, the extended choke offers a few additional features that non-extended (or flush chokes) don’t provide.
First, extended choke tubes are easy to remove without a choke wrench since they usually extend 1-2 inches beyond the end of the barrel. Knurled material and groves on the end of extended chokes also make gripping it easier in order to screw it on and off.
Secondly, extended chokes can help protect the end of the shotgun barrel by acting as a sacrificial barrier. If you lean your shotgun against things or bump the end of the barrel into objects, the choke will take the brunt of the damage and not the barrel itself.
In addition to these factors, extended chokes also provide a platform for ported technology that can help improve wad separation from the shot column. This can increase pattern density and reduce recoil.
What Others Are Saying
Choke Tube FAQs
Do extended choke tubes provide better patterns?
Extended choke tubes can outperform stock choke tubes in the field. When using extended chokes, it’s vital to think about things like ammo and choke constriction.
The ability to remove the choke without a choke wrench since it extends over the barrel, the ability to view the choke size stamped on the side of the choke without removing it, and the fact that most aftermarket choke tubes are extended are all advantages of using extended choke tubes.
You’re limited to the diameter of chokes that come with the shotgun if you use factory choke tubes. Three choke tubes, ranging in diameter from open to tight, are commonly used. Extended choke tubes provide you more alternatives when it comes to customizing your choke and ammo. Read more here about effective ranges for waterfowl.
Does it really matter if a choke tube is marked for ducks or geese?
Choke tubes are frequently branded for ducks or geese, but this is generally done only for marketing purposes. Some goose chokes are indeed longer to ensure that 3.5 magnum shells can take full advantage of the chokes technology, but the results aren’t vastly different between the two.
What matters the most is the choke tube’s diameter. For duck hunting, some choke tubes may have open chokes, whereas for goose hunting, they may have tighter chokes. It makes sense to label the choke by species in this circumstance. However, this is rarely the case, as most choke tubes are identical regardless of whether duck or goose is inscribed on them.
Always compare technical parameters and examine the choke diameter. Compare technical specifications of each choke tube rather than relying on a duck or goose designation. See this guide for common choke tube markings and what they mean.
Does a ported choke tube reduce recoil?
Ported choke tubes do reduce recoil, but it’s often at a level that isn’t noticeable to the shooter. The biggest benefit of ported choke tubes is their ability to slow down the wad so it doesn’t interfere with pellet separation, thus improving shot strings and creating uniform patterns downrange.
The science behind recoil reduction by adding ports is based on accelerating the expansion of pressure outward as the shot column and gases exit the barrel.
The science behind this effect is sound, as the ports do increase the outward expansion of gases, even if slightly. But for most it doesn’t translate into any noticeable difference in felt recoil. You likely won’t feel a difference between a magnum turkey load being shot through a ported or non-ported choke. It’s still going to kick more than you would like.
The amount of gas ports in ported choke tubes ranges between 6 and 12. These openings are oval shaped and are angled to provide maximum outward expansion. Choke tubes such as Patternmaster and JEBs contain the most ports and would likely be a good place to start for testing actual felt recoil in foot pounds. See this guide for more on ported choke tubes reducing felt recoil.
What is a mid-range choke tube?
Mid range choke tubes are designed for shots up to 40 yards and are closest in size to modified chokes. Many mid range choke tubes are designed for waterfowl hunting and close shots over decoys.
Choke tubes are often classified as close range, mid range, and long range. This is done to make choosing the right choke size easier. Mid range choke tubes offer the same versatility of a modified choke tube.
With steel shot, mid range choke tubes can be effective out to 40 yards. Pellet distribution through mid range chokes is uniform and consistent on fast moving birds up close.
Additionally, mid range chokes allow you to extend the range on birds hanging up or skirting the decoys. If you have to choose between close range, mid range, or long range, always go with the mid range choke for hunting over decoys. See this guide for more on mid-range choke tubes.
Bottom Line: Patternmaster is the Top Pick
After talking to the experts, one thing is clear, aftermarket choke tubes can help produce superior patterning results compared to those of factory choke tubes. For waterfowl hunting, this means dense patterns in the field and the ability to cleanly harvest birds while maximizing your chance of success.
One of the best choke tubes for waterfowl is the Patternmaster Code Black. It’s an extended ported choke that is designed to deliver dense patterns and even pellet distribution out to 60 yards. It patterns closer to a full choke and is great for those birds that like to skirt the decoys.
For a budget choke for duck hunting, the Carlson’s Cremator is the best choice. It can increase pattern density 20% beyond that of conventional choke tubes at an affordable price.
Whichever choke you end up choosing, make sure to pattern test your shotgun with it before you head out in the field. It’s the only way to know how your shotgun, choke, and ammo are performing in the duck blind.
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Related Posts
- Best Waterfowl Choke Tubes for 2024, Expert Picks
- Choke Tube Diameter and Constriction Table
- 5 Easy Ways to Remove a Stuck Choke Tube
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Last update on 2025-10-10 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API