Abstract: A recoil protection system is disclosed which includes a fabric yoke. A leather panel is stitched to the yoke with a foam pad confined in the volume between the leather panel and the yoke. The foam pad is sized with its rest volume somewhat larger than the volume defined by the leather panel and the yoke such that the foam pad is in a constant state of compression. The foam pad is formed of a material having a high Loss Factor, and the yoke is held in place on the shoulder of the user by means of a harness which includes first and second straps, each of which passes under a respective arm of the user. Preferred materials for exceptionally effective foam pads are disclosed.