I am a fan of leather covered pads. I am going to have one added to my AYA XXV as the length of pull is too short and I don't care for how the wood stock grips. I have to say I really dislike stocks with checkered ends as they are too slippery. That is what my AYA came with and it slips all over the place. I like something with a little more grip. Aesthetically, yes a wood stock without a pad looks better IMO but from functionality aspect I think they are lacking.