The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning kits and components. When I first laid eyes on the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” from Otis, I was intrigued by its simplicity and the promise of flexibility in tight spaces. The compact design and the reputation of Otis cleaning systems preceded it, piquing my interest.
My motivation for trying the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” stemmed from a frustrating experience cleaning the action on a few of my older lever-action rifles. Traditional rods were simply too rigid. I needed something that could navigate the curves and tight tolerances.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the cable’s coating. It felt smooth and durable, instilling confidence that it wouldn’t damage the bore. The slotted tip looked robust enough to hold patches securely. My initial thought was, “This might just be the answer to my prayers.”
Compared to a traditional segmented cleaning rod, the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” immediately appeared more compact and potentially more effective for intricate firearm designs. It seemed a better option than a bore snake, which, while convenient, often falls short on delivering a truly deep clean. I chose this because of Otis’s reputation for quality and the promise of a durable, flexible cable.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The claims of a 750 lb pull strength seemed impressive, but the real test would be in the field. Would it live up to the hype?
Real-World Testing: Putting Memory Flex Cables | 20″” to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” on a particularly dirty lever-action rifle after a weekend of hog hunting in muddy conditions. The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” proved to be exceptionally easy to feed through the action. The traditional rod would have been a frustrating mess.
The flexibility of the cable allowed it to navigate the tight bends with ease. I performed the cleaning in my workshop, which tends to accumulate dust. The coated cable didn’t seem to attract excessive amounts of grit, a welcome surprise.
Using the included slotted tip and cotton patches was straightforward. The cable pulled smoothly without binding or kinking. After the first pass, the patch came out significantly dirtier than I expected, indicating that the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” was effectively reaching areas that I’d previously struggled to clean. I noticed no damage to the bore and was pleasantly surprised by the ease of use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on various firearms, the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” has proven to be surprisingly durable. It has held up well to repeated use with different solvents and lubricants. There are no signs of fraying or degradation of the coating.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after use is usually sufficient. Occasionally, I’ll run a patch with a light coat of oil down the cable to keep it supple and prevent corrosion.
Compared to using traditional segmented rods, the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” has significantly streamlined my cleaning process, especially on firearms with complex actions. It’s easier to use, more compact for storage, and seems to clean just as effectively. It certainly outperforms bore snakes when a truly deep clean is required.
Breaking Down the Features of Memory Flex Cables | 20″”
Specifications
Material: Nylon. The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” are constructed from a coated nylon material.
This allows for flexibility while maintaining strength and preventing damage to the firearm’s bore.Size: 20 inches. The 20-inch length provides sufficient reach for cleaning most handguns and some shorter rifles.
This provides versatility in cleaning a number of weapons.Compatibility: Compatible with all Otis cleaning components.
This ensures seamless integration within the Otis cleaning system, expanding its capabilities.Pull Strength: 750 lb pull strength.
The high pull strength indicates a robust and durable cable that can withstand significant force without breaking.Components: Includes solid brass slotted tips and is designed for use with 100% cotton cleaning patches.
The brass tip secures patches effectively, while cotton patches ensure a thorough and gentle cleaning process.
Performance & Functionality
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” excels at cleaning firearms with tight tolerances and intricate actions. Its flexibility allows it to navigate bends and curves that rigid rods simply can’t reach. It effectively removes fouling and debris, ensuring the firearm operates reliably.
The primary strength lies in its flexibility and ease of use. It’s quick to deploy and doesn’t require the assembly of multiple segments. A weakness might be its length. For longer rifle barrels, a longer cable would be needed.
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” largely exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of flexibility and durability, making firearm cleaning a less tedious task.
Design & Ergonomics
The coated nylon construction feels durable and comfortable to handle. The lack of sharp edges or abrasive surfaces minimizes the risk of damaging the firearm’s bore. The compact design makes it easy to store and transport.
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” is inherently user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. Simply attach a patch, feed it through the bore, and pull.
Durability & Maintenance
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” appears to be built to last. The nylon coating resists wear and tear, and the high pull strength suggests it can withstand considerable stress. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the cable clean and lightly oiled is all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” comes with a solid brass slotted tip for attaching cleaning patches. It’s designed to be compatible with all Otis cleaning components. This includes brushes, mops, and other specialized tools.
It is also compatible with standard-sized cleaning patches from other brands. This makes it a versatile addition to any existing cleaning kit.
Pros and Cons of Memory Flex Cables | 20″”
Pros
- Exceptional Flexibility: Allows cleaning of hard-to-reach areas in firearms with complex actions.
- High Durability: Coated nylon cable and 750 lb pull strength ensure long-lasting performance.
- User-Friendly Design: Simple and straightforward to use, with no assembly required.
- Compact and Portable: Easy to store and transport in a range bag or cleaning kit.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works seamlessly with all Otis cleaning components and standard cleaning patches.
Cons
- Limited Length: The 20-inch length may be insufficient for cleaning longer rifle barrels.
- Requires Patches: Doesn’t include cleaning patches, requiring a separate purchase.
Who Should Buy Memory Flex Cables | 20″”?
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” are perfect for firearm owners who value flexibility, durability, and ease of use. This makes it great for competitive shooters, hunters, and gun enthusiasts. Anyone who owns firearms with intricate actions or tight tolerances will especially appreciate its ability to reach difficult-to-clean areas.
Those who primarily clean long rifles may find the 20-inch length limiting and should opt for a longer cable. People who prefer all-in-one cleaning solutions may find it inconvenient to purchase cleaning patches separately.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality firearm cleaning solvent and a supply of 100% cotton cleaning patches.
Conclusion on Memory Flex Cables | 20″”
The Memory Flex Cables | 20″” is a well-designed and durable cleaning tool that delivers on its promise of flexibility and ease of use. It simplifies the firearm cleaning process, especially for firearms with complex actions. At $7.49, the price is more than justified given its performance and longevity.
I would highly recommend the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile cleaning cable. If you are tired of struggling with rigid cleaning rods or ineffective bore snakes, this is the answer. Add the Memory Flex Cables | 20″” to your cleaning kit today and experience the difference!