Otis I-MOD Cleaning System Review
I don’t think that there are two people who would give the exact same answer if asked “what is the best way to clean your guns”. Usually, no asking is required, as folks are happy to share their cleaning wisdom and home brewed trade secrets. One of the names that you’ll hear mentioned often, though is Otis Technology, since they invited the flexible rod cleaning kit that is roughly the size of a tuna fish can. One of their latest products is the larger I-MOD Cleaning System, which we’ve been using for the last few weeks.
The first thing that really sets the Otis I-MOD apart from other gun cleaning kits is that it includes three overlapping cleaning systems. The 9mm kit that we’ve been using includes the Otis Ripcord, a single pass cleaning tool that is their improved version of the Hoppe’s BoreSnake. I can’t tell that the Otis version cleans any better than the Hoppe’s product, as they both do an excellent job, but the Ripcord is certainly much easier to work with and get started down the bore. The I-MOD kit also includes a twenty inch Memory-Flex cable and accessories for the more traditional wet patch, brush, then dry patch cleaning regimen. The third cleaning system is a set of threaded solid rods that can be used for either cleaning or obstruction removal. Since the threading on all of the tools is the same, the included brushes and attachments work with all the cleaning options.
One of the highlights of the system, compared to some of the other cleaning kits we’ve picked up over the years, is the nylon pouch. It is very well made and has enough spare room and compartments to allow for personal customization. There are enough straps and loops on the outside of the I-MOD pouch for a variety of different mounting options and orientations. The outside of the pouch has two small snap pockets that would be a good place to keep compact range cards or extra patches. The I-MOD patches and solvent are easily replaced with the Otis Reload bundle and it would be a good idea to keep spare consumables handy for emergency situations. In a pinch, the system also works well with regular patches or old t-shirt pieces if you use the end of the slotted tip to punch a hole in the fabric.
When we’ve used the 9mm I-MOD system to for pistol cleaning, the go-to option is the Ripcord. It is just quick, simple and works well. The Memory-Flex cable setup is nice to have for a thorough clean and lube session, as we do before putting a gun away for a while. Between the two, pretty much all of our cleaning bases are covered. This does leave one to look at the solid rods and think “aren’t those things a little overkill?” Otis lists the rods set as being included for obstruction removal, so they are the final bore clearing option when all else fails.
The 9mm Otis I-MOD kit is a “three systems in one” cleaning kit that works well for both quick and more thorough cleaning. The one piece that strangely seems to be missing from the kit is the T-handle accessory, which makes it easier to use both the Ripcord and Memory-Flex cable cleaning systems. The T-handle is available separately for $2.99, so this is not a deal breaker, but it does seem like an easy upgrade for the next product revision. Otis also makes I-MOD kits for 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .40 cal, .45 cal and dual caliber systems for 5.56mm/7.62mm, 5.56mm/9mm, 5.56mm/.40 cal and 5.56mm/.45cal. If you are looking for a “one and done” cleaning kit that you can easily take to the range or in the field, the Otis I-MOD is worth considering.
