Poetsstok V-Sticx - BoreTech
The Bore Tech V-Stix cleaning rods combine professional quality with an attractive price and are available for virtually every rifle caliber. From small .17 calibers to large magnum rifles, the V-Stix line offers the right cleaning rod for your application. With color-coded handles, a rigid steel core, and barrel-safe coating, Bore Tech delivers a cleaning system that performs reliably for years.
Three Caliber Ranges for Complete Coverage
Bore Tech offers the V-Stix in three caliber-specific ranges, each optimized for the unique demands of those calibers. The .17-.20 range (91cm, green handle) is perfect for small varmint calibers like .17 HMR, .17 Hornet, and .204 Ruger. The narrow diameter ensures the cleaning rod glides smoothly through these small bores without unnecessary friction.
The .22-6.5mm range (91/102/112cm, blue handle) covers the most popular precision and hunting calibers. From .22-250 for varmint hunting to 6mm and 6.5mm precision rifle calibers for F-Class and long-range shooting, this range serves the largest segment of shooters. The three available lengths ensure you always have the right size, regardless of your rifle's barrel length.
The .270+ range (91/102/112cm, red handle) is designed for medium to large calibers, from .270 Winchester to .338 Lapua Magnum and everything in between. This sturdier diameter offers extra rigidity for cleaning larger bores, while the robust construction also withstands intensive use with coarse brushes and aggressive cleaning agents.
Choosing the Right Length
Selecting the correct cleaning rod length is essential for effective maintenance. The 91cm (36 inch) version is ideal for standard bolt-action rifles with barrel lengths up to approximately 60cm. This is the most versatile length and suitable for most hunting and sporting rifles. For shooters with multiple rifles, 91cm is often the best choice as a universal length.
The 102cm (40 inch) variant offers extra reach for rifles with longer barrels or situations where you want to clean through the action. This length is popular with precision shooters with heavy barrel rifles and shooters who prefer to work from the chamber rather than from the muzzle. The extra length also makes it possible to push through on some rifles, which speeds up the cleaning process.
112cm (44 inch) is the choice for shooters with long magnum barrels, heavy barrel precision rifles, and applications where maximum reach is desired. Long-range shooters with 26-28 inch barrels find their ideal partner in this length. Also for benchrest rifles with extra-long barrels and some single-shot configurations, the 112cm version is indispensable.
Reinforced Steel Core Without Flex
The heart of every V-Stix cleaning rod is the reinforced steel core. Unlike cheaper cleaning rods that bend and flex during use, the V-Stix remains perfectly straight, even under pressure. This rigidity is crucial for consistent cleaning results, as flex can cause the cleaning rod to scrape against the barrel wall and cause microscopic scratches.
The steel diameter is caliber-specifically optimized. Smaller calibers get a thinner but still rigid core, while larger calibers benefit from a thicker diameter that gives absolutely no flex. This engineering ensures you have the perfect balance between rigidity and maneuverability through the barrel at every caliber.
In precision shooting, barrel condition is directly linked to accuracy. A cleaning rod that bends can create local pressure points that remove carbon deposits unevenly, resulting in a barrel that isn't uniformly clean. The V-Stix eliminates this problem completely, ensuring every pass through the barrel delivers uniform cleaning.
High-Quality Chemically Resistant Coating
The V-Stix steel core features a specially developed coating resistant to all common cleaning agents. Whether you're working with ammonia-based older cleaners or modern formulas like Bore Tech Eliminator, the coating remains intact and smooth. This chemical resistance also means the cleaning rod isn't affected by prolonged contact with aggressive copper removers or carbon removers.
More importantly, the coating provides barrel protection. The uniform, hard finish ensures barrel residues like carbon and copper can't embed in the cleaning rod. With uncoated or poorly coated cleaning rods, stubborn residues can adhere to the surface, then get dragged through your barrel during the next cleaning session, causing scratches.
The coating remains smooth even after hundreds of cleaning sessions. Test users report their V-Stix cleaning rods still glide through the barrel like new after years. This durability makes the V-Stix an investment that pays for itself, especially compared to cheaper cleaning rods that need regular replacement.
Brass Tip with Universal 8-32 Thread
A distinguishing feature of the V-Stix line is the replaceable brass tip with female 8-32 thread. This is the industry standard for cleaning components, meaning virtually all jags and brushes on the market fit directly without extra adapters. The brass tip is soft enough to protect your barrel but strong enough for years of use.
Switching between components is lightning-fast. Unscrew your patch jag, thread on a copper brush, then a wool brush, all without adapters that can come loose. This practical advantage saves time and prevents frustration, especially during thorough cleaning sessions where you switch multiple times between different components.
The brass tip is deliberately chosen for the V-Stix line. For shooters who want absolute certainty that their patches show no false blue from copper-containing components, Bore Tech offers the Proof-Positive Bore Stix with copper-free tips. But for most applications, the V-Stix brass tip is ideal, and brass remains the preference for compatibility with the wide range of available cleaning components.
Color-Coded Ball Bearing System
The free-floating handle of the V-Stix contains a ball bearing system that ensures smooth rotation during cleaning. When you pull a brush through the barrel, it automatically follows the rifling without you having to release or re-grip the handle. This results in more effective cleaning and less fatigue during long cleaning sessions.
The color coding is immediately recognizable: green for .17-.20, blue for .22-6.5mm, and red for .270+. This prevents confusion when you shoot multiple rifles in different calibers. A quick glance at the color tells you if you've grabbed the right cleaning rod, saving time and preventing you from accidentally trying to push a too-thick cleaning rod through a smaller barrel.
The ergonomic design of the handle sits comfortably in your hand without being too large. You have sufficient grip for firm control, but the handle is compact enough not to bump against your rifle stock during cleaning. For shooters with stocks that offer little clearance around the action, this is an important detail.
Combination with Bore Tech Cleaning Products
The V-Stix cleaning rods are naturally perfectly matched to the complete range of Bore Tech cleaning products. For copper removal, the V-Stix works excellently with Cu+2 or Eliminator, with the rigid rod ensuring consistent pressure that loosens stubborn copper deposits. For carbon buildup in the throat and lands, the V-Stix ideally combines with C4 Carbon Remover.
For rimfire rifles (.17-.20 and .22), the combination of V-Stix with Rimfire Blend is unbeatable. The formula dissolves lead, wax, and carbon, while the rigid cleaning rod ensures patches are effectively pushed through the barrel. For shotguns in larger calibers (the .270+ range can also mean 12 gauge with suitable adapter), Shotgun Blend works perfectly with the robust V-Stix construction.
It's important to note that the brass tip of the V-Stix does react with copper-removing cleaners. If you see patches turning blue, this can come from both copper in the barrel and the brass tip. For maximum certainty about when the barrel is truly clean, experienced shooters recommend doing a round with a neutral cleaner or alcohol after the last copper-containing cleaner, after which a final patch should come out without blue.
Use with Bore Guide Recommended
Bore Tech strongly recommends always using V-Stix cleaning rods in combination with a bore guide. A bore guide protects the chamber against scratches, centers the cleaning rod perfectly in the barrel, and prevents cleaning agents from leaking into the action. For bolt-action rifles, Bore Tech's own color-coded bore guides are perfectly matched to their cleaning rods.
A bore guide isn't a luxury but a necessity for those serious about rifle maintenance. The chamber and first few centimeters of the barrel are critical zones easily damaged without protection. A single scratch in the chamber can lead to problems with case extraction. Scratches at the beginning of the lands affect bullet guidance and thus accuracy.
For AR-style rifles and other semi-autos, specialized bore guides and muzzle guards are available. When cleaning from the muzzle (not ideal but sometimes necessary), a muzzle guard is essential to protect the sensitive crown from contact with the cleaning rod.
Maintaining Your V-Stix
Keeping the V-Stix clean is simple. After use, wipe the cleaning rod with a damp cloth or paper towel. Bore Tech cleaners are water-soluble, so warm water and a little soap suffices for thorough cleaning. For stubborn residue, you can use a small amount of Bore Tech Blast Degreaser on a cloth.
Regularly check the brass tip for signs of wear. With normal use, a tip lasts for years, but intensive use with tight brushes can damage the thread over time. Bore Tech sells loose replacement tips, though this is rarely necessary.
The ball bearing system is sealed and maintenance-free. If rotation becomes noticeably stiffer after years, you can apply a drop of light machine oil to the top of the handle where it rotates. Never use WD-40 or other spray oils that attract dust.
For Which Shooters and Disciplines
The V-Stix line serves a broad spectrum of shooters. Varmint shooters with .17 HMR, .204 Ruger, and .22-250 appreciate the .17-.20 and .22-6.5mm ranges for their specific needs. Precision rifle competitors in 6mm, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and .308 find their ideal tool in the .22-6.5mm range (especially 102 and 112cm for long precision barrels).
Long-range and ELR shooters with magnum calibers like .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 6.5 PRC use the .270+ range. The robust construction handles the larger volume of carbon and copper these powerful cartridges produce. F-Class shooters, who require extreme accuracy over 800-1000m, rely on V-Stix for consistent barrel maintenance between matches.
Hunters with bolt-action rifles in standard hunting calibers (.270 Winchester, .30-06, 7mm Remington Magnum) benefit from the reliability and durability of the V-Stix. After a hunting season, you know your rifle is thoroughly clean and ready for storage. For reloaders doing load development, consistent barrel condition is essential, and the V-Stix delivers that consistency.
Pricing and Value
The Bore Tech V-Stix positions itself as a premium entry model. More expensive than budget brands like Dewey, but more affordable than top-tier options like the Proof-Positive Bore Stix or high-end one-piece carbon cleaning rods. For most shooters, the V-Stix offers the best balance between price and performance.
The investment pays for itself through durability. A V-Stix cleaning rod easily lasts ten years with regular use, often longer. Compared to cheaper cleaning rods that need replacement every few years because the coating comes off or the core permanently bends, the V-Stix is economically sound.
For shooters who own multiple rifles, it's wise to acquire the right V-Stix for each caliber range. The color coding prevents confusion, and you always have the optimal diameter for each rifle. Some shooters choose to have multiple lengths of the same caliber, for example a 91cm for compact rifles and a 112cm for their long-range precision rifle.
Specifications
Available Caliber Ranges:
- .17-.20: Exclusively in 91cm length, green handle
- .22-6.5mm: Available in 91cm, 102cm and 112cm, blue handle
- .270+: Available in 91cm, 102cm and 112cm, red handle
Technical Specifications:
- Core: Reinforced steel, caliber-specific diameter
- Coating: Chemically resistant high-quality coating
- Tip: Replaceable brass tip, female 8-32 thread
- Handle: Free-floating ball bearing system, ergonomic design
- Color Coding: Caliber-specific (green/.17-.20, blue/.22-6.5mm, red/.270+)
- Lengths: 91cm (36"), 102cm (40"), 112cm (44") - working length excluding handle
- Thread: 8-32 female (standard)
- Compatibility: All jags and brushes with 8-32 male thread
Suitable for Calibers:
- .17-.20: .17 HMR, .17 Hornet, .17 Remington, .20 Tactical, .204 Ruger
- .22-6.5mm: .22-250, .223/5.56, .22 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm BR, 6mm Dasher, 6x47 Lapua, .243 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 6.5x55 Swedish, .260 Remington, 6.5 PRC
- .270+: .270 Winchester, 7mm-08, 7mm Remington Magnum, .280 Ackley Improved, .308 Winchester, .30-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 PRC, .338 Lapua Magnum, and larger calibers
