REVIEW: MantisX Training System

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Those who train seriously with their firearms also wish for a continuous and understandable analysis of their training, whether it be dry fire training or live fire. Serious shooting instructors wish to have the ability to input certain aspects with data. The Mantis X Training System promises just that: Understandable analysis and training recording. We took a closer look at this little magic box to see what this device can actually do.

Operation: Simply put, the sensor continuously measures the orientation in space and registers even the smallest deviations. It is important that the firearm is held straight and roughly parallel to the ground so that the sensor can correctly transmit its data to the respective receiving device.

If the connection is interrupted or the signal strength is reduced by shielding (e.g., the body itself), the data cannot be accurately transmitted, and recording may be prevented.

The App: MantisX offers the app for both Android and Apple users. However, an Android version 4.3 or higher with Bluetooth LE connection is required. If these requirements are met, the app can be used on any mobile phone or tablet.

An app update was released on 26.10.2016. This update significantly improved the dry-fire function and detection. In addition to improved recording and tracking of muzzle movement before, during, and after the shot, the recording pause between individual shots was reduced to 0.3 seconds, and the error tolerance was reduced to 1%.

According to the manufacturer, further enhancements are planned for 2017. For example, it will be possible to connect multiple shooters simultaneously with one receiving device, providing a more effective evaluation tool for instructors.

Furthermore, a free software update is planned to make the MantisX Training System effective and safe not only for handguns but also for long guns.

Features: Special adapters will be available starting in November. With these, the sensor can be mounted on various rail systems or on the magazine base. The latter option is particularly interesting for shooters who shoot from the holster, as the sensor unit does not hinder holster carry or take up space for attachments (laser/lights). The cost for the adapter is approximately 25€.Now, let's talk about what the device can and cannot do.

The MantisX records various movements of the firearm before, during, and after the shot, analyzes them, and evaluates them according to predefined parameters. This results in a fairly comprehensive picture of behavior during the shot in relation to

• Position
• Grip
• Trigger behavior

This allows a wide range of errors during the shot to be detected and analyzed.

The error analysis integrated in the free Apple and Android app is quite good and accurate. Since it is an electronic analysis of different parameters, the error analyses are correctly identified as possible sources of errors.

However, the inclusion of personal idiosyncrasies is naturally not possible. In this case, experience and guidance from a qualified shooting instructor are necessary.

The system cannot analyze target errors, stance errors, and basic posture errors, as a complete monitoring and analysis of the shooter as a whole is required for this.

Nevertheless, the MantisX System can be a valuable and revolutionary support for training.

It is important to distinguish the benefits of the system for different users.For shooters, the MantisX is a valuable and effective method to document their own training and examine certain factors more closely. This can support training with a shooting instructor in a qualified and understandable way. However, it is important for shooters to have knowledge about their own mistakes and personal idiosyncrasies; in other words, the MantisX Training System is a very useful addition to the shooting instructor but cannot replace them.

For shooting instructors, the system offers an excellent opportunity to further train and refine their own skills. It candidly points out smaller errors that may have crept in over time and enhances awareness of correct procedures in various aspects of shooting.

During training, the system provides shooting instructors with an unprecedented opportunity to show the following individual aspects of shooting with data:

• Trigger movement
• Muzzle movement

Furthermore, the system offers possible error sources in the analysis, which can be examined and evaluated in more detail by the shooting instructor. This allows instructors to clearly illustrate specific aspects and explain their effects in a comprehensible manner.

Additionally, with the MantisX System, instructors can set a specific training focus for home/self-training and verify it at the next session, both in dry fire training and live fire.

VERDICT: The MantisX Training System offers possibilities that have never been available in the civilian sector before. The system can effectively support firearms training and identify even the smallest sources of errors. However, it is not intended to replace a qualified shooting instructor, but it is not designed for that purpose either.

It should be noted that MantisX was clearly developed for the basics of shooting technique, not for monitoring handling in dynamic situations (defensive shooting, self-defense, etc.), as the fundamental factors analyzed should already be mastered in such scenarios.

However, the system fulfills its intended purpose with such great success that it is an absolute recommendation for any ambitious shooter. The price-performance ratio is absolutely reasonable.

According to the manufacturer, a German version of the app and a free update for use with long guns are expected soon. Furthermore, there are plans to enable the simultaneous connection of multiple devices with a PC software.

The MantisX is available at KL-Strategic. The training system costs 177.99 Euros.

The product video from the manufacturer