There have been a lot of articles done over the years about this little shooting training tool, and I hopped on the Mantis train years ago. I recently upgraded to the X10 and was thrilled to find out how much smaller the new version is compared to the one I bought back in 2017. The latest X10 has a built-in holster draw function, so size matters when you mount it to the bottom of your magazine. Mounting can be done with the included Picatinny rail adapter, or they have some replacement base plates for specific magazines you can purchase separately. You just remove the double-sided tape, stick it to the bottom of your mag, and you are ready to go.
The original MantisX hit the market in November 2015, and they discontinued it in the first half of 2021. The new X10 is half the size, and it uses a little flip button to attach it to a Picatinny rail.
The software is easy to use and gives you a score based on how well you did each time you pulled the trigger. You can touch the red portion of your score on the phone screen to find out what went wrong, and the app will give you tips on how to improve. Shooting charts are not always correct, so it is not a substitute for a good instructor, but it will give you some possible approaches to try.
The holster draw analysis is new in the X10 and is the only product on the market that will let you track your draw in this much detail.
The image above shows a draw from a more traditional 4 O’clock carry, and the image below is from an Appendix Inside Waistband Carry (AIWB.) There is a lot of debate on AIWB, but it has become my preferred method for a multitude of reasons, although I do not teach it to brand new shooters. You can tell the difference between draw types because the 4 O’clock draw swings back some, and then the draw pulls around the body where the AIWB starts in front with no rear movement.
The main differences between the MantisX and the gen 2 models (X2, X3, X10) include:
- About half the weight and half the size.
- Nearly double the battery life lasting up to 20hrs.
- A quick detach system makes moving the sensor much faster from one platform to the next.
- Data sample rate of 400 vs. the original 100.
- The X10 model introduces some unique pistol drills vs. the other models (along with Archery app and Shotgun app support).
If you are still using the old version and looking to incorporate drawing from the holster into your training, the X10 is worth the upgrade. Plus, they have a trade-in program where you can get up to $100 towards the new purchase.
Dry-fire practice can pay off by improving every facet of your shooting while staying at home and saving yourself a trip to the range. The easier it is for you to practice, the more you are going to do it, which will make you a better shooter.
