A few years ago, at a trade show, I was stopped by a vendor to try their new Dry Fire training system. Like many of the systems I’d used with previously, I was skeptical, but being in the training industry and always looking for new ways to help students improve their shooting, I obliged. I played with the system and was impressed with the technology (I’m not big on new tech) but was wary of how quick it could become outdated. At the time, ammo prices were still “normal”, and the Mantis X system was “new” so still a bit pricey, considering it WAS more expensive than a case of 9mm. I gave the vendor my thoughts and moved on.
Fast forward a few years. 2020 starts, COVID hits, and people are panicking to buy hand sanitizer, toilet paper, guns, and ammo. Everything happened so fast, there was really no way to “plan” for it. Prices started skyrocketing, people were grabbing anything they could get their hands on. I hadn’t seen a jump in prices and lack of availability like this since Sandy Hook. Add in, the estimated 5 million new gun owners (now almost 10 million) and you could see things were out of hand, and not slowing down any time soon. I had an influx of new students, more than I’d had in probably the past 3 years combined, so I could say firsthand, seeing the supply and demand, I knew these new gun owners would be in for a rough ride when it came to obtaining guns and ammo.
Due to the rising cost of ammo, I was having to reduce the number of rounds students were firing in classes, to still make the classes affordable. So, what does that mean? Less rounds equals less repetition, less repetition means less recognition, and therefore, there is less room for improvement. I had to find a solution, and an affordable one, for students to continue to train, and improve.
Students asked, “how can we AFFORD to practice more?” … In steps the Mantis X system. At what was once thought as “more expensive than a case of 9mm”, was now less than half that case, AND readily available. Before I pass anything on to my students, I test it myself so I can vouch for it. I remembered working with the Mantis at the trade show a few years prior, and was hoping that the tech had evolved, and didn’t become stale like most “tech” in the industry does. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.
The Mantis X10 Elite system is super user friendly, and adaptable to any weapons system (pistol or rifle) with a rail attachment. The technology is easy to use, and downloads via a free app on your smart phone. Aside from that, the kit is compact, and easily stored in a range bag, and only requires you maintain a charge (with provided charging cable) to be able to use it for dry fire OR live fire, which I thought was an added bonus, as most dry fire systems are NOT for live fire. As a firearms instructor that preaches repetition, and encourages students to train as much as they can, the Mantis system knocks it out of the park as an affordable way to get valuable reps in.
The Mantis uses Bluetooth technology and calibration, through the app, to track even the slightest movements you’re making with your firearm. Everything appears in front of you on your app and is tracked and calculated in real time for you. It’s something that can really take your shooting to the next level, as it provides immediate feedback with each pull of the trigger. I’m excited to see this technology advance (as it already has in just a few years) and provide a real solution for folks who may be on a budget, or with limited time to make it to the range. Ive been recommending it to students for about 6 months now and will continue to do so. The Mantis X10 Elite system has an MSRP of $249.95, and while we may have scoffed at that price a few years ago, its WAY under the cost of a case of 9mm or .223 these days and provides unlimited reps and repetition for a variety of firearms. You can use it at the range, or in your living room, which really sets it apart from other systems. It’s a great tool for teaching new shooters the basics, including trigger control, proper grip, and breath control, as well as helping experienced shooters advance, to tighten shot groups and increase split times. It also makes a great gift for shooters that doesn’t require an FFL process or a firearms license to purchase.
As always, with any dry fire technology that doesn’t modify your firearm: ALWAYS check your chamber. ALWAYS point the gun in a safe direction. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and whats beyond where you’re shooting. Be safe, have fun, and now, be able to practice with an unlimited resource. http://www.mantisx.com
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