By Michael A. Black | Contributing Writer
Images courtesy of Mantis
This past July Mantis, a weapons system company out of Oswego, Illinois, introduced their latest breakout product, the TOR-X.
By way of review, Mantis specializes in combining shooting instruction critiques with digital enhancements to provide instant analysis and feedback on your smartphone, tablet, or computer through the use of high tech apps that help a shooter improve his or her shooting skills with instantly provided analysis.
Mantis regularly has a number booths at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, one of which is their popular “indoor range set-up,” which offers shooters a chance to dry-fire weapons and get on-the-spot instruction right on the conference center floor. Their latest product, the TOR-X, has integrated their existing Mantis X sensor device inside a Steiner laser. Once the device is hooked up to your smartphone or tablet, you can begin to get an instant and detailed analysis of your shooting style and accuracy.
How effective is Mantis? Studies have shown that 94% of shooters can improve their shooting skills in just twenty minutes by using this state of the art technology. With the MantisX integration, shooters can trace the movement of each one of their shots, score and analyze their target practice, and track their progress over several shooting sessions.
The Mantis app is free and also includes multiple training courses and drills along with the personalized feedback. Now, the new TOR-X has integrated the Mantis X system inside of a combat-worthy Steiner laser. It’s constructed of Mil-grade aluminum and is built to be lasting and reliable.
The TOR-X may be fitted onto any gun that has a Picatinny or Weaver style rail forward of the trigger guard. The unit allows a shooter to choose from six different rail positions.
The fire buttons are ambidextrous for easy accessible to a wide range of users, and fully-adjustable windage and elevation bore sight screws ensure calibration for maximum accuracy.
This rugged device has a Type III hard-anodized machined-aluminum housing and rail mount. It’s not only dustproof, but is also water-resistant to IP54 standards.
The green, 520 nanometer laser ensures pinpoint accuracy and is suitable for use in any lighting conditions, whether it’s day or night. This direct diode type laser can even operate in extremely cold weather. In addition to the left and right ambidextrous fire buttons, the TOR-X also has a constant power drive which ensures the laser output will remain constant throughout the life of the battery. A low battery indicator and wind and elevation bore sight adjustment screws allow for individual weapon-zeroing perfection.
Not only does the TOR-X offer laser aiming capabilities, but as stated, it has integrated the MantisX technology into the attachment. The sensor tracks the shooter’s performance in real-time and collects thousands of data points per second. Unlike other, more traditional dry fire laser systems, the TOR-X system uses an advanced sensor to detect and analyze the movement and orientation of your firearm during both dry fire and live fire sessions.
The MantisX connects via Bluetooth to any smartphone or tablet and provides on-the-spot feedback and coaching for every shot. This comprehensive data provides the shooters with insights into their movement patterns, their management of recoil, grip control, trigger pull, and even the speed of their holster draw.
The procedure for using the TOR-X is easily accomplished. Merely attach the device to your pistol, synchronize the laser with your smartphone, and begin shooting. The data will be collected and instantly provided. This “real-time coaching and feedback” on each shot allows the shooters to track their progress, trace every shot, and improve their technique and shooting performance.
Each kit includes one Steiner TOR-X Laser Sight, one 1/3N battery, a properly sized Allen wrench, and a Quick Start Guide. The TOR-X fits into most light-bearing holsters and is compatible with all pistols equipped with a standard Picatinny and/or Weaver rails. The MantisX app is free and boasts a lifetime access with no subscription necessary, and the device comes with a 2-year warranty. Its Coaching and Feedback features include Muzzle Tracing, Trigger Control Analysis, a Recoil Meter, Holster Draw Analysis, a Shot Timer, and Multi-Target Analysis.
The system features include an Aiming Laser for all Lighting Conditions, fully adjustable windage and elevation and brightness settings, and ambidextrous controls.
The MSRP starts at $ 359.99
For more information on the Mantis X products and the TOR-X, visit the Mantis website at WWW.MANTISX.COM
Michael A. Black is a regular contributor to GunMag.Com. His latest novel, Where Legends Lie, is available on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
