Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
MantisX and Steiner have launched a new product that combines MantisX training technology with a Steiner laser. The result is a dry/live fire training tool and a military-grade rail-mounted laser. This review is the result of testing one of the first units available.
Table of contents
MantisX
Over the past few years, MantisX has produced an array of weapon-mounted training aids that are very effective. At their core, MantisX training products give shooters feedback on their ability to aim, hold steady, and have a smooth trigger pull. Such feedback is invaluable and unavailable anywhere else – at least not to this degree. The units attach to pistols, shotguns, or rifles, and give instant feedback on the micromovements made by the shooter just before pulling the trigger. This feedback includes real-time data to let the shooter know about anticipation flinching, pushing the trigger, unsteadiness on target, drawstroke, and more.
For pistols, for example, there is a graph that traces the path of the shooter’s hand during draw, presentation, aim on target, and actual shot. There is a composite score on a 100-point scale to rate each shot and shot session, so the shooter can keep track of progress. Both live fire and dry fire are supported. I have written about MantisX products in the past. MantisX also makes a laser that fits into the chamber for laser-aided training, which I covered here. Their products are very effective.
Steiner
Steiner has been making weapon lasers, among other things, for a long time. Their DBAL A3 and DBAL D2 lasers are rifle lasers that are quite popular. Not so far back they introduced the TOR mini pistol laser, which mounts either to a picatinny rail or to the Weaver mount in front of a pistol trigger guard. Ambidextrous activation paddles on the TOR are easily reached at the front of the trigger guard.
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Whiskey and Good Decisions
About nine months ago there must have been a spicy weekend because it appears that Steiner and MantisX are having a baby.
The new TOR-X is what would happen if the Steiner TOR and MantisX hooked up and procreated. The result is both a great training aid and an effective pistol laser. The TOR-X is also right at home on a rifle rail. With the TOR-X you get all the features of a pistol-mounted MantisX system along with a green aiming laser.
The TOR-X features a Type III hard-anodized machined aluminum housing and rail mount. Dustproof and splash-proof to IP54 standards, the TOR-X is built to last. The design is very clean and the build quality is excellent. The laser is a direct diode type, allowing cold weather use. The activation paddles are textured and rubberized, making activation easy. The paddles are also big enough to activate with gloves on. The laser is zeroed with windage and elevation screws.
Back to Training
There is almost no learning curve with this system. Mount the TOR-X as you would any picatinny accessory, and you are ready to train. To activate the MantisX part of the TOR-X, turn on the Bluetooth by depressing both paddles, turn on your phone or tablet Bluetooth, go to the free MantisX app, and hit the connect button. Now you train. With the Open Training option, you can start getting feedback by dry firing immediately (after double-checking that your pistol is empty).
The App For the TOR-X
In the MantisX app, there are several options for training. If you already have a holster that accommodates a weapon light, there is a very good chance the TOR-X will fit. That was the case for me. With that configuration, I used the holster draw drill in the app. Your phone gives you a shot clock type of beep, you draw and make your shot, and see your score. Once your session is done you can review your average score and each shot. The technology is remarkable.
Without a holster, you can still train with the Open Training option. I have tested this thoroughly, and believe it gives very accurate feedback. If you mash the trigger it tells you. If you anticipate the shot and push down and to the left it tells you. If you have a clean, uniform, straight trigger pull it tells you. The real value of the MantisX system is your dry fire training is good training, not just trigger pulls that you think are good. I believe that regular MantisX dry-fire training is one of the best things you can do to get better at shooting a pistol. It’s that good. In this review, I have not even touched on the Recoilmeter function, which is also a valuable training tool. Read about that here.
Testing The TOR-X
Being familiar with the MantisX line, I was able to start dry fire training less than five minutes after unboxing the unit. The TOR-X is mounted right up to the front rail of my Glock 34, and as mentioned above it fits into a holster I have that accommodates a rail-mounted light.
There are so many types of training modules included in the MantisX app you could write a book about it. Open Training, Shot Timer, Par Timer, Endurance (shoot until you score below 92), 20 Second Benchmark, and more. They have courses such as MantisX Introduction, Basic Marksmanship, Advanced Marksmanship, and more. Interestingly, only “graduates” of the Basic Marksmanship course may go on to the Advanced Marksmanship course. There is much more to the MantisX program than one would expect, but if you just want to dry fire you can get going right away.
Issues In Testing
The only real issue I ran into was the unit turns its Bluetooth off and disconnects after 60 seconds any time you turn off the laser. For example, I started dry firing right away (after double-checking that my pistol was empty) with the laser on. I decided to train without the laser, so I hit the paddle and turned off the laser. A minute later the unit turned off and disconnected from my phone. This is a feature is not a bug. It exists to preserve the battery in case you forget to turn off Bluetooth. While the instructions do indicate this will happen, it’s not called out as clearly as I would prefer.
You can train without the laser by never turning on the laser to begin with. Just activate the Bluetooth on the unit and pair it with your phone. If you start with the laser on (or ever turn it on during a session), you have to disconnect and reconnect to train without the laser. Many users will likely experience this because it is common to train with a MantisX without a laser, and the manual does not cover this method. Feedback was provided to Steiner, so the manual may have been updated by now.
Hits
- Super useful training tool with many training modules
- Easy start-up
- High-quality laser in addition to the training tools.
- Great form factor
Misses
- Bluetooth/manual clarity issue noted above
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TOR-X Bottom Line
For those who are looking to buy a quality pistol laser and also want an excellent dry/live fire training aid, the TOR-X is made for you. Buying a TOR and MantisX separately would cost you about $590 MSRP because the TOR-X includes the MantisX10 package (the highest level of features). The TOR-X MSRP is $359, you get both sets of functionalities, and you have one item added to your gun not two. The TOR-X is available now. For more information go to MantisX here.
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