Gear Review: MantisX TOR-X

MantisX – a name synonymous with innovation and integration using a data-driven approach to firearms training, like nothing you’ve used before. So, what do you get when you cross MantisX technology with a handgun laser from the legendary optics company Steiner Optics? Presenting – the Mantis TOR-X; an amazingly innovated training tool that was just released – and you’re going to want one of your own! The MantisX TOR-X integrates a military-grade Steiner handgun laser with the technology and training tools we’ve come to love from Mantis.

I’ve been a fan of Mantis since the very beginning when I met with them at their very first SHOT Show back in 2017. (You can read my review of their original MantisX here). Since then, I’ve reviewed their Mantis Laser Training Academy and Mantis BlackbeardX, so when Mantis reached out to me with the opportunity to preview their new Mantis TOR-X, my answer was obviously YES PLEASE!

What it is: The TOR-X is a handgun laser – with a Mantis training tool integrated into the laser housing.

What it does: The laser portion functions exactly like it should – as a handgun laser. The technology portion analyzes your shooting performance and tracks it over time. The software includes many training courses, a shot timer, shot-by-shot analysis and offers tips to correct your bad habits – making you a better shooter, fast! If you have a friend with a MantisX, you can even train and compete with them via the app through their “Let’s Train Together” section.

How it works: Designed to be installed on any Picatinny or Weaver-style accessory rail forward of the trigger guard, the TOR-X connects via Bluetooth to the MantisX app (available in the Apple / Google stores) giving you not only a top-quality handgun laser, but also instant feedback on your shooting, whether you’re dry-firing at home, or live-firing at the range.

Why dry-fire with a MantisX TOR-X? So many reasons!

You’ll save on ammunition costs.

You can do it anywhere – no trip to the range necessary.

You’ll improve your muscle memory, so you’ll be on target faster.

Train how you want – sometimes ranges have rules such as not allowing you to draw from a holster. When you train at home, you make the rules.

Most important of all – you’ll be getting instant feedback on your mechanics, grip, trigger pull etc., along with suggestions to correct what you’re doing wrong.

Package contents:

TOR-X

Allen wrench

Duracell Lithium 1/3N battery

I tested the TOR-X on 3 different handguns: a Sig Sauer P320 / M17, a Springfield Armory XD, and a Springfield Armory XDS. I mainly used my Springfield XD for the purpose of this review due to the fact that I was able to get a Galco Halo belt holster from the good folks at Galco. The Halo is built to accommodate WMLs (weapon mounted lights), so I could work on drawing and shooting with the TOR-X. According to Steiner, the TOR-X fits commonly available holsters and Galco’s Halo worked flawlessly for this setup.

Installation: Installation was straightforward – just like putting any other accessory on your front rail. The TOR-X came complete with the proper-sized Allen wrench. A card inside the box has a scannable code linking it to the website with instructions.

Operation: Pressing and releasing either the right or left pressure pad will turn the laser on. Pressing it again will turn it off, although there is a 5-minute auto-off to ensure battery longevity.

Pressing and releasing both pressure pads at the same time and holding them until a blue indicator light turns on (adjacent to the battery compartment) will turn on the MantisX feature of the laser, allowing it to seamlessly be paired to your smartphone on the app via Bluetooth.  The same procedure of pressing and holding both pressure pads will turn off the Mantis feature, and the laser can be used as any other handgun laser.

TOR-X Features:

Easily reached ambidextrous pressure pads

Adjustable brightness on the laser (low, medium, and high can be cycled through by holding the pressure pad until the brightness you want is reached).  This setting will stay even if the battery dies or is removed.

Windage and elevation adjustments.

Dustproof.

Military grade / type III hard-anodized machined-aluminum housing and rail mount.

Splash-proof to IP54 standards.

Direct-diode green laser crafted to operate in extreme cold weather.

Low battery indicator.

Training: The training and drills are the same as other Mantis products, having an integrated aiming laser makes you faster on target and adds a fun dimension to your training. (You’ll never realize how unsteady your aim actually is until you look down those sights and watch that laser bounce around on your target). As you’ll see on the graphics below, although my scores were decent, I still had flaws. In the beginning of my training session, I did consistently “slap the trigger” as well as I was apparently “tightening grip,” two very common mistakes. The following graphics were what Mantis suggested I do to correct the issues.

Although humbling, I appreciate the instant feedback on my shooting. There’s no place for an ego in this sport – especially when your life depends on it. We train to improve – the TOR-X will help you improve… quickly and with laser-fast efficiency.

About Mantis: We make high-tech products that will improve your shooting. MantisX is a firearm training system that helps you shoot better by giving you real-time feedback on your shooting mechanics. 94% of shooters improve within 20 minutes of using MantisX. You can learn more about Mantis here: https://mantisx.com/

About Steiner: Since the beginning, Steiner has always focused on creating new optics technologies. Many revolutionary innovations were not only developed by Steiner, but set the standards for future products with all binocular manufacturers. Steiner Optics is a Beretta Holding Company. You can learn more about Steiner Optics here: https://www.steiner-optics.com/

Holster: Galco Holsters Halo Belt Holster