One of the hardest aspects of training is improving to the next level in the absence of a certified firearms instructor. The Mantis X10 Elite is a product that has hit the market, and hopes to solve that issue. We’ve had it in house for over a month now, and this article is going to cover down on our experiences.

Throughout the article, keep in mind that we have trained with the X10 on rifles and pistols. We’ve also used it extensively for dry-fire purposes, and have had it on the range for a number of live-fire experiences as well. Depending on your situation, the X10 may not be the product you need. Mantis also sells similar products with fewer features. These similar products are tailored more towards users who have different training needs.

Jarrad Markel Training X10 Elite

Training is Continuous.

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First and foremost, allow me to preface this article with one simple fact. Training is continuous. Firearms work is a lot like flying, or working out. It’s a perishable skill-set that you either use or lose. One of the best ways to train is with a qualified and reputable firearms instructor. Steel sharpens steel, so to speak. No one here is going to argue that the Mantis X10 Elite is superior to working with a good instructor.

That said, in the absence of a certified firearms instructor, you may find it difficult to train and improve. Training established skill-sets does improve your muscle memory, and it also keeps your abilities sharp. If you’re doing something wrong however, there is no instant feedback to push you past your limits. Training with a bad habit can create training scars that are a detriment to your improvement. That’s why we think tools from the world of technology are going to be the thing that pushes shooters to new limits.

You don’t always have access to a firearms instructor. You don’t always have access to ammunition. Sometimes, you may not even have access to a suitable outdoor space for training. Enter the Mantis X10 Elite. A tool that will help you overcome all of those obstacles, and keep your training continuous.

What is the Mantis X10 Elite?

Mantis X10 Elite Live Fire Training

The Mantis X10 Elite is one of a number of Mantis X products. It is a tool that attaches to the accessory slot, or picatinny rail of the weapon of your choosing. Once attached, you pair with a mobile application that uses the device to gather thousands of data points from your shooting drills. These data-points are then translated into the app, which gives you instant feedback on how to improve your shooting.

Essentially speaking the X10 Elite is like having your own miniature firearms instructor directly in your pocket. It won’t complain about the time of day, and it certainly won’t complain about the weather and cancel on you. The Mantis X10 Elite is a tool that you can use to truly keep your training continuous, while simultaneously improving yourself in new ways.

Important Product Notes.

  • MSRP: $249.99
  • Dimensions: 1.3″ x 1″ x 0.75″ LxWxH.

Comes With:

  • Mantis X10 Elite Sensor.
  • BR7 Barrel Mount Picatinny Rail for Rifles and Shotguns.
  • USB Charging Cable.
  • Mantis X10 Case + Foam Insert.
  • Quick Start Insert with Instructions for Mobile App.

 

How Does the Mantis X10 Elite Work?

As stated before, the X10 Elite attaches to the front of whatever weapon system you choose to train on. It does this either via the accessory rail, or through one of a number of picatinny attachments. Once attached and paired with the mobile app, the device gathers a ton of data from the weapon it is attached to. We’re not entirely sure what all of this data is, but it appears to be some sort of haptic feedback system.

What that translates to in your training is this. You select a drill, or choose to free-fire in the mobile app. Once that’s done, you begin training, and the app gives you constant feedback with every pull of the trigger. Is your grip loose? The app detects that. Are you pushing too much with your firing hand? App knows about it. Slapping the trigger? Yeah, it tells you to fix that too.

This is some sort of black-magic that we wouldn’t be able to recreate, but we know for a fact that it’s pretty darn accurate. In our live-fire training, we made some of these mistakes on purpose to see if the app and device would pick it up. The Mantis X10 Elite was able to pick it up almost every single time.

Mantis X10 Elite Results

How Does the Mantis X10 Elite Stack Up?

Honestly, the Mantis X10 Elite is a no-brainer. If you consider yourself an eternal student, this is a tool that you will find impossibly invaluable. The honest truth of the situation is this. You’re not always going to have direct access to a firearms instructor. Jarrad’s Dad is a certified firearms instructor, and even he doesn’t have constant access to one. The X10 Elite steps in on those days where you want to train, and acts as a tool that keeps you shooting straight.

More importantly, the tool keeps you honest with yourself. If you know you threw a shot, the Mantis tells you that you threw it. Not only does it tell you that you threw that shot, it records that shot so you can see it later, acting almost as a shot journal.

On top of this, the mobile app comes packed full of training drills that will help you push your boundaries. Dry-fire training with the Mantis X10 Elite is an incredible experience. Normally, when you conduct dry-fire training you’re doing simple tasks. Mag drills. Holstering and un-holstering. Sight acquisition. Target transitions. That’s pretty much your limit. If you’re doing this with a snap cap and taking those first shots, then you’re already a step ahead of the game. Add in the X10 though, and you’ll know from more than just your intuition if the shot you took would have had first round impacts, or if it would have been a total whiff.

Saved Rounds.

At the end of the day, I can’t make you train any harder. I also can’t make you invest almost $250 into a tool you’ve never experienced for yourself. That said, chances are that if you’re here with us on SotG, you like to improve yourself. Watching YouTube videos, reading posts like this, and arguing with anonymous keyboard warriors on Facebook aren’t going to help you improve.

The X10 Elite will, and you should strongly consider giving their product line an honest look. You can find them at this link.

Rifle Training Mobile App

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jbrooks@full30.com'

Josh

Staff Writer and Student at Student of the Gun
Josh Brooks is a member of the Student of the Gun community with 8 years of combat experience as an infantry machine gunner in the United States Marine Corps. He has served throughout the Global War on Terror in both Iraq and Afghanistan, has published works on multiple platforms, and is the lead editor for Full30.com.
jbrooks@full30.com'

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