TFB Review: MantisX TitanX Laser Training Pistol
I was one of the lucky few to receive a TitanX to test before it was officially released. So I’ve been putting it through the ringer in my living room for the last few months. I’ve discovered a lot to love about it, but I also see room for improvement in some areas.
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Laser training is a safe alternative to live fire practice when you don’t have the time or money to get out to the range as often as you need to keep your skills in peak form. The TitanX is an inert laser training pistol with a realistic Glock feel, auto-resetting trigger, and ability to provide instant accuracy, draw, and dynamic shooting feedback.
It’s helped me to improve my accuracy and teach my daughter how to safely shoot a pistol. The TitanX has also made for some really fun family time.
Specs & What’s Included
- 650nm, 60ms, Class 3R - Red Laser
- TitanX 700 (Emulates the functional features of a Glock 17)
- TitanX 701 (Emulates the functional features of a Glock 19)
- TitanX 702 (Emulates the functional features of a Glock 45)
- More models are being developed
- Compatible with Matis Laser Academy App (sold Separately) and MatisX App
- Custom EVA carry case, two weighted mages, USB-C charging cable, optic-ready (not compatible with all red dot sights) with a RMR/Shield RMS/RMSc footprint
Pros & Cons
Below are the benefits and drawbacks I’ve discovered while testing the TitanX over the last few months.
Pros
- Safely train anywhere, any time
- Realistic pistol feel
- Save money on ammo
- Instant feedback on a number of shooting skills
- Almost like having a shooting instructor with you at all times
Cons
- Doesn’t include everything you need to get started
- Wouldn’t initially connect to my phone
- No recoil
- Only available in Glock models (for now)
First Impressions: TitanX Laser Dry Fire Training System
At first, I thought the price was a little high, but then I realized how quickly I can go through $200 worth of ammo, plus the cost of a shooting instructor. After using the TitanX a couple of times, I decided $200 is a worthy investment.
When I first opened the box, I was impressed with how nice the case is, considering I’ve purchased more expensive firearms that didn’t come in as nice a case (or case at all).
However, I quickly realized I would need to print or purchase targets, a target holder, and a phone tripod to use the TitanX laser training gun. I then encountered a problem connecting my phone to the TitanX, but the very helpful customer service resolved it within a minute. All I had to do was turn on Bluetooth permissions for the Mantis app in my phone's settings (they were off by default).
Once those minor inconveniences were overcome, it was time to grab the TitanX firearms training system and begin testing it.
Look & Feel
I appreciate that Mantis didn’t try to make the TitanX indistinguishable from a real firearm. From a distance, it could be confused for a bright red Glock, but once you see it up close and get your hands on it, you can clearly tell it’s a laser pistol, not a firearm.
I’m not saying that it doesn’t provide a reasonably realistic feel while using it, because it feels pretty good in my hands (even though I’m not a Glock fan). It’s close enough to the real thing to allow for excellent training, without causing you to accidentally grab it when you need your concealed carry pistol.
The weighted mags provide a realistic weight for a typical pistol, but once removed, you can easily tell the rest of the TitanX is all polymer because it’s very lightweight. Still, the removable mags (two included) let you practice reloads (which I haven’t seen in other laser pistols).
Testing Experience
My first time using the TitanX, I was astonished at just how much feedback it provided when paired with the Mantis Pistol/Rifle app. It was almost (but not quite) as good as having a coach or shooting instructor standing next to me.
My phone tracked where I hit the target, time in between shots, and a ton of other helpful information, which I could then use to adjust my grip, stance, or technique. The app also has drills that have helped me improve my pistol skills faster than I ever thought possible.
One of the things I was most excited about with the TitanX was teaching my daughter how to shoot in a safe environment. Since it doesn’t recoil and doesn’t use live ammo, she was much more open to using it than one of my pistols. We’ve had several great family nights, competing to get the highest score on a drill and training together.
As someone who trains to keep my concealed carry skills sharp, I wasn’t sure if I was maximizing the TitanX’s potential. So I invited a buddy who’s a firearms instructor over to test it out and get his thoughts. He absolutely loves it. After using mine, he wanted one for his classes.
However, we both agreed that it would be even better if it provided an artificial recoil. How Mantis would be able to do this is above my engineering capabilities, but I do believe it’s possible.
I found that the laser dry-fire training system doesn’t work well in direct sunlight because my phone had trouble detecting where the laser struck the target. It still needs a well-lit area to identify the target, but just know you can overdo it, as it’s definitely intended for indoor use.
Overall, I’ve been blown away by the quality and performance of the Mantis TitanX laser pistol. It’s an incredibly helpful tool for new and experienced shooters.
Parting Shots: MantisX TitanX Laser Training Pistol Review
Whether you need to master the basics of pistol shooting (we can all improve), drawing from a holster, or overcome a bad habit like pulling your shots (that’s me), the TitanX can do all of it and more.
I don’t believe it should replace your shooting instructor or live fire training. But when used in conjunction with other training methods, you’ll see vast improvement in your pistol shooting abilities, at least I have in the last few months of training with it.
The MantisX TitanX is well worth the $200 because you’ll save well over that on ammo and range fees in the first month of training with it.
Growing up in rural Oklahoma has given me the privilege of hunting and shooting my entire life. I built a shooting range to sight-in my deer rifles and send some lead downrange with my pistols.
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Actual dry fire/dry practice is better than one of these gimmicks. Don’t waste your money.