MantisX and Steiner TOR-X Review
Steiner recently partnered up with MantisX to make the TOR-X. This rail-mounted green laser incorporates shooting data collection and feedback technology for training, all in a single unit. It can be used for dryfire training at home and then taken to the range as a “shooting coach” without the need to swap out rail accessories.
Steiner’s TOR-X comes with a card that links to a PDF of the manual online. There are also three stickers. One is a Steiner decal and the other two are laser warning labels. Most of the warnings can be summed up under the ideas of not staring into really bright lasers and not eating batteries or feeding them to others. One 1/3N Duracell is included along with the single hex wrench that is needed for mounting, adjustments, and changing the battery. The 1/3N sized cell is the same one used in the Streamlight TLR-6, so you can save some money by stocking up with the Streamlight 1/3N twelve-pack instead of buying them locally one at a time. There are also files online for a 3D printable 1/3N battery case for your range bag.
Batteries can be changed without removing the TOR-X from the firearm since the compartment is on the bottom of the unit. One thoughtful feature is that the battery compartment lid has an extra tool slot so the 1/3N cell can still be changed out when you leave the proper tool on your workbench at home. The two other hex wrench holes below and beside the battery cover are for adjusting the aim point of the laser if needed. Depending on the aim distance and how far below the barrel and sights the laser sits, this might need adjustment. If you are a new firearms laser user, this might seem confusing at first. The green laser will make a perfectly straight line toward the target and the bullet exits the barrel going straight at first. However, bullets drop along a curve due to a mix of gravity and slowing down as they push air out of the way. So, the laser’s line and the bullet’s curve will not perfectly match at every distance, which is why we adjust to the range that makes the most sense for our firearm.
The TOR-X attaches to the weapon’s front Picatinny rail with two hex screws. There is also an adjustable clamp bar that can be moved to six different positions. We tested ours on a few different pistols and found that it was necessary to adjust the position of the clamp bar to dial in the switch position to the front of the trigger guard.
But, these adjustments were worthwhile as they allowed us to set the TOR-X up so that a fully extended finger lands right where we wanted. A straight trigger finger puts us right on the power button.
There is a power button on both sides of the TOR-X and they both serve the same functions. Holding both side buttons down starts up the MantisX training features. A single press turns the laser on or off. Holding one button down cycles through the three brightness settings. The TOR-X will remember the last brightness setting selected.
The brightest laser setting is indeed extremely bright. This is across the room on the inside of the garage door, which should provide a common reference. The camera over-emphasizes the green dot in both, but you can see the relative brightness difference of the TOR-X on the left to a green laser pointer, on the right.
There are two LEDs on the bottom of the TOR-X. The red LED on the left lets you know that the laser is powered on and will start to flash when the battery is getting low. The blue LED on the right will slowly pulse until the unit pairs with the MantisX phone app.
The MantisX phone app has an activity list with a fair amount of variety. There is everything from open shooting where you make your own plans, to specific drills with guidance and feedback. The Daily Challenges can get interesting. Yesterday’s challenge was to have someone zip-tie you to a chair with your gun disassembled. Then, you have one minute to break free, put your gun back together, and get off a shot. Today’s challenge is timed with a start position of holding your phone, then dropping it to draw and shoot.
MantisX also has built-in training programs if you want more structure. These are designed as a series of escalating challenges that have to be completed before moving on to the next segment. If you do not know where to start among all the options, I would look here.
Does the MantisX actually help improve shooting? When I set aside a little time every day and practiced with the system for a few weeks, there were very noticeable improvements. I think that the ideal scenario would be to pair up MantisX dry fire practice at home with some targeted range time focusing on specific skills. If you are a newer gun owner, start with a pistol or rifle class, then use the MantisX system to build good habits early. One of the biggest things that MantisX does is make this practice more fun. The TOR-X is currently on the MantisX website for $359.
