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At IPSC Gear, we have tried almost everything on the market to improve our IPSC shooting scores. Some of it works, and gradually, we are grading up. But, as most shooters will attest, it's a slow process. Sadly. But then again, if it were easy, few of us would shoot IPSC. We'd all be shooting ISSF. :-)
Introduction
The Mantis X3 is an exceptional product we've used extensively for IPSC training. Whether for dry fire, live fire, or even CO2, the X3 delivers on all fronts. It's an innovative training system that collects thousands of data points per second, analyzing your shooting in real time. Paired with the Mantis App, this combination provides a comprehensive and user-friendly training experience that is hard to beat.
So What Exactly Is It?
The X3 is a tiny electronic device about 25mm x 25mm x 20mm (1" cube more or less) that attaches to your Picatinny rail under the barrel. You can also attach it to the base of your magazine for holster draw training. The X3 sends information to the Mantis App in real-time, where it is analyzed, and you get not just feedback but improvement suggestions tailored to your skill level.
One-of-a-Kind Training System
The X3 is genuinely one of a kind, offering unparalleled insights into your shooting technique. It helps you improve your skills by working on crucial aspects such as trigger pull, grip, and overall accuracy. This device's versatility is impressive, working seamlessly with both pistols and rifles.
Train Anywhere, Anytime
One of the standout features of the Mantis X3 is its adaptability. You can train at home or on the range, making it a perfect companion for those days when weather conditions are less than ideal. The ability to continue honing your skills regardless of external conditions is a huge advantage.
User-Friendly App
The Mantis iOS App is a brilliant tool that complements the Mantis X3 training system perfectly. The interface is intuitive, making navigating through various options and settings easy. The app is extremely user-friendly, providing precise and detailed feedback on your performance. It shows exactly what happens between the trigger press and the projectile's exit from the barrel. The app detects even the slightest movement, allowing you to see exactly what happened with each shot, identify any faults, and get suggestions for remedial actions.
Detailed Analysis and Immediate Feedback
I've used the X3 to analyze various aspects of my shooting, such as trigger control, transitions, and drawing from the holster. The drills keep you engaged and focused on quality repetitions with immediate feedback. The X3 tracks the pistol's motion, which you can view as an image or a movie, offering a detailed perspective on your technique. The Mantis iOS App further enhances this experience by comprehensively analyzing each shot. It tracks various metrics such as trigger control, grip, accuracy, and more, presenting this data visually to make it easy to see patterns and areas that need improvement.
A Minor Limitation
The only limitation I've encountered with the X3 is its inability to track my splits. This is not really the fault of the device, as the pistol doesn't stop moving when firing doubles with splits under .20 seconds. However, it still provides invaluable data on the pistol's motion, which enhances the overall training experience. I would love to see the next version be able to pick up doubles (splits). Most shooters won't care, but for IPSC (and probably law enforcement or military), the ability to track the performance of that second shot in transitions (e.g., Blake Drills) would be an absolute game-changer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mantis X3 and the Mantis iOS App make for a fantastic training system and a brilliant use of technology. They have significantly improved my training routine and provided insights that would otherwise be hard to gain. This combination is highly recommended if you're serious about improving your shooting skills. The detailed feedback, comprehensive analysis, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool for shooters of all levels.
Full Disclosure: The X3 we tested was provided to us by Mantis. That being said, we always give our honest opinion. If it was a car-chasing dog of a thing, we'd say so. And if it was 'just alright' we'd also tell it like it is. The X3 is a great piece of kit and we are happy to recommend it. We don't sell it in our store (maybe that will change one day) but we do have an affiliate link. The link won't save you any money but it will probably pay for one cup of coffee if you buy one via our link. Thank you. :-)
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