26/11/2022
I was contacted by Mantis back in September 2021 about their new Mantis Laser Academy system. They were interested in sending one out for us to review and do a write up. Well, life and covid got in the way and thanks to an email from them a couple of weeks ago I remembered to get around to opening it today. It was a good coincidence though because I recently bought a sig 365xl and haven’t taken it to the range yet, so some laser practice with a gun I haven’t shot before is an ideal first step I have never taken before.
Unboxing:
The system is packaged nicely and lets you know they took care in all aspects of the product. The “portable” kit includes your choice of laser module in .223, .357 sig, .40, .45, .380 or .38 special and a small tripod, 5x7 targets, phone holder, a laser removal stick (the instructions say to use a pencil) and a nice, zippered case for $99. Mantis sent me the “Laser Academy Training Kit-Standard” with the .45 laser cartridge. The standard kit includes everything from the portable kit and adds the target stands ($15), taller tripod and phone holder ($21.99) and 8x11 targets in addition to the 5x7 ones. I asked for them to include an additional 9mm laser ($39.97) for evaluation purposes. (All current pricing as of 11/26/2022.) The portable kit and standard kit appear to come in the same packaging and are better than I would expect for the price point. There are spaces for the additional laser modules in the storage case and a pocket for the small targets. There aren’t really any good places to store the batteries which they recommend you remove between sessions.
The included .45 module had a plastic disc between the batteries to disable them but I didn’t see that in the 9mm module.
Setup:
I was concerned at first because I couldn’t locate any instructions or booklets on how this system worked, but that’s the age showing on me. A small card directed me to the play store to download the mantis app. I am always nervous about spoof apps and a QR code linking to the app would have been a nice added touch with limited to no additional expense. The app downloaded quickly without incident. Once I opened it, I clicked on the tutorial, and it informed me that I had not enabled camera access. Again, this would have been a nice feature for the app to request any needed access during installation. I went to settings and enabled access to photos and files. After returning to the app, none of the modules would work. I closed the app and restarted it with the same result. I forced the app closed and restarted it and everything worked properly.
Once I got past the initial glitch with permissions, everything else was flawless. I have worked with several laser systems before and those all require a separate laser sensor and extensive setup. This one was very simple. The only thing that wasn’t clear immediately is setting up the targets. It appears that the small targets and large targets
have specific distances from the phone that you are supposed to use. Once that was dialed in, the setup was almost automatic.
Getting started:
The app includes several drills and 2 courses with the kit I was sent. There are several other drills you can purchase that are labeled “pro” that might be included with the full purchase. Their website includes language that with purchase you get a full access code to the Mantis Laser Academy. (a $99 value according to the website but showed to be $49.99 in my app) There are several drills with hostages, shot timing, accuracy, and even some activities that are more on the fun side like the Konami code target and the add on Die Hard expansion pack($17.99) which includes the movie specific target and some season’s greetings packing tape so you can tape your firearm between your shoulders and practice Bruce Willis’ final blow to Hans in the iconic Christmas Movie.
The app not only keeps tack of your shot placement, but also, time for first shot, between shots and elapsed time. It also has a history function that shows how much you have trained in the app over a period of time. You can set goals on how many shots per day you want to practice for a bit of personal accountability.
As far as accuracy, the laser seems to track right inline with the iron sights. I did not see any adjustment on the cartridge, as it does not index a particular way in the barrel but is just pressure fit with an o-ring. Removal is by shoving it out with the included stick or the flat end of an unsharpened pencil. (as recommended in the materials) They only drawback to practice in this manner is one not limited to the mantis system, but laser training as a whole. You must have a DAO firearm to activate the laser or you must work the action between shots. There are devices that help with this, but that runs the price up significantly.
Conclusion:
For the price, this is a great training system. It can be used in a minimal amount of space with the least setup of any laser trainer I have ever seen. If you order quick, this would make a great Christmas gift especially with the Die Hard accessory pack. -CDH Saloon
