When Mantis offered to send the new Mantis TitanX ahead of its official release, I jumped at the chance. Having already spent plenty of time with the X10 Elite, I was curious how a self-contained laser training pistol with a built-in MantisX module would change the experience. The idea of a complete training system – no mounts, no adapters – was appealing, especially for anyone who doesn’t want to attach hardware to their real firearms.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been running the Glock-shaped TitanX through a mix of dry fire sessions, app drills, and quick reload exercises. What I found was a trainer that not only simplifies setup but actually makes me want to practice more often.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Mantis TitanX feels solid and realistic – it’s patterned after a Glock-style pistol but finished in a distinct shade of reddish orange that makes it unlikely to be mistaken for a real firearm. The optic-ready slide and RMR/RMS footprint give it a duty-grade vibe, and the grip texture is about right for extended training sessions. The resetting trigger is firm but smooth, with just enough take-up to feel authentic; it’s the kind of detail that keeps you engaged instead of distracted.
Charging via USB-C from a dead battery can take 2-5 hours, though pairing with the Mantis app (I already had it on my phone) took just a few seconds. Within five minutes, I was running drills in my kitchen. Until my wife took it from me and proceeded to run her own drills. Within an hour of unboxing it, I mounted a Viridian RFX42 optic so my wife could run some optic-based drills; it worked great and gave her an approachable way to practice sighted transitions. The auto-detecting magazines add a nice touch – the trainer recognizes reloads automatically, which preserves the rhythm and flow of live training without the noise or cost.
Integrated Performance
The TitanX’s biggest advantage is its integration. Because the MantisX sensor is built into the pistol, there’s no need to mount anything. That also means the data feels more seamless – trigger control, draw analysis, and follow-through are captured together. A side benefit is that now I can make jokes about my “USB Glock”, as there is a USB-C charging port where the ejection port should be.
Laser Feedback & App Pairing
The visible red laser makes dry fire feel more interactive. I don’t have access to Laser Academy, but seeing that red laser for just a moment adds a visual layer – hits, misses, and shot placement all register instantly. For me, this was most useful when working on transitions between targets. The laser gave clear feedback on timing and alignment, which the Mantis app then backed up with motion and trigger data. Adjusting the zero can be done via access holes on the front of the “slide” (see photo above).
App Experience & Drills
Pairing & App Features
Pairing the Mantis TitanX with the Mantis Pistol app is fast and intuitive – Bluetooth connects in seconds, though you need to lay the TitanX on a flat surface to let the sensor calibrate. The app records motion and trigger metrics (presentation path, wrist rotation, trigger pull, follow-through and shot timing) and provides valuable feedback on both good and poor technique. Sessions are saved for later review, so you can track progress over days and weeks. A single button on top of the “slide” controls the power, and also charging/Bluetooth status.
TitanX Drills Overview
- Holster Draw Analysis: Focuses on speed and consistency from the holster. Tests grip, draw, horizontal alignment, and trigger pull. Helps identify and refine slow or inconsistent phases of the draw.
- Holster Draw Analysis – Multiple Shots: Builds follow-up shot efficiency and fluidity. Tests your ability to maintain speed and accuracy across consecutive shots. Improves rhythm and repeatability in real-world scenarios.
- Dynamic Training: Emphasizes smooth multi-target transitions. Tests movement efficiency, over-travel, delay, and straightness between targets. Helps develop fast, accurate target engagement while minimizing wasted motion.
- Ready Up: Improves presentation from a low-ready or defensive position. Tests sight alignment, accuracy, and speed of initial shot. Builds consistent and rapid readiness for defensive or tactical situations.
- 1R1 (One-Reload-One): Focuses on reload mechanics. Tests speed, trigger control, and follow-up shot after reload. Improves efficiency under pressure and smooths magazine changes.
- Transitions Drills (El Presidente, Failure to Stop, Box, V, Pyramid, 1-5, Triple Threat): Trains multi-target engagement, sequencing, and pattern efficiency. Tests speed, target transitions, and shot placement. Enhances tactical awareness and coordinated shooting under time pressure.
- Plate Drills (Plate Alternating, Six Plate, Three Plate, Plate Transition, Plate Transition Variation): Develops rapid target acquisition and shooting accuracy across multiple small targets. Tests speed, rhythm, and target switching. Builds precision and visual focus during fast-paced drills.
How to Use the Data
These drills, when combined with the TitanX’s integrated MantisX sensor, provide instant feedback on trigger control, presentation, and movement patterns. And Mantis doesn’t let you cheat yourself. For instance, in Ready Up, it won’t activate if your muzzle isn’t pointed down enough. Practicing a few short sets per session allows shooters to steadily improve efficiency, consistency, and overall pistol skill.
Understanding the data is key. Presentation path (for consistency), trigger trace (for surprises during the press), and shot timing (for rhythm) tell part of the story. On something like Dynamic Training, you’ll see Efficiency, Transition, Over Travel, and Delay. All this data helps you focus on any shortcomings. Small, repeatable changes – such as a slightly different grip or a slower initial press – will show up in the charts. Use short, focused practice blocks (5–10 minutes) and review one metric at a time to turn app feedback into habit changes.
Running the reload drills, I learned that my follow-up shots after a reload definitely need some work. This isn’t something I usually practice much at the range, and it shows. But instead of burning hundreds of dollars in ammo, I’ll practice more at home using this laser dry fire training system, then verify real improvements on the range. By the way, the magazines are weighted to match loaded G19 magazines pretty closely. Don’t dump one on your bare foot.
Training Results
I ran plenty of “shots” across several sessions, as did my wife, daughter, and my shooting buddy. The average score climbed steadily for each of us as we reviewed the feedback. Each of us got on target faster and paid more attention to trigger control. Yes, there’s no noise, no recoil, no reciprocating slide that you get with live fire. But the TitanX makes you more aware of small inconsistencies, like how my grip shifted slightly after a fast reload.
My wife also used the TitanX with the Viridian optic for drills; she found it an approachable way to practice sighted transitions and build confidence before moving to live fire. She just had hand surgery, and can’t rack a slide with her weak hand. But she can practice presentation and transitions to her heart’s content, all in the comfort of our home. When she’s ready for live fire, she’ll have a good foundation with an optic vs irons.
Who It’s For
The TitanX firearms training system is ideal for anyone serious about improving their pistol skills without burning through ammo. It’s also perfect for new shooters, since it’s 100% safe but realistic enough to build confidence before handling a live firearm. Instructors will appreciate how easy it is to demonstrate proper technique using visible laser feedback and app data.
Pros
- Integrated MantisX – no mounts or adapters
- Works with free Mantis app (Laser Academy optional)
- Realistic trigger and weight
- Auto-detecting mags streamline reload drills
- Optic-ready slide for realism
- Strong value at the $199 price point
Cons
- No simulated recoil (by design)
- Limited to pistol-only training
- Full Laser Academy access costs extra
Verdict
If the X10 Elite gave shooters a smarter way to train, the TitanX makes that process effortless. It strips away the setup and focuses purely on the learning. For $199, it’s an incredibly capable laser training gun that bridges the gap between tech and trigger time. It won’t replace live fire, nothing will, but it absolutely makes every round you do shoot count more.
I can confidently say this is the easiest way yet to bring Mantis-level coaching into your everyday training routine. Though it’s Glock-shaped, and I don’t own an actual Glock, I heard rumors of a Sig P365 version in the works. Which makes it even better. For now, I’m pairing it with their Blackbeard X system for the AR for pistol and rifle training.
As always, I’d like to thank the folks at Mantis for giving me early access to try out their latest laser dry fire training system. The Mantis TitanX laser training pistol is clearly the next evolution in the product line, and one that I expect will be very popular. For more details, head over to the TitanX page on the Mantis website.