The new Steiner TOR-X Laser with integrated MantisX hardware is possibly the ideal dry and live-fire training device. It combines two great brands into a single product whose whole is more than the sum of its parts. Externally, it’s not unlike the Steiner Optics TOR Mini laser. Except that inside, it’s got the MantisX hardware for next-level training. Together, this is an outstanding collaboration. If you’re not familiar with Mantis, you may want to read my review of the Mantis X10 Elite. This is a comprehensive training system that is easy to use, yet extensive in its capabilities.
Steiner TOR-X Construction and Specifications
I’m not sure that Steiner needs much introduction, as they have been producing military-grade gear for several decades. They’re mostly known for their optics and lasers, with a product line that spans across scopes, binoculars, lasers, illuminators, thermal imaging, and more. If you are looking for the highest quality in any of those categories, you’re probably shopping Steiner. And the TOR-X is no exception.
Each Steiner TOR-X features a military-grade aluminum housing with a Type III hardcoat finish. Weight comes in at 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams, with a battery installed. Inside is a green (520 nm) laser, for better daytime visibility, and a longer effective range in lower light levels. A direct diode-type laser was chosen for reliable operation in the coldest weather conditions. Of course, it’s protected against water and dust ingress up to IP54 standards. No swimming with it, but a little rain won’t hurt it. Keeping that laser company is the MantisX hardware.
MantisX Hardware (and Software)
Central to the Steiner TOR-X is the MantisX multi-axis accelerometer. It’s a small device similar to the ones found in our phones today. It senses movement in all directions, which is critical for the function of the MantisX products. Some very robust software interprets that movement data, which is passed via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet. During use, it will analyze what is happening up to, during, and immediately after the trigger is pulled.
While the Mantis X10 Elite is powered by a USB rechargeable battery, the Steiner TOR-X uses a 3V, 1/3 N-sized battery. I’ve found these to provide a fair amount of run-time in similar devices, but I didn’t have the Steiner TOR-X long enough to fully test the battery life. Due to my limited time with the Steiner TOR-X, I wasn’t able to collect a bunch of screenshots. But I do have a few to share. They demonstrate some of the feedback the device can provide. And the free software gets upgrades too, improving and expanding on the content. A link to my original review can be found at the end of this article as well.
Steiner TOR-X Functions and Controls
On either side of the Steiner TOR-X is a large button for ambidextrous activation. Pressing either one turns on the bright green laser. The same one as in the TOR MINI, which is “Designed to expose, blind and target with maximum impact.” Holding both buttons at the same time allows pairing via Bluetooth. This mode is identified by the tiny flashing blue LED on the underside. Pinching them at the same time shuts the device off. That’s it for the controls – everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Installation and Setup of the Steiner TOR-X
Many lights or lasers have some sort of system for attachment that allows for variable fore-aft positioning. Steiner doesn’t mess with plastic, or a sliding system. Instead, there is a steel pin that fits in a Picatinny or Weaver slot on your firearm. There are sets of holes on either side of the clamp for this pin. Although this makes the installation process a bit slower, it’s the kind of robust design you would expect from Steiner. It’s not coming off until the user wants to remove it, and it sure isn’t going to shift under recoil. Once the correct position of the lug to the rail is determined, just tighten it down snugly.
On the right side and the bottom of the unit are holes for a very small Allen key. These are used for adjusting the windage and elevation of the laser. After installation, zero the laser at your preferred distance. Once that is done, it’s time to pair to the app and run some drills.
Pairing and Using the Mantis X App
As mentioned earlier, pairing is done by simply holding both buttons at the same time, until the blue LED starts flashing. After connecting, there is a little housekeeping that needs to be done. Calibrating is as simple as setting the firearm on a flat surface while the MantisX does its thing. You’ll also need to specify whether you’re using a handgun or long arm. From there, select right or wrong (southpaw) hand. There are several Shot Detection Modes, including live and dry-fire. Digging deeper, there are options for single and double action, CO2 blowback, and more. Mount Direction and Mount Location are more for the other Mantis products – the Steiner TOR-X should be mounted facing forward, and Bottom (under the firearm).
With all the setup done, hit the Train option, and choose one of the many current training drills and courses available. Most are self-explanatory: Open Training, Shot Timer, Par Timer, a few Benchmarks, Endurance, Compressed Surprise Break, Primary or Support Hand drills, as well as Decision, Reload, Cadence, and more. I posted a screenshot of the Drills farther up in this article. Here are the courses:
Training with MantisX
My experience is that the MantisX is pretty much like having a trainer attached to your firearm. Except that it doesn’t blink, never misses a critical detail, and won’t turn its back for a moment. It’s analyzing constantly, and far more than you can imagine. The feedback is excellent, and if you doubt the capabilities of the MantisX, I suggest you try one. Purposely using some bad form will yield an accurate evaluation. In one test, it told us that our grip was too tight, too loose, too much finger on the trigger, not enough finger on the trigger, and more. All this based on where the muzzle is pointed as you fire, or dry fire. And it’s very accurate.
Some Final Thoughts on the Steiner TOR-X
If you are interested in improving your marksmanship, this is one of the most effective ways you can do so. Use it with live rounds at the range, or dry-firing during those long conference calls while working from home. The drills are challenging enough that it’s easy to stay engaged, and you’ll want to progress through them. The assessment of not only trigger pull and staying on target, but your draw too, is invaluable. And it goes on to suggest the cause of the issue as well. So it can correct bad habits and help create better ones. Retailing for $359, you’re not likely to find a better value in firearms training. Wrapping it up in a durable housing from Steiner, with the laser, is just icing on the Steiner TOR-X cake.
As always, I’d like the thank the folks at Mantis (and Steiner) for providing the new Steiner TOR-X for some quick testing and evaluation. If you’re interested in getting your own, head over to the Mantis website. And if you’re not sure yet, maybe check out my earlier review of the Mantis X10 Elite, to get an idea of what it can do.