Video Demo
Features
The TitanX is a laser training pistol with a MantisX sensor built into it. When connected to the included MantisX Pistol/Rifle app, it generates real-time data from the pistol's movement. The movement data is analyzed to generate feedback every time you press the trigger. The app features muzzle trace data that helps improve your shooting skills.
TitanX works with the Mantis Laser Academy app to show shot placement if you already have the kit and full access. We’ve tested it extensively on our own, and it is a wonderful training aid. You can use it without the app, too, and the laser will provide visual feedback only.
The laser pistol comes with blacked-out front and rear sights. There is a shiny circle on the front and a U-notch on the back, both of which you could paint if desired. I’m guessing Mantis did this so you can customize the color to your personal preference.
It’s also optics-ready, which is a nice feature. You can mount any optic that uses an RMR/Shield RMS/RMSc footprint. That’s a big win in the growing market of handgun optics.
Although it has fixed sights, you can adjust the laser for elevation and windage. According to Mantis, the laser was sighted in during production and should not need adjustment when practicing at a target distance of approximately 15 feet. Mine was hitting slightly to the right at that distance, so I adjusted it, and it was easy to do.
The resetting trigger lets you shoot repeatedly without racking the slide, unlike traditional dry fire. It feels realistic, with pre-travel take-up, a break, and a reset to a wall. This is a huge step above normal dry-fire tools that require you to manually reset the trigger after each shot.
Included are two weighted magazines, and it also accepts real Glock mags. TitanX has a magazine detection sensor, and when paired with the Mantis Pistol/Rifle app, you can even run reload drills. While there are no live rounds, you can select your magazine capacity, the number of shots for each magazine, and get a prompt to reload.
Other cool features include an accessory rail, a reversible magazine release button, and USB-C charging, so you don’t have to mess with batteries.
Dry-Fire Testing
“You should be dry firing more,” I whisper to myself. Even though I know dry-fire practice makes me a better shooter, I still struggle with consistency from time to time.
I love a gadget that solves a real problem I have, so when given the chance to test the TitanX out early, it was a no-brainer. Of course, you don’t need anything extra to dry fire, but I find the tools make it more fun, which makes me more likely to do it.
Right away, I noticed that the TitanX feels like a real pistol. It’s similar to my Glocks. Everything feels realistic, from the frame and the grip to the weight. It doesn’t feel like a toy at all. It feels substantial in the hands, and the grip texture is decently aggressive. The trigger is also realistic, with take-up, break, and reset. If anything, it might be a little nicer than my actual Glock triggers.
I like that you can pick up the TitanX, point, shoot, and get visual laser feedback without connecting to the app. Since it’s inert, I would feel comfortable leaving it on my dining room table, so I’m more likely to pick it up and get some reps in every day.
Here’s a look at how it works with the app.
However, connecting this training pistol to the Mantis Pistol/Rifle app is where it really shines. I’ve used this app for years with my Mantis X10 Elite and rifle-based BlackbeardX. The feedback is instant, and if you’re struggling with something, there are tutorials to help you improve.
The app is full of drills and courses to keep you dry-firing – everything from basic shot timers and reload drills to hostage scenarios. Mantis has added several exclusive TitanX drills, too, like 1R1, El Presidente, and Transitions.
The holster draw analysis is very helpful, especially since you can do multiple follow-up shots with the resetting trigger. I own a Glock 19, and the TitanX (Glock 17 size) happens to fit perfectly in my open-bottom holster.
I’ve had a lot of fun with the TitanX over the past week. I didn’t have access to the new drills yet, but I’m looking forward to trying them out. The resetting trigger, in particular, is a game-changer for more realistic training.
I think this setup is great for experienced shooters who want an inert pistol to keep their skills sharp. It’s also a helpful teaching tool for new shooters and those hesitant to start. At $199 MSRP, it’s an investment, but the ammo savings alone make the price just right.
You’ll spend far more on ammo just to get this kind of training on a live-fire range, and you won’t receive the training tips and feedback that the Mantis Pistol/Rifle app provides along the way.
Pros & Cons
Here’s my short list of the pros and cons for the new Mantis TitanX:
Pros:
- Affordable at just $199
- Can be used with or without apps
- Comes with two auto-detecting weighted mags
- Reversible magazine release
- Optics-ready with an RMR/Shield RMS/RMSc footprint
- USB-C charging (no batteries needed)
Cons:
- Glock platform only, for now
-
Cannot train malfunctions
Final Thoughts
I’m partial to gadgets, so I had a feeling I’d enjoy using the TitanX. I was right.
If you’re looking for a safe, inert training pistol, Mantis got it right with this one. The integration of the MantisX sensor and the app makes this a fun and valuable training aid you can use over and over again, right in your own home.
