Anyone else using a mantis for training?

I've had mine for a couple of weeks now. I'm not using all of its features, but the three things I've been working on have improved a lot:

* Trigger pull is now in the mid-high 90s. Found several little things I was doing inefficiently. Can't wait to try this live fire at the range.
* My draw-to-first-shot (well, click, because I'm dry firing) has gone from 1.37 to .81. I won't know until the range if that's an A zone hit, but I'll bet it is... the dot is overlayed on the target when I hear the click.
* Compressed surprise break - Press trigger as quickly and as correctly as possible on a random delayed start signal.

The holster draw has been really helpful for getting the time down. The X10 app breaks the draw up into five phases and gives times for each. I was wasting a lot of time at the end (confirming / overconfirming sight picture before trigger pull). The Mantis is MUCH better than a shot timer because I know how long I spent in each phase (establishing grip, pulling from holster, moving to horizontal, etc), instead of just a par time or hoping the shot timer hears you pull the trigger (dry fire again).

Highly recommended.

Anyone tried their Blackbeard for AR style rifles?

Great tips! Thanks! Moves that up on my list!

I have the Mantis X and try to use it at few times a week. Thought it was going to be gimmicky and it turned out to be a great training tool. Great way to build new shooters confidence also.

The Blackbeard is awesome!

I have the regular Blackbeard with red laser. Blackbeard X was not out when I got mine. The Blackbeard X is the regular Blackbeard with the Mantis X built it. I will say that would be nice as my Mantis X works great on pistol, but doesn’t catch every “shot” when using it on my AR. A lot of laser reactive targets available from multiple companies. Works with the Mantis Laser Academy as well. I will say it’s fun to “ clear your house “ with the Blackbeard. Have someone set targets and then let everyone else go on with life. Make the corner laser tag the target not the kid or wife! No mag or BSG in it, so perfectly safe.

I got the original Mantis X and it is a great tool. Recommend it whenever I can. I don't get a chance to get to the range much, but can get feedback on dry fire at home with it. I definitely see my dry fire practice translate to live fire when I get to the range. My pistol accuracy has been helped a lot, especially once I paired it with a Coolfire system. I even have a second slide for pistol, just so I can very quickly switch out for the Coolfire. I have the Original Blackbeard and only recently got a BlackbeardX battery pack, but I am having trouble with the new battery pack. Does not seem to be able to provide correct amperage for the bolt. Email out to Mantis.
The original Mantis X does not turn on the draw analysis in the app, might have to upgrade, or just buy another one. It is nice that they offer upgrade programs.

A couple of things. I love the Mantis system for dry fire practice. Having immediate feedback on shot placement and time is great; and also comparing historical performance is very useful. Another benefit I didn't consider is the added peace of mind the laser adds. While the laser is in the barrel you can't accidentally feed a live round (not that I'd ever rely on that as opposed to the universal safety rules, just an added layer.)

My P365 holster relies on the TLR-6 light for retention so I can't add the X system... but hearing the above benefits has me thinking.

love my mantis, have done pretty much all of the pistol training courses. have all the little morale patches they send for completion lol. while it is useful its still not 100% accurate with live fire. now i need to finish the rifle courses with the blackbeard

I have the Mantis X and use it dry firing my Springfield Hellcat. It has helped tons with trigger control. I can see the red dot when the gun clicks, and the app gives a tone for hit or miss.
But I can't practice trigger reset dry firing because the trigger doesn't reset without cycling the slide. So I need to go to the range to practice "OFF AND ON, eeeeeasy". When I work on the reset at the range next time, I plan on using the Mantis X with live fire.
I mainly use the Mantis X for trigger control and out of battery reload.
The product is great quality. It's rechargeable and the charge lasts plenty long. I haven't had any trouble with it.

aaaaand my blackbeard just died :(

I've had mine for over a year now and it's worth the upfront cost.

I use Mantis on my pistol and I have the Blackbeard system on my AR. Both are very helpful. I've had it for a few months and I still have not gone through all the training on the app. I'm just focusing on getting more consistent with the basics and being able to take that to the range for live five.