Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: What is the difference between the MantisX Shooting Performance System, Laser Academy, and Blackbeard?
A: MantisX is a motion-based shooting system that analyzes movement during the firing process. Based on this movement, the system is able to give you feedback on likely errors in your technique and what you might be doing to cause those errors. Think of it as a diagnostic tool, like a study guide, that you continue to use to improve until it is time for the test.
Laser Academy gives you point of impact data while dry-fire training with your firearm. It will give you hit locations, the time between shots, and scores depending on the target used. Laser Academy is the test. Obtain sight picture, press the trigger, and if you are getting great scores, you know all the work you put into the study guide paid off. If not, get back to the study guide.
Blackbeard's base function is to reset the trigger in AR-15 rifles without breaking your form to rack the charging handle while practicing in a dry fire scenario. The laser-enabled variants allow use with various laser-based training systems, including Mantis Laser Academy.
Q: Will your product automatically reset the trigger on my firearm?
A: Yes, for Blackbeard. Otherwise, MantisX and Laser Academy will not automatically reset the trigger on firearms that are not double action. As such, manually resetting the trigger for each shot will be required.
A: Please consult the owner's manual for your firearm. If the owner's manual does not specify, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of your firearm. In cases where the firearm may be damaged or unsafe as a result of dry fire, using dummy rounds is usually a safe solution. Please contact sales@mantisx.com to purchase dummy rounds.
A: Yes, in our in our knowledge center you can find information about how to get the most out of our products, app updates, and general firearms training information.
MantisX Shooting Performance System
A: Yes. The quick attachment system makes it easy to move the sensor from one platform to the next.
Q: What if my gun doesn’t have a rail?
Q: How long is the battery life on the MantisX Shooting Performance System (X2, X3, X7, X8, and X10 Elite)?
Q: Is my Mantis X supposed to have different colored LED's? The instruction guide says I should have three lights.
A: The original Mantis X had three lights. Gen 2 models (X2, X3, X7, X8, and X10 Elite) have one light and this light is turned off when the battery reaches a full charge.
Q: How do I know if the X3, X7, or X10 is fully charged?
Q: Will MantisX fit in my holster?
Q: Will this really help me improve?
Q: What devices are compatible with the MantisX app?
A: The MantisX app is available in the Apple App store, the Google Play store, and the Amazon Store. It will work on most modern tablets and smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, etc.) that support Bluetooth 4.1+ (with Bluetooth Low Energy support). Also, the operating system version must meet a minimum version requirement (currently 11.0+ for iOS and 5.0+ for Android, this is subject to change.)
If you're looking for an inexpensive tablet that works great with the MantisX, we sell the Kindle Fire on our store.
Q: Why does my Mantis sensor fall off during live fire?
Q: What batteries does the MantisX take?
A: The MantisX has a rechargeable battery that is not user serviceable. It is charged by a micro USB cable and lasts 8 to 10 hours on a charge.
Q: What calibers does MantisX work with?
A: MantisX works on any caliber of firearm, including harsh recoiling firearms. It's very tough - and if it fails during normal use, we'll repair or replace it for you within the two year warranty period. See our torture testing here.
Q: How can I add notes to a session?
A: Tap on the note icon in the lower right hand corner on any of the diagnostic screens.
Q: Does MantisX work on both pistols and rifles?
A: Yes - MantisX has settings for being used with either a pistol or a rifle.
Q: Does MantisX support live fire and dry fire?
A: The X3, and X10 support both life and dry fire. The X2 is dry fire only. Read more about dry fire detection.
Q: Can I use the same sensor with multiple smartphones/tablets?
A: Yes! You can use the same MantisX with any gun or phone you own (though the sensor can only connect to one smart device at a time). You can also share your MantisX with your friends, although they might not give it back.
Q: I don't like to rack the slide/charge the bolt between shots during dry fire practice.
A: We have a solution for the AR-15, with more to come. Contact us for other options.
Q: Does the MantisX app work on Android and iOS and Kindle Fire?
A: Yes. Play Store, Apple Store, Amazon Store.
Q: Does the MantisX app work on both tablets and smartphones?
A: Yes
Q: How does the MantisX stack up against other dry fire training systems?
A: We’ve created a dry fire system comparison page that lays out what you get from some of the top systems on the market to help you make an informed purchase.
Q: Do I need Smart targets to use the MantisX Shooting Performance system?
A: No. While you can use Smart Targets, these targets are designed for our Laser Academy system. The "smart" aspect of these targets is not integrated with the Shooting Performance System app.
Q: Is the MantisX Shooting Performance System compatible with SIRT pistols?
A: Yes, MantisX gen 2 (X2, X3, X10) is compatible with SIRT pistols. Be sure to enable the "SIRT / DFM" firing mode under SETTINGS > Shot Detection Mode > More > SIRT / DFM. The original MantisX was not designed with SIRT pistols in mind, but it will work in most cases by enabling High Sensitivity mode.
Q: Is the MantisX Shooting Performance System compatible with DryFireMag trigger reset magazines?
A: Yes, MantisX gen 2 (X2, X3, X10) is compatible with DryFireMag (DFM) magazines. Be sure to enable the "SIRT / DFM" firing mode under SETTINGS > Shot Detection Mode > More > SIRT / DFM. The original MantisX was not designed with SIRT pistols in mind, but it will work in most cases by enabling High Sensitivity mode.
Q: What do the red rings in the trace view mean?
A: Each red circle of the simulated target represents a certain degree of movement away from the point of impact for a shot. By locating the white X and identifying the nearest ring, you can estimate the degree of movement that occurred to cause the point of impact to deviate from the point of aim. The center ring of the simulated target in the Trace View represents 1/16th degree (3.75 MOA) of deviation. Each ring after the first represents 1/8th degree (7.5 MOA) of deviation.
What this movement means on target will depend on the distance between the firearm and the target. These linked charts (20 yard | 100 yard) provide a reference that can be used to estimate the possible outcome of the shot for a given distance between the shooter/firearm and the target.
Blackbeard Trigger Reset System
A: Sight height over bore for most firearms will result in the point of impact being lower than the point of aim at shorter ranges. At very close distances, this difference can be significant. Getting the laser dot to match the sights is likely physically impossible because the laser movement is restricted by the bore of the rifle. Even if it were physically possible, setting the laser Point of Impact (POI) to match the Point of Aim (POA) at close ranges is not going to replicate the relationship between POA and POI that you will experience with live ammo. Because of this, we do not view this physical limitation to be a negative. - That being said, if you have a reason for matching POA and POI, you can simulate this setup by using our Laser Academy system via modifications to the SHOOT TO CALIBRATE feature.
Q: What is this beautiful device (aka Blackbeard)?
A: Blackbeard resets the trigger of your firearm (currently supporting most AR-15 and Sig MCX rifles,) so you can train without using all of your ammo, and without manually resetting the trigger after each shot.
Q: Which configuration/laser is best for my needs?
A: Get the non-laser version if you do not plan to use a laser enabled training system.
Get the red laser version if you want a visual signature and/or you plan to train with a laser based training system (such as Laser Academy).
Get the green laser version for increased visible distance over the red laser variant. In equal lighting conditions, you can see the green laser at further distances than the red laser. This version is also compatible with Laser Academy.
Get the IR laser version if you are using an IR-based training system or if you are using night vision.
Q: How do I adjust the laser?
A: There are two screws located on the side of the Blackbeard housing. These are accessible through the ejection port when Blackbeard is installed in the rifle. See this guide.
Q: Can I turn off the laser?
A: There is no "off" mode for the laser. However, a tactical barrel plug (tissue paper) can be used to block the laser if desired. Be sure to remove any barrel obstructions when you're done training to avoid catastrophic failure and possible injury during live fire.
Q: Why can't I see the IR laser?
A: Infrared (IR) light is not visible to the unaided eye.
Q: Can I change the laser color later?
A: No. The laser components are not modular.
Q: Do the laser-enabled variants of Blackbeard work with Laser Academy?
A: The Red and Green laser variants are compatible with Laser Academy. The IR variant is not compatible.
Q: Is Blackbeard compatible with my rifle?
A: For Blackbeard AR-15, if the receiver accepts standard AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups, triggers, and magazines, then Blackbeard is very likely to be compatible. We have run into a few cases where unusual trigger hammer profiles are incompatible, but this is uncommon. The system does not interface with the chamber. As such, non-223/5.56 chambers should work without issue.
For Blackbeard MCX firearms, if the firearm is a Sig MCX using OEM parts, then Blackbeard is expected to be compatible. Blackbeard may work with non-OEM parts, but Blackbeard MCX product testing was conducted with MCX firearms using OEM parts.
Q: Is Blackbeard compatible with firearms built using an 80% lower?
A: Due to potential deviation from specifications that may result from loose or inaccurate jigs and other variables during the completion of an 80% kit, we cannot guarantee compatibility. If an 80% lower receiver is finished correctly in spec, then Blackbeard should be compatible with that lower.
Q: Is Blackbeard available for PCC?
A: If your PCC receiver accepts standard AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups, triggers, and magazines, then Blackbeard AR-15 is very likely to be compatible. Otherwise, a PCC version of Blackbeard is not available at the present time.
Q: Is there a Blackbeard for pistols?
A: Not at the present time.
Q: Does Blackbeard connect to the MantisX app?
A: Yes and no. Blackbeard original will only reset the trigger and emit a laser shot for laser-enabled models. The new (as of Oct 2022) BlackbeardX will connect to the Mantis Pistol/Rifle app and provide shot feedback data. Alternatively, a Mantis X2, X3, or X10 can be used in conjunction with the original Blackbeard to collect data in the Pistol/Rifle app.
Q: Do I need Smart Targets to use Blackbeard?
A: No. Smart Targets are primarily intended for use with Mantis Laser Academy.
Q: Do I have to use MantisX to use Blackbeard?
A: No. Using MantisX in conjunction with Blackbeard is encouraged but not required.
Q: What is the max distance Blackbeard can be used at?
A: This depends on the users eyes (or the laser targeting system being used), the surface being shot, and the ambient light. The brighter the ambient light, the shorter the max distance the laser is visible at.
Q: Why can't I have it in the EU?
A: Due to regulatory requirements, we are unable to ship laser-enabled products to any country in the European Union (EU). The standard (non-laser) Blackbeard is available to ship to the EU.
Q: When can I purchase spare Blackbeard or BlackbeardX magazine packs so I can train for reloads?
A: Yes. Both are available on our website now. See the Blackbeard Magazine Powerbank page for both variants.
Q: On the Blackbeard Bolt Carrier Group, is the housing separation along the 6 o'clock side normal?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the Blackbeard kit include access to Laser Academy Pro features?
A: No. A Laser Academy full access code was included with some pre-orders for the Blackbeard, but that promotion has been discontinued as of January 2021.
Q: Is the non-laser variant of Blackbeard compatible with Pink Rhino Laser Cartridges?
A: No. There is no firing pin (or similar) mechanism in place which is required to activate the button on the Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge.
Q: Can I use the Mantis Blackbeard AR-15 in an AR-15 firearm equipped with the Law Tactical AR Folding Stock Adapter?
A: Yes. Remove the BCG and Law Tactical Bolt Carrier Extension. Then install Blackbeard AR-15
Laser Academy Training System
Q: Where are the instructions?
A: Within the Laser Academy app, navigate to Settings > Instruction Guide.
Q: The point of impact of my laser does not match the point of aim, can I fix this in the app?
A: Yes, this can be adjusted using the Ballistic Offset feature. This is a global setting that is changed within any of the drills, and once the adjustment is made, will affect all other drills. To access, open a drill (Open Shooting - Single Target, for example) > click on Settings in the top right, a new menu will appear > Scroll down on the new menu until you see Ballistic Offset > select SHOOT TO CALIBRATE.
Q: Where can I delete a shot or session?
A: Yes, sessions can be deleted. To delete, after pressing "stop" on the active session, click the three dots on the lower right, and choose "Delete Session". Past sessions can be deleted in the same manner by opening the session from the History tab. - Shots are not able to be deleted at this time. This will be added at some point in the future.
Q: How do I get a refund for an in-app purchase?
Q: How do I get the red coloring to go away?
A: Red color indicates areas that are over saturated/bright and will cause shot detection issues. To prevent problems, the app is programmed to ignore these areas.
Q: Can I add notes?
A: Yes. To add notes, after pressing "stop" on the active session, click the three dots on the lower right, and choose "Delete Session". Notes can be added to past sessions in the same manner by opening the session from the History tab.
Q: Can I designated pistol vs. rifle training?
A: Yes, go to the Settings tab (lower right) and choose Manage Arsenal to add firearms.
COMPATIBILITY
Q: What devices are compatible with the Laser Academy app?
A: The two systems can be used in conjunction with one another. The presence of one system does not change how the other system functions. Two smart devices are likely to be needed; one for each app.
Q: What laser colors work with Laser Academy?
A: No.
Q: I bought brand X laser, will it work with Laser Academy?
A: We expect most cartridges that emit a visible laser to be compatible with Laser Academy.
Q: Can I use Laser Academy outside?
A: Yes. As long as the camera can adjust to the lighting and the laser is bright enough to stand out above the ambient lighting, using the system outside should not pose a problem.
Q: What is the max range Laser Academy supports?
A: The max range is determined by the phone/tablet camera and lighting conditions. There is no arbitrary max defined by the software.
Q: Can I use my DryFireMag trigger reset system with Laser Academy?
A: No. DryFireMag disables the firing pin function and the firing pin function is required to activate the laser cartridge.
TARGETS
Q: How do I set up the Smart Targets?
A: A flat surface with each corner of the target unobscured (this includes shadows that may fall near or over the fiducial). The distance between target and camera is usually 1-3 yards, but you may find zooming in with the camera allows greater distances.
Q: Can I print out larger targets?
A: Yes. The electronic version of the targets are available HERE and can be used to print larger sized targets.
Q: What is the size/scale of the Smart Targets?
A: Portable Smart targets | Standard Smart targets
Q: Can I get X target in the app?
A: Send a request to our customer service team to request new target types.
Q: Are Smart Targets required to use Laser Academy?
A: No, but they make using the system a lot more easy and intuitive, with automatic target detection and automatic scoring. Laser Academy allows you to define manual hit zones in cases where Smart Targets are not used.
ACTIVATION CODE
Q: Where is my Laser Academy access code?
A: The code card is included in the Laser Academy kit. Be sure to look in the lid of the zippered case, under the foam, and in the retail box. Example full access card.
Q: My Laser Academy full access code doesn't work, what is wrong?
A: Please contact customer service to troubleshoot code activation issues.
Q: Where/how do I enter my full access code?
A: Go to Laser Academy > Settings > Sign in to the app with a username, and on the same Settings screen, select Manage Account. This will open a browser window where you can enter the code.
A: No. Laser Academy access is not transferable.
Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge
A: This is normal. The laser cartridge has no way to reset your trigger. As such, you may need to manually cycle the slide to reset the trigger.
Q: How to adjust the point of impact on a Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge?
A: The laser position is fixed. There is no mechanism for adjusting the laser position.
Q: Can I get new o-rings or end caps?
A: Yes, we sell these via custom orders. Please contact our sales team.
Q: Why did I get a Pink Rhino laser cartridge with 3 o-rings instead of 2 o-rings?
A: Pink Rhino has two variants of the same laser cartridge models and when ordering a laser cartridge, you may receive either configuration.
Q: I want the 2 o-ring version, who do I talk to to get it?
A: Exchanges based on o-ring count are not offered at this time.
Q: How do I put the Pink Rhino laser cartridge in my gun?
A: Here is a video demonstrating how to install the laser cartridge.
Q: Can I use Pink Rhino laser cartridges with a DryFireMag?
A: No. DryFireMag disables the firing pin function and the firing pin function is required to activate the laser cartridge.
Q: Does X laser cartridge size work with my gun?
A: The correct size of Pink Rhino laser cartridge is determined by the chambering of the firearm. Check the barrel to determine which caliber is appropriate for your firearm.
Q: What batteries does my Pink Rhino laser cartridges use?
A: Three LR626 batteries are required.
Q: What is the max range?
A: This depends on the users eyes, the surface being shot, and the ambient light. The brighter the ambient light, the shorter the max distance the laser is visible at.
Q: Can Pink Rhino work in Pistol Caliber Carbines?
A: Yes.
Q: Why does this Pink Rhino laser cartridge not cycle my gun when I dry fire?
A: The laser cartridge is not designed to cycle the firearm. In most cases, the user must reset the trigger manually after each shot.
Q: How long does the Pink Rhino last?
A: This varies from one firearm to the next based on firing pin design, spring pressure, and how far the firing pin protrudes from the breech face. Most firearms will allow thousands of rounds before maintenance replacement of the end cap is required.
Q: How accurate are Pink Rhino laser cartridges?
A: A deviation of 0.25" per yard is the max acceptable.
Order Processing and Shipping
Q: Does Next Business Day shipping require a signature?
A: Yes. If you are not available when the delivery is attempted, the shipment will most likely be held. Contact the local distribution center for the shipping carrier to determine if other options may be available.
Q: Does Mantis offer a payment plan?
A: Yes, payment plans are available through PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay at checkout. Subject to each services terms and conditions. Additionally, most major credit card brands offer a pay over time option, please inquire with your credit card issuer.
Q: When will my international order arrive (i.e. order shipping timeframe)?
A: Shipping time frames can significantly vary by country. Generally, orders may arrive anywhere between 1-4 weeks, but in some cases, especially for destinations with longer transit routes or more complex customs procedures, it may take 1-3 months. Factors influencing these variations include customs processing, transportation routes, local delivery standards, weather conditions, political stability, holiday seasons (in both the USA and the receiving country), and public health situations. If you are concerned about a delay, we recommend contacting your local Customs office to check if any action is required on your part for the delivery.
When the shipment reaches the Customs department for your country, they will contact you to collect any tax/duty/fee that is required. These fees and rates vary from country to country and can change at any time. We are unable to confirm what this cost may be. If this is a concern, we recommend contacting your Customs to determine what fees and rate may apply to your shipment. International orders that are rejected will not be re-shipped and are not eligible for refund.
