MantisX and Laser Academy: The Ultimate Crossover

The MantisX Pistol/Rifle and Laser Academy apps recently got major updates which introduced select features crossing over.  Mainly that the real-time feedback and coaching from MantisX is now available in Laser Academy with the use of an X sensor.  While the Standard Targets from Laser Academy can now be recognized by the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app for shot placement and scoring.  Use of the integration is optional and each app will still exist individually and continue to have their own exclusive drills, courses and features.  Give each app a try with the new integration and use whichever fits your training regime for any given day.  

Let’s dive into the specifics.

MantisX Pistol/Rifle with Smart Targets from Laser Academy

All MantisX drills now have the option to turn on the camera for Smart Target recognition giving the training session shot placement and scoring information, all you need is a laser fired upon trigger press.  

It’s easy to set up, just like Laser Academy.  Simply select a drill, turn on the camera option, and orient the phone towards the target until the blue box appears.  Any target from the standard Smart Target pack will be identified, including the control target and multiple targets can be used.  Once the blue boxes appear, confirm the camera and the drill start screen will show how many targets are captured, press start like normal and start training.  

The previous tabs of analysis and coaching are still present but now a new Camera Tab is added to the mix.  This new tab can see a live view of the target(s) while in a training session or can be swapped to see the digital target with shot placement indicators shown.  Each shot gets its own line showing the value of the zone it hit and the split time.

The Trace View Tab has also been updated with the ability to show the target in the background.  Be sure to use the Target Settings button to set the proper distance, available in both yards and meters.  This settings area also gives the option to turn the target or the rings on or off for user preference.  Don’t worry, all other buttons and information are still present on the tab, like playing the trace, displaying the segment, cant, and trigger press score.

Using the Smart Targets in the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app is a totally free update.  Smart Targets can be purchased or downloaded here, or use the ones from your Laser Academy kit.  If you have an X2, X3, or X10 Elite you simply need to add a laser cartridge or laser pistol for shot placement.  Using a TitanX or BlackbeardX means you’re completely ready to go.

Laser Academy with MantisX Analysis and Coaching

Laser Academy now has the option to incorporate MantisX analysis and coaching into any single shooter drill.  Simply toggle on the Use MantisX Devices option on the settings tab and two new tabs will appear when training: Trace View and Segment Chart.  An X technology-enabled device is all that’s needed to get this additional analysis; the update to the app is free.

Once the option to use MantisX devices is enabled, an icon will appear on each drill the analysis is compatible with.  Set up Laser Academy as normal, then turn on Bluetooth and tap the X connect button.  Turn on the X-enabled hardware and watch it connect and calibrate on screen.  A small Live View box will appear, which shows the movement of the firearm as you move it around, if needed define any of the settings next to it to match the hardware setup.  That’s it!  Press start and train as normal.

During training, each shot will register as normal in Laser Academy, and an additional floating Trace View will show for each shot.  Drag this Trace View around the screen as needed to see targets.

Once the training session is complete two new tabs will appear in the session review in addition to the regular Target Tab.  

The Trace View Tab will show 4 traces at a time, scroll left to see more or tap on one trace to view it in full and replay the muzzle movement path. 

The Segment Chart Tab shows the direction and deviation of each trigger press, tap on any segment to show the possible cause in the lower right corner, then for full coaching information, tap the information icon or double-tap the segment.  Learn what error occurred in the technique and how to fix it, keep that in mind for your next training session.  There are also red dots that may appear in the center of the chart, these indicate great shots with a trigger press score of 95 or above.

For any tab in Laser Academy, an individual shot can be clicked on in the list and it will highlight that particular shot in the feedback.  Remember to look at the good shots as well to find out what occurred when everything lined up just right, great trigger press score and good shot placement.

The Training Journey walks through more of how to apply the MantisX feedback to technique and get the most out of training with our smart systems.  Additionally, there are two MantisX tutorials that walk through the basics of the integration.

The app update to use MantisX analysis in Laser Academy is free, but some additional hardware is required.  If you have both systems already your all set, but if you only have Laser Academy, a MantisX sensor can be added or upgraded to the TitanX laser pistol or BlackbeardX for rifles for a sensor with a resetting trigger, built in laser and of course access to dynamic training in the free MantisX Pistol/Rifle app.

Train Your Way 

Every shooter trains differently and depending on what the focus is in training that day will dictate what tools are best used to get the most out of it.  Laser Academy, MantisX, TitanX, and BlackbeardX all have multiple purposes and can be used standalone or with each other, it just depends on the needs of the shooter.  Don’t let your equipment dictate what you do, pick the best tools for the job and train smarter.  

Remember knowing what you did and how to execute the technique is what will get you the results you are looking for on target.  Mantis products make it easier to do that, taking the guesswork out of dry fire and allowing for data driven training, and creating a shortcut to firearms proficiency.