Blackbeard vs BlackbeardX
In 2021 Mantis released Blackbeard, an AR-15 platform dry fire training tool, changing the landscape of AR rifle training allowing you to train with a resetting trigger and a laser. Anyone who knows Mantis and our products, knows we are striving to make them better. In 2022, Mantis released a new version of the Blackbeard, calling it the BlackbeardX, which added to the features and changed the landscape of dry fire training with the AR rifle.
The Blackbeard
The Blackbeard consists of a bolt carrier group (commonly referred to as a BCG) and a 20 round magazine. To utilize the Blackbeard, remove the charging handle and bolt on their rifle, insert the Blackbeard BCG, and reassemble. Then the magazine battery pack would be inserted providing the BCG power, which can provide up to 50,000 shots per charge. In a matter of a minute, without any modifications to the rifle, it now is ready for dry fire practice. With the Blackbeard properly installed in a rifle, it becomes a completely inert rifle, incapable of firing any live rounds.
The Blackbeard provides the user a resetting trigger, allowing for practice of shots without having to run the charging handle to reset the trigger. The BCG resets the hammer after each shot giving the shooter the same weight break in the trigger press and the same reset feel as in live fire. Think you might outrun the reset? Think again… The Blackbeard can reset the trigger up to 10 times per second. The BCG also provides a laser “hit” (available for purchase in red, green or infrared) to give visual confirmation of the impact point. The Blackbeard paired with Mantis Laser Academy (or other laser driven target recording apps) brings the range home, saving time and most importantly saving the cost of ammo!
The Blackbeard kit (BCG and magazine with case) is only available in the AR-15 variant. There is the ability to purchase a BCG for Sig Sauer MCX and FN Scar Light, and then pair that with an AR-15 20 round Blackbeard Magazine with both purchased separately on MantisX.com.
The BlackbeardX
Realizing that people were using the Blackbeard along with a MantisX sensor (X2, X3 or X10 Elite), the BlackbeardX was born. We upgraded the Blackbeard system with a MantisX unit built into the magazine, which connects to the free MantisX Pistol/Rifle app available from the Google Play or Apple App Store! This addition allows users to only have to install one system on their rifle for dry fire training. The built in MantisX sensor gives the standard ability to run a wide variety of drills within the app where it scores shots and provides possible solutions or corrections for why the shots went where they did. The BlackbeardX has the same battery capacity as the Blackbeard giving up to 50,000 shots per charge.
Because the MantisX unit is built directly into the BlackbeardX system and knows the exact trigger press, additional drills were able to be added to the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app for the BlackbeardX. The ‘Dynamics” drill section allows the built-in sensor to capture multi-target engagement metrics like transitions, overtravel and delay. For transitions, the app will show how much deviation there is off of the straight line when transitioning from target to target.
One of the most powerful things implemented with the Dynamics drills is the ability to compare different sessions of the same drill by score, and the ability to compare trace views of each shot for the three added metrics. This allows the user to try different techniques and quantify which one may have worked better given the data.
BlackbeardX kits (BCG, battery and case) are not only in the AR-15 variant, but also available for AR-10, Sig Sauer MCX and FN Scar Heavy/Light configurations. Keep your eyes out as more variants are being worked on and will be released soon!
Reasons to choose a Blackbeard versus a BlackbeardX?
Cost could be a factor when deciding between the two products. The original Blackbeard is as low as $199 with no laser, just the resetting trigger, and as high as $249 for a green laser or infrared option. The BlackbeardX starts at $299 no laser and goes up to $349 for a green laser or infrared option. Having the option to purchase just the Blackbeard system opens up the ability for more people to be able to afford a dry fire training system with a resetting trigger for practice.
Some people may choose the Blackbeard only because they already own a MantisX sensor. The X2, X3 or X10 sensors already capture motion and provide scores, and some people just want the resetting trigger without having to spend the money to replicate functionality they already have. Note that the Dynamic drills and its metrics are not available on a regular MantisX sensor, only the BlackbeardX. Others own the Laser Academy system and just want the resetting trigger with the laser to visually verify their shots.
Reasons to choose a BlackbeardX versus a Blackbeard?
Most people choose the BlackbeardX option because of the coaching and feedback data that the built in MantisX unit provides with the convenience of an all in one product instead of having to attach a separate MantisX unit to capture data. The biggest selling point to the BlackbeardX is the additional Dynamic training metrics (transitions/overtravel/delay) that the BlackbeardX provides the user that a separate MantisX unit cannot provide.
The value alone in the Dynamics drills can justify the cost difference for many people. Our US Military has begun to adopt the BlackbeardX, training soldiers in dry fire with a BlackbeardX before they shoot live rounds. The military has seen that incorporating the BlackbeardX has shortened the learning curve during basic training for our soldiers, raised qualification pass rates and it saves money on ammo!
Upgrade Program
Already have a Blackbeard and want to upgrade to a BlackbeardX? Do you need to purchase a whole new unit? No, we offer a trade-in program where you can purchase the BBX magazine upgrade from us at mantisx.com, and when you send in and we receive your 20 round Blackbeard magazine, a credit will be issued to your payment method. It is also possible to just purchase extra magazines (both 20 round Blackbeard and 30 round BlackbeardX) from mantisx.com to accommodate your training needs. Maybe you own a BlackbeardX, but want the shorter 20 round magazine for practicing prone or for force on force training.
Wrapping It Up
Unsure of which to purchase? Purchase what you think is the best fit for you currently and what your training needs might require in the future. If you aren’t happy with the choice you made, we offer a 45 day return policy (with original packaging, make sure to save it). If you have any questions, reach out to our in-house support team via Live Chat from www.mantisx.com or email support@mantisx.com or call (630) 551-8171.
Whether choosing a Blackbeard or a BlackbeardX, across typical users, the ammo savings paid for the units on day one! You are taking a step in your training journey by adopting dry fire practice with your rifle into your routine. Deliberate and consistent dry fire practice will pay dividends on your targets in live fire and both the Blackbeard and/or BlackbeardX make dry fire practice fun as well!
