Mantis BlackbeardX AR15 Dry Fire System: Better Than SIRT?
When I was contacted to try out the new Mantis BlackbeardX, I sat at the mailbox every day like a little boy hoping and praying that today would be the day that it showed up. Once it finally made its way into my possession, I ripped open the packaging and tossed the unit on the charger since it arrived fully discharged.
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I’ve been a huge fan of the Mantis line of products and think their Mantis X10 is one of the coolest and most innovative training tools anyone can use if you want to improve your shooting proficiency and skills. If you want to check out the Mantis X10, click here to read my full review.
Now, I’m going to be fully transparent with you, like I always am. The company sent me out the Mantis BlackbeardX for me to test and evaluate. That said, they did not pay me for this review, and once this is posted, it will be the first time they’re seeing my feedback (they had no say in what I wrote about or even if I liked/disliked their new and updated AR15 dry fire system).
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What Makes the Mantis BlackbeardX Worth the Money?
If you’ve been paying attention to Mantis for any amount of time, you’d know that they have an earlier version of the unit that’s called the Mantis Blackbeard. This came with the same BCG/laser combo and a 20rd magazine.
Below is a video from Active Self Protection Extra that showcases the original Mantis Blackbeard so that you can get an understanding of all the features of the original Blackbeard if you’re interested in learning more.
So, what’s the difference between that and the Mantis BlackbeardX? A lot of really cool features!
One of the complaints many people had with the original Mantis Blackbeard was that it used a 20rd magazine instead of the standard 30rd magazine that now comes with the Mantis BlackbeardX (the magazine is also the power bank that runs the entire system).
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Additionally, the upgraded magazine now includes the MantisX technology that allows you to use the full capabilities of the app to further diagnose your shooting and training.
Below is a video from Mantis that provides a full overview of the new Mantis BlackbeardX.
How Does the Mantis BlackbeardX Compare to the SIRT AR15 Trainer?
Several years ago, I invested in the SIRT AR15 laser system. At the time, it was innovative, but unfortunately, it had some major quirks. In fact, the trigger mechanism that you had to install was such a pain in the butt that it caused me to toss the dry fire unit in a box, never to see sunlight ever again.
Something else I noticed was that the laser never seemed to be consistent. With each trigger press, it seemed like the laser would be slightly off, as if the SIRT BCG inside the AR15 was moving ever so slightly.
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Below is a video of the old SIRT system I was using if you want to check it out (they no longer sell this version, which it was probably wise to kill off the product since it had issues).
Today, SIRT has a new upgraded system that provides you with an actual AR15 replica with everything already attached and installed. The downside of this is that you aren’t using your own rifle, if you put a scope on it, you’ll have to re-zero your rifle when you put it back on.
Something else is that you’re not using your own setup or trigger. If I’m training or utilizing dry fire practice, I want to train with my actual firearms. Not a replica. Additionally, the price point of the SIRT system is much more expensive than the Mantis BlackbeardX.
I love the fact that I can install the Mantis BlackbeardX in under a minute and be ready to go. I get to use my own AR15, my own trigger, my own red dot, and my own AR platform in its entirety. It’s almost like I’m out on the range, only I’m in my basement. All I need to do is insert the magazine, and I’m ready to go. And if I wanted to use the Mantis app, I can click the power button on the magazine, and the app/BlackbeardX will sync automatically through Bluetooth.
The magazine battery pack lasts a long time before needing to be recharged, which allows you to get in a ton of practice without needing to toss it on the charger.
And while I enjoy running my own drills with the targets I have set up in my basement for dry fire practice, it’s nice to set up the MantisX and see how your skills are progressing by using the app and getting feedback and data on your shots, splits, transitions, movement, etc.
Turn Dry Fire Practice into a Game
Up until now, I never did much dry fire with my AR15 platforms because I hated the SIRT system I purchased. Now, I find myself making an excuse why I need to go in the basement and get in some dry fire practice with the Mantis BlackbeardX. People seem to love first-person shooter games on XBOX and PlayStation, but now you actually get to be in the game and work on your fundamentals.
Set up some fun targets in your home, and have a blast!
Funny story… my wife walked down into the basement and asked what I was doing. I told her she needed to try this (the Mantis BlackbeardX). She’s not a shooter or into firearms but has gone to the range with me a few times. She fired the Mantis BlackbeardX once and immediately grinned from ear to ear. Her exact words were, “This is cool.”
When using the Mantis BlackbeardX, you literally feel like you’re in a game. You get audible and tactical feedback when you pull the trigger, and the trigger auto-resets, which allows you to lay down a string of fire without needing to run the charging handle to reset the trigger (the BCG and charging handle does not move in the Mantis BlackbeardX).
Get Training and Get a Mantis
I highly recommend everyone go out and get training. Take a bunch of classes and get the fundamentals down. That way, when you train at the range or use something like the Mantis BlackbeardX during dry fire practice, you’re not creating bad habits through repetition.
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It is my opinion that investing in a Mantis X10 as well as a Mantis BlackbeardX is absolutely worth the money. The feedback and data you gain through their use are invaluable and can make you a better shooter. Not to mention, ammo is expensive, and if you have the ability to practice at home without watching money fly out of your firearm and hit the ground, I’d say that’s a win-win.
You can purchase the Mantis BlackbeardX with a green laser, red laser, IR laser, or no laser at all.
Things to consider getting in addition to the Mantis BlackbeardX:
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And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor, tactical ninja, or door-kicker, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. And if you want to pick up a Mantis BlackbeardX, click here to head over to their website.
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