Mantis Dry Fire Laser Academy Review: Is This the Best Dry Fire Training Option?

Dry fire training remains one of the most effective methods to build and maintain shooting skills. But let's face it – pulling the trigger on an empty gun gets boring fast. Repeating the same motion over and over without feedback can feel like a chore rather than productive practice.

Enter Mantis, a company that's revolutionized the dry fire experience. They started with sensors that track your movements and have expanded to create complete training systems. Their latest innovation, the Mantis Dry Fire Laser Academy, promises to transform monotonous trigger pulls into engaging, measurable training sessions.

But does this high-tech training system live up to the hype? Is it really the best training add-on for serious shooters? Let's break down everything about this system to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your training regimen.

What is the Mantis Dry Fire Laser Academy?

The Mantis Laser Academy blends old-school dry fire practice with new technology. This system pairs laser training devices with smart targets and a phone app. Together, they create a complete home shooting range without using any real ammo.

A Pink Rhino laser cartridge—originally manufactured by G-Sight and repackaged by Mantis—sits at the heart of this training system. It fits right into your gun's chamber like a regular round. When you pull the trigger, your firing pin hits the cartridge. The impact makes the laser flash briefly to show where your shot landed.

One great thing about this setup is how many guns it works with. The Pink Rhino comes in many popular sizes:

• 9mm
• .380 ACP
• .40 S&W
• .45 ACP
• .38 Special
• .357 Sig
• The Pink Rhino is not available in .223. For .223/5.56 platforms like the AR-15, Mantis offers the specialized Blackbeard system instead. 

AR-15 owners can use the special Blackbeard system with Laser Academy. This clever device replaces your bolt and projects a laser when fired. It also resets your trigger automatically for quick follow-up shots without racking the charging handle.

What's in the Box?

Mantis offers two main kit options for the Laser Academy: the Standard Kit and the Portable Kit.

Standard Kit Includes:

• Access code to Mantis Laser Academy app
• Pink Rhino laser cartridge in your chosen caliber
• Complete set of 5×7″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
• Complete set of 8×11″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
• Mini tripod and smartphone holder
• Large tripod and smartphone holder
• Laser cartridge extraction stick
• Portable carrying case
• Five target stand holders

Portable Kit Includes:

• Access code to Mantis Laser Academy app
• Pink Rhino laser cartridge
• Complete set of 5×7″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
• Mini tripod and smartphone holder
• Laser cartridge extraction stick
• Portable carrying case

The Standard Kit gives you everything needed for a comprehensive home training setup, from multiple target sizes to different tripod options. The Portable Kit offers a more compact solution for those limited on space or wanting a system they can easily take on the road.

App Overview

The heart of the Laser Academy system is its smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices. The free version offers basic functionality, but purchasing a kit unlocks the full suite of training options.

The app transforms your smartphone into both a shot timer and a shot detection system. When set up properly, it can see the laser hits on the smart targets and provide instant feedback on accuracy and timing.

The full version includes an impressive array of training modes:

• Open Shooting (Single Target): Basic target practice with scoring and progress tracking
• Open Shooting (Multiple Targets): Practice transitioning between targets
• Bullseye (5 Shot): Five-shot groups with scoring and split times
• Bullseye (10 Shot): Extended version of the 5-shot drill
• Shot From Guard/Low Ready (Single Shot): Practice your reaction time from a ready position
• Shot From Guard/Low Ready (Multi-Shot): Extended version with multiple shots
• Duel (Single Shot): Compete against a partner for fastest accurate shot
• Duel (Best of Five): First to get a hit wins a point in this competitive mode
• Duel (High Score): Race for points in this head-to-head challenge
• Close Contact from Holster: Practice drawing and firing from close quarters
• Compressed Surprise Break: Work on fast reaction shots
• Holster Draw: Standard draw-and-fire practice
• Holster Draw (Par Timed): Draw and fire against a set time standard
• Multiple Shots on Multiple Targets: Practice transitioning and follow-up shots

The app also offers structured pistol training courses that progressively increase in difficulty, covering skills like weak-hand shooting, strong-hand shooting, and precision targeting. 

Setting Up Your Home Range

Creating your laser training range doesn't require much space or special equipment. The system works best in an area with moderate lighting – too bright and the camera might struggle to detect the laser, too dark and the app might not see the targets clearly.

To get the most out of dry fire training, it helps to pair it with proven pistol shooting drills that reinforce accuracy, trigger control, and consistency.

Setting up is straightforward:

1. Mount your targets using the included stands, tape, or thumbtacks
2. Position your smartphone on the tripod facing the targets
3. Launch the app and select your desired training mode
4. Calibrate the laser offset (the app guides you through this)
5. Start training!

For best results, position the phone camera within a few feet of the target. The system works at various angles, so exact positioning isn't critical. The app automatically detects the smart targets in its field of view.

One important step is calibrating for laser offset. Since the laser emerges from the chamber rather than the sight line, there's a natural offset between where you aim and where the laser hits. The app has a simple calibration process that accounts for this discrepancy.

Once you’ve built a foundation with dry fire, challenge yourself with more advanced routines. The Dot Torture drill is an excellent way to test accuracy, focus, and control under pressure.”

User Experience & Feedback

Based on extensive user feedback, the Mantis Laser Academy delivers an engaging and productive training experience. Users report that the system responds instantly to laser hits, providing immediate feedback on shot placement and timing.

The scoring system creates a gamified experience that makes dry fire practice genuinely fun. Many users note how quickly 15-20 minutes of practice passes when using the system – a stark contrast to the usual dry fire slog.

The draw and fire modes receive particular praise for helping users develop practical defensive skills. The shot timer function gives objective feedback on draw speed and first-shot accuracy, metrics that are difficult to track in traditional dry fire.

An unexpected benefit many users mention is that the system makes for a family-friendly introduction to firearms training. Kids (under proper supervision) can learn fundamentals in a completely safe environment without noise, recoil, or ammunition concerns.

Blackbeard AR-15 Integration: A Big Bonus

For AR-15 owners, the Mantis Blackbeard system takes dry fire training to another level. Unlike the Pink Rhino, which requires manually cycling the action between shots, the Blackbeard automatically resets the trigger after each pull.

The system consists of a replacement bolt carrier group and a magazine-shaped battery pack. Once installed, users can fire multiple shots in succession. It makes drills like failure drills, box drills, and multiple target transitions possible.

This auto-resetting function transforms AR training, allowing for realistic practice of:

• Double taps
• Failure drills (two to body, one to head)
• Target transitions
• Moving and shooting drills
• Rapid fire practice

Blackbeard models that include a laser emitter (available in red, green, or IR) are compatible with the Laser Academy app and targets. Users report it installs in seconds and functions flawlessly. 

What Could Be Improved

Despite its many strengths, the Mantis Laser Academy isn't perfect. User feedback highlights a few areas for potential improvement:

First, the app occasionally registers false positive hits before a shot is taken. This usually resolves once the system detects a target, but it can be distracting during initial setup.

Second, the mini tripod included with both kits features a phone holder that may be too small for larger smartphones or phones in bulky cases. The standard tripod in the full kit accommodates larger devices better.

Third, the system ships with minimal printed instructions. Most setup guidance comes from online videos, which can be inconvenient when your phone is being used as part of the system. A comprehensive quick-start guide would be a welcome addition.

Some users also express a desire for more target options, additional training courses, and expanded rifle-specific drills. As good as the current content is, regular updates and new challenges would add longevity to the system.

Lastly, advanced users suggest that integration between the Laser Academy app and Mantis's X10 sensor data would create an even more comprehensive training tool, combining shot placement information with grip and trigger press analytics.

Who Should Buy the Mantis Laser Academy?

The Laser Academy offers benefits for shooters at every skill level:

1. New Shooters gain a safe, pressure-free environment to develop fundamentals. The instant feedback helps build correct habits from the start without the intimidation factor of live fire.
2. Experienced Shooters can maintain proficiency during ammo shortages or between range trips. The timed drills and accuracy scoring provide quantifiable metrics to track improvement.
3. .Defensive Carriers benefit immensely from the draw-and-fire modes, helping develop the muscle memory needed in high-stress situations. The par time feature pushes users to reduce reaction time safely.
4. Competition Shooters can practice stage planning, transitions, and shooting on the move without range fees or round counts.
5. Instructors find the system valuable for demonstrating concepts and allowing students to practice under supervision before moving to live fire.

The system also serves as an excellent complement for SIRT training pistol owners, as these laser training guns work seamlessly with the Laser Academy app and targets.

Final Verdict: Is It the Best Dry Fire Training Add-On?

After examining all aspects of the Mantis Laser Academy, it stands out as one of the most comprehensive dry fire enhancement systems available today.

The combination of hardware quality, software functionality, and training methodology creates a package that genuinely transforms dry practice from a boring chore into an engaging, measurable activity.

What sets the Laser Academy apart from competitors is its integration of multiple training elements:

• Objective feedback on accuracy
• Detailed timing data
• Progressive skill-building courses
• Competitive modes for motivation
• Compatibility with both handguns and rifles
• Expandability through printable targets

The price is higher than basic training tools. But you'll save money on ammo and range fees over time. Compare it to regular range trips, and you'll see the value quickly adds up.

This system makes a smart choice for anyone who wants to improve their shooting. It turns practice from a chore into something you'll actually want to do. Though not exactly like live fire, it comes very close to perfect for home training.

Of course, when you take those skills to the range, ammo choice matters. We’ve put together a guide to the best 9mm ammo for training and self-defense so you can train realistically without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Laser Academy work with all firearms?

Pink Rhino laser cartridges fit most common calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223. For guns with fixed firing pins, you'll need to reset the action between shots. The system also works with SIRT training pistols and the Blackbeard AR-15 system.

How accurate is the shot detection?

Shot detection accuracy depends on several factors, including smartphone camera quality, lighting conditions, and the reflectivity of the target surface. Under favorable conditions, the app can detect and record laser hits with a good degree of precision, though extreme brightness may interfere with detection. The calibration feature helps ensure the system accounts for natural laser offset. 

Can I use the system without purchasing targets?

Yes! Mantis offers printable targets on their website that work with the app. Standard printer paper works fine. It is easy to replace targets or print multiples for various drills.

Does the Laser Academy help with actual shooting improvement?

According to user feedback, consistent training with the system translates to noticeable improvements in live fire performance. The system helps develop fundamentals, sight alignment, trigger control, and draw techniques that carry over to the range.

How long does the Pink Rhino laser battery last?

The Pink Rhino uses small button cell batteries that typically last for thousands of shots. Battery life depends on usage frequency but most users report several months of regular use before needing replacement.

Can multiple people use the same system?

Absolutely! The system supports multiple users, and the duel modes specifically cater to training partners. While the Mantis Laser Academy app doesn't currently offer built-in multi-user tracking profiles, families or training groups can still share the system effectively. Users will need to manually track their individual progress, but the system remains a great option for group training and shared use.