BlackbeardX by Mantis: The Ultimate Dry Fire Laser Training System for AR-15s
At A+R Tactics, we're constantly on the lookout for tools that help our students train smarter and more efficiently, without sacrificing realism. The Mantis BlackbeardX hit every mark and then some.
We didn’t just test the BlackbeardX, we integrated it into everything. From our Women’s Monthly Self-Protection Training, to Weekly No-Gi/Combatives drills, to our Shoot House Match Workshop, the BlackbeardX added depth, clarity, and realism to our sessions.
And we weren’t the only ones impressed.
What Is the BlackbeardX?
In short, the BlackbeardX is a dry fire laser training system for AR-15s that combines:
MantisX smart feedback & analytics
Auto-resetting trigger system
Laser hit visualization
Multi-target movement and transition analysis
All with no live ammo required.
With an easy 20-second install (pop the pin, drop in the system, insert the power mag), we were off to the races. The reset system is so responsive you can dry fire up to 10 times per second. That alone would’ve impressed us, but Mantis didn’t stop there.
Why It Made a Difference in Our Training
Here’s what stood out:
Real-Time Feedback = Real Improvement
Participants were able to see where they were hitting and understand how to improve. The combination of laser visualization and MantisX data made technical corrections easier and more intuitive, even for newer students. That level of insight made a noticeable difference in performance.
When we left the laser on steady, especially during CQB training, it allowed participants to literally see where their muzzle was oriented as they entered and cleared rooms. It was an incredible teaching moment, not just for tracking shot placement, but for showing coverage, angles, and zones of control. This made the BlackbeardX an awesome tool for progressing your room-clearing skills in the shoot house, and even practicing safely at home.
Major Ammo Savings Without Compromise
Across multiple training sessions, we ran drills without firing a single live round—saving hundreds in ammo costs while maintaining the intensity and realism of live fire. That alone made the BlackbeardX a worthwhile investment for both students and our team.
A Teaching Tool That Speaks Volumes
The laser system became an extension of our instruction. It allowed students to visually track their progress in real-time, and it helped instructors illustrate concepts more clearly. That visibility made it easier for students to correct form, timing, and trigger control on the fly.
Competitive Skills and Defensive Scenarios
Whether the focus was speed, accuracy, or movement between targets, the BlackbeardX handled it all. Its smart coaching features helped identify gaps and streamline transitions—especially valuable during high-pressure drills like those in our Shoot House.
Final Thoughts
We’re big fans of the Mantis BlackbeardX. It’s not just a dry fire tool. It’s a performance amplifier, a money-saver, and a coaching companion.
If you're serious about your training, whether you're law enforcement, competitive shooter, or a responsible civilian the BlackbeardX is absolutely worth your time.
Want to level up your AR-15 dry fire training?
