Mantis X3 Vs. X10: In-Depth Differences

If you’re aiming to sharpen your shooting or archery skills, Mantis X3 and X10 Elite are game-changing tools.

I tested both to share my experience, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and performance.

This article breaks down how each device tracks your shots, improves technique, and fits your budget.

Whether you’re a pistol shooter or a bowhunter, you’ll find clarity here.

Read on to discover which Mantis system suits your training goals and boosts your accuracy!

Comparison Table: Mantis X3 Vs. Mantis X10 Elite

My Experience with Mantis X3 and X10 Elite

I’ve been shooting pistols for years and recently picked up archery, so I was thrilled to test the Mantis X3 and X10 Elite to boost my skills.

Both devices attach to your firearm or bow, syncing with a smartphone app to analyze your shots in real time.

Mantis X3 was my first pick, priced at $169.99.

I mounted its lightweight 14g sensor to my Glock 19’s Picatinny rail using the quick-detach lever.

After downloading the MantisX app (iOS), I set it to pistol mode and started dry firing at home.

The app gave instant feedback, scoring my trigger pull at 92/100 and showing a muzzle trace that revealed a slight leftward dip.

It suggested relaxing my grip, which I adjusted over 10 shots, hitting 95 consistently.

At the range, live fire mode tracked my 9mm shots, flagging a trigger jerk that dropped my score to 88.

The app’s drills, like “Benchmark” and “Compressed Surprise Break,” kept me engaged, and I improved my grouping by 20% in two weeks.

The daily challenges were fun, comparing my scores to others globally, but I wished for more drill variety.

Mantis X10 Elite, at $249.99, felt like a leap forward.

It came with a magazine floor plate adapter, letting me practice holster draws with my concealed carry setup.

I attached it to my Glock, then my compound bow using the included archery mount.

In pistol mode, it offered everything the X3 did—muzzle trace, trigger control—plus recoil analysis, showing my muzzle rise was 15% higher with 124-grain ammo.

Holster draw analysis broke down my draw into grip, pull, and shot phases, cutting my draw time from 1.8 to 1.4 seconds after a week.

For archery, I switched to the MantisX Archery app.

At 20 yards, it tracked my bow’s stability, scoring my hold at 85 and flagging a slight cant.

After adjusting my stance, my scores hit 90, and my arrows grouped tighter.

The X10’s rapid fire mode was a blast, analyzing my split times (0.22 seconds) during double taps.

It even worked with my friend’s shotgun, though I stuck to pistol and archery.

The X10’s versatility was unmatched, but its higher price made me weigh its extra features carefully.

Both devices transformed my training.

The X3 was perfect for pistol basics, while the X10’s advanced analytics suited my multi-sport goals.

After a month, my pistol groups shrank, and my archery scores climbed 10 points, proving both are worth the investment.

Pros of Mantis X3

• Real-Time Feedback: Scores shots instantly, showing muzzle movement. My trigger pull improved from 88 to 95 in days.
• Live and Dry Fire: Works for both training types. I used it at home and the range seamlessly.
• Affordable Price: At $169.99, it’s budget-friendly. I got pro-level feedback without breaking the bank.
• Easy Setup: Quick-detach rail mount attaches in seconds. I had it on my Glock in under a minute.
• Engaging Drills: Benchmark and daily challenges kept me hooked. I loved competing globally.
• Portable Design: Lightweight at 14g, fits in my pocket. I trained anywhere easily.
• App Clarity: Intuitive interface with clear graphs. I tracked progress effortlessly.
• Universal Compatibility: Works with pistols and rifles. I tested it on my AR-15 too.
• No Subscription: Free app with lifetime access. I saved on recurring costs.
• Improves Accuracy: Tightened my groups by 20%. My range sessions showed it.

Cons of Mantis X3

• No Archery Support: Limited to firearms. I couldn’t use it for my bow.
• Basic Analytics: Lacks recoil or draw analysis. I missed those for advanced training.
• No Shotgun Mode: Not compatible with shotguns. My friend’s skeet practice was out.
• Occasional App Glitches: App crashed twice in a month. I restarted my phone to fix it.
• Battery Charging: Needs charging every 20 hours. I forgot once mid-session.
• No CO2 Support: Doesn’t work with CO2 guns. My friend’s training was limited.
• Learning Required: Interpreting data took time. I read the app’s guides twice.
• No Holster Draw: Can’t analyze draws. I needed the X10 for that.
• Limited Drills: Fewer modes than X10. I wanted more variety after a month.
• Cant Sensitivity: Struggled with canted pistol shots. My one-handed grip caused issues.

Pros of Mantis X10 Elite

• Multi-Sport Versatility: Supports pistols, rifles, shotguns, and archery. I used it for my Glock and bow.
• Advanced Analytics: Tracks recoil, draw, and rapid fire. My draw time dropped to 1.4 seconds.
• Holster Draw Analysis: Breaks down draw phases. I shaved 0.4 seconds off my draw.
• Archery Support: Tracks bow stability and cant. My archery scores hit 90 after tweaks.
• Recoil Analysis: Measures muzzle rise. I tuned my ammo for 15% less rise.
• Rapid Fire Mode: Analyzes split times. My double taps averaged 0.22 seconds.
• Universal Adapters: Includes magazine and archery mounts. I used my holster seamlessly.
• Engaging App: MantisX Archery app for bows, plus pistol drills. I loved the variety.
  Social Features: Compete with friends globally. My scores beat my buddy’s by 5 points.
• Durable Build: Survived drops at the range. My X10 still works perfectly.

Cons of Mantis X10 Elite

• Higher Cost: $249.99 is steep. I had to save up for it.
• Complex for Beginners: Data overload initially. I studied the app for a week.
• Separate Archery App: Switching apps was annoying. I wanted one platform.
• Battery Charging: 20-hour life, needs planning. I charged it weekly.
• No CO2 Support: Not compatible with CO2 guns. My friend couldn’t use it.
• App Glitches: Crashed once during archery. I rebooted to sync it.
  Vague Accuracy Claims: No specific % for accuracy. I relied on my range results.
• Learning Time: Advanced metrics took effort to understand. I watched tutorials.
• Holster Fit Issues: Magazine adapter didn’t fit all holsters. I adjusted mine.
• Overkill for Basics: X3 suffices for simple training. I didn’t always need extras.

Maintenance Tips for Mantis X3 and X10 Elite

• Charge Regularly: Charge every 20 hours to avoid mid-session shutdowns. I plugged mine in weekly, and the light turns off when fully charged.
• Update the App: Keep the MantisX app updated for new drills and fixes. I checked monthly, and updates improved my archery app’s stability.
• Clean the Sensor: Wipe the sensor with a dry cloth after range use to remove residue. I cleaned mine post-live fire to keep it pristine.
• Secure the Mount: Tighten the quick-detach lever before each session. My X3 loosened once, but a quick twist fixed it.
• Store Safely: Keep in the included pouch to avoid scratches. I stored my X10 in my range bag, protecting it from drops.
• Check Adapters: Ensure adapters (rail, magazine, archery) are secure. I double-checked my X10’s archery mount to avoid data errors.
• Use Compatible Holsters: For X10’s draw analysis, use holsters fitting the magazine adapter. I tested mine with a Streamlight TLR-1 holster.
• Enable Correct Mode: Set the app to pistol, rifle, or archery mode before use. I forgot once, and my X10 misread my bow shots.
• Avoid Wet Conditions: Keep sensors dry to protect electronics. I avoided using my X3 in rain to prevent damage.
• Calibrate Regularly: Reset orientation in the app if shots misread. I recalibrated my X3 after canted shots skewed data.

Comparing Mantis X3 and X10 Elite to Other Brands

• Mantis X3 Vs. LaserLyte

LaserLyte’s Trainer, at $99, uses a laser cartridge for dry fire.

I tried it on my pistol, and it showed shot placement on a target, but lacked the X3’s muzzle trace or live fire support.

LaserLyte was fun for beginners but gave no coaching, unlike the X3’s tips that cut my trigger jerk.

The X3’s app-driven feedback and live fire mode made it more versatile for my range practice.

• Mantis X3 Vs. G-Sight

G-Sight’s ELMS Plus ($129) is a laser-based dry fire system I tested.

It tracked shots via a phone camera, but setup was clunky compared to the X3’s rail sensor.

G-Sight didn’t offer live fire or detailed analytics like the X3’s 92/100 scores.

The X3’s real-time coaching and portability suited my daily training better than G-Sight’s target-based system.

• Mantis X10 Vs. BOWdometer

BOWdometer, at $149, counts archery shots and scores stability.

I used it for a month, and it motivated me with gamified levels, but it didn’t track arrow placement like the X10’s archery app.

The X10’s cant analysis and shot timer helped my bow consistency, making it better for serious archers like me.

• Mantis X10 Vs. CoolFire Trainer

CoolFire Trainer ($369) simulates recoil with CO2 for dry fire.

I tried it on my Glock, and the recoil feel was realistic, but it lacked the X10’s holster draw or archery support.

The X10’s $249.99 price and multi-sport analytics, like my 0.22-second split times, gave me more value for combined pistol and bow training.

• Mantis X10 Vs. Strikeman

Strikeman’s $99 dry fire system uses a laser and phone target.

I tested it for pistol practice, and it was cheap but lacked the X10’s recoil or draw analysis.

The X10’s app offered detailed coaching (e.g., grip adjustments), and its archery compatibility made it a clear winner for my dual-sport needs.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Muddy River Tactical Holsters

Health Benefits of Mantis X3 and X10 Elite

Using the Mantis X3 and X10 Elite did more than tighten my groups—they boosted my confidence and focus.

The X3’s real-time feedback helped me correct my trigger pull, reducing stress from inconsistent range days.

I felt empowered seeing my pistol scores climb from 88 to 95, knowing I was improving.

The X10’s holster draw analysis made my concealed carry practice smoother, easing my mind about self-defense readiness.

For archery, the X10’s stability tracking fixed my bow cant, cutting my mental strain during tournaments.

Both devices’ daily challenges turned training into a game, lifting my mood and motivation.

Physically, the X10’s Kegel-like archery drills strengthened my core, improving my posture.

Sharing scores with friends via the app built camaraderie, reducing the isolation of solo practice.

These tools made training intentional, cutting my ammo costs and mental fatigue while sharpening my skills.

How to Choose Between Mantis X3 and X10 Elite

Your choice depends on your goals and budget.

If you’re a beginner or focus on pistol/rifle training, the X3’s $169.99 price and solid analytics (muzzle trace, trigger control) are enough.

I started with the X3 and saw 20% tighter groups in weeks.

If you shoot multiple platforms (shotgun, archery) or want advanced features like recoil or draw analysis, the X10’s $249.99 versatility is worth it.

Its archery app and holster drills helped my bow scores and carry skills.

Consider your sports and if the X10’s extras justify the $80 difference.

Also Read: SDS 1911 Vs. Rock Island 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistols

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Mantis X3 and X10 Elite are stellar tools to elevate your shooting and archery.

The X3 is perfect for budget-conscious pistol/rifle shooters, while the X10’s multi-sport support and advanced analytics suit competitive types.

I saw my pistol groups tighten and archery scores soar with both.

Choose based on your sports and budget, and grab one to transform your training today!