The New Steiner TOR-X Laser with the MantisX Training System

Have you ever wished you could incorporate productive, high-quality off-range training with your actual carry or duty guns? MantisX has provided that opportunity for several years now. But they’ve kicked it up a notch by partnering with Steiner Optics. The result is the new TOR-X Laser. The TOR-X takes the proven Steiner TOR Mini laser and upgrades it with the integral MantisX training system. You can run the TOR-X on your everyday carry gun and train with the exact same setup. No more replacing your laser with a training module. It’s all right there.

If you’re unfamiliar with the MantisX system, read on. We’ll break it down for you. I’ve been running MantisX products for over two years now. The Steiner TOR-X is a great addition to that lineup.

Steiner TOR-X Specifications

• Integral MantisX Training System with Bluetooth
• Machined Military Grade Aluminum Construction
• Type III Hard-Anodized Finish
• Direct Diode Green Laser
• 3 Brightness Settings
• Auto Shut-Off
• Compatible with Weaver and Picatinny Rail Mounts
• Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.3 x 1.2 Inches
• Weight: 2.12 Ounces (With Battery)
• Power Source: One CR 1/3 N Battery (Included)
• IP54 Dustproof and Splashproof

TOR-X Laser Features

Steiner prides itself on producing “combat-worthy” lights, lasers, and optics. The TOR-X is built to those same exacting standards. It’s not just a training module. This is a quality, duty-grade laser with a built-in training system.

The machined aluminum housing is lightweight and solid. The large, ambidextrous controls are indexed for a solid interface and easily reached. I think they’re the easiest, most responsive control buttons I’ve ever run on a handgun-mounted light or laser, and the universal rail mount allows optimum positioning for individual shooters.

The direct diode green laser is highly visible and operates in extremely low temperatures. The TOR-X also features Steiner’s constant power drive to ensure consistent output throughout the battery’s life, as well as a low-battery indicator. The unit is adjustable for windage and elevation, so you can dial in the correct zero for your firearm. The TOR-X automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.

The TOR-X has the same dimensions as the TOR Mini, so it will fit in TOR Mini-compatible holsters. Minimal effort on my part yielded a list of those holsters, including several from our friends at Safariland.

The MantisX Training System

MantisX has several great products like the X10 Elite, Blackbeard X, and Laser Academy. The TOR-X incorporates the X10 Elite system. Once you get the TOR-X, you download the free MantisX app on your smartphone. The app walks you through the system and shows you how it works. You will need to enable your phone’s Bluetooth function. The app will prompt you. The downloadable TOR-X manual shows how to operate the laser unit. Sync the unit’s Bluetooth with the app, and you’re ready to go.

The MantisX system works with dry and live fire. But don’t mistake this for some boring dry fire system. I promise it’s not boring. I’ve been using the X10 Elite since early 2022. It’s made me a much better shooter, but I haven’t even come close to mastering it. I probably never will. We reviewed the X10 Elite here.

I was curious whether the TOR-X had a new and different program, but I synced it up and continued on with my X10 Elite progress. I liked that. The TOR-X is a little more user-friendly since I can leave it on my gun if I want and actually use the laser. To be clear, I could leave the X10 Elite module on, too, but it doesn’t do anything outside the training program. The TOR-X unit is a real Steiner laser. It just has a nice training function, too.

Training is Fun!

I noted that the MantisX system isn’t boring, and that is absolutely true. It helps with myriad skills like trigger pull, presentation, and draw stroke. If you get tired of fundamentals, you can progress through the basic, advanced, and elite marksmanship courses. Or how about the three combat courses? Or maybe you can show off in the hostage rescue drills, which are way harder than you think.

But hard is good. I wrote in my initial review that this is not some video game that you beat in a month and never come back to. You won’t beat this. You can always improve, and the MantisX system will challenge you to do just that.

But it’s not just scoring. The system tracks your progress and evaluates each trigger pull if you want. The graphics show you where improvement is needed and provide a score for each shot. It’s not just hit and miss. You see what you did right and, more importantly, what you did wrong. You can run timed or untimed drills. It’s up to you.

Drill and performance history can be organized by individual gun, whether handgun or long gun. MantisX has a firearm database to match your firearm, so you can see which guns you shoot well with and which guns need work. If your firearm isn’t listed, you can add it manually. I run the system with my Taurus G3 Tactical because the trigger has re-strike capability. That saves me from racking the slide after every shot. The system didn’t have that particular gun, so I entered it myself. Took about 15 seconds.

I should also note that the MantisX system works even if the laser itself is turned off. You can and should use it both ways.

Final Thoughts

The TOR-X with the MantisX system is a quality product from two quality companies. I love collaborations like this. It’s almost like they’re trying to improve their customers’ experience. What a novel concept. I’m being sarcastic, of course. But this may go a little further than the many companies who put out good stuff. The thing is, it makes a lot of sense. Training applications that incorporate the real-world tools being used are generally superior.

I get that not everyone uses a laser. But many do. And those who haven’t might now find a reason to bring a laser, this laser, into their systems. For me, this isn’t my first MantisX rodeo, and I’m glad to report that the TOR-X measures up to past experience. But it is my first interaction with Steiner. I like what I’ve seen, and I’ve resolved to try more Steiner products.

So, what are you waiting for? The TOR-X just dropped. Here’s a great chance to upgrade your gear and your training.

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