Mantis and Steiner have teamed up to provide you the TOR-X!  The TOR-X is a combination of a self-defense green laser, Steiner’s Tor Mini, and a MantisX training device.  This device allows the user to have an all-in-one device that you don’t have to take on and off when you switch between training and carrying. 

Mounting

The unit is mounted on your accessory rail under the barrel and activated via your trigger finger.  The laser has an adjustable recoil bar to lock in the picatinny rail so that you can position the buttons within easy reach.  The recoil bar is easy to reposition so that you can position it exactly where you want it.  You want to ensure your trigger finger can activate it without blocking any of the area forward of the trigger inside the trigger guard.  The unit uses a provided allen wrench to attach the unit to the rail.  The unit locked up on my S&W M&P 2.0 Compact smoothly and tight.

Battery

The TOR-X uses a CR1/3N battery which you can easily find.  They provide a Duracell battery with the unit.  The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the unit, so you don’t have to take it off the gun to change the battery which is always nice as you don’t have to re-zero the laser.  Note the battery cover has an off-center slot for opening and closing.  The slot is wide enough to handle a nickel.  Being offset from the center is a little unique when attempting to open the cover but easily managed.

Size

The length is roughly 2-3/8” long, by 1-1/8” wide by 1-1/4” tall.  While a little bigger than the TOR Mini, this will fit with most holsters that are designed to handle a laser/light.  When in doubt you can always order a custom holster.  The unit with a battery per my scale weighs in at 69 grams.  It is a little heavy, but this unit is solidly made with an aluminum housing.  It is only 9 grams heavier than the Steiner Tor Mini.  The unit will add some weight forward but will help with muzzle rise when shooting.    

Laser

The military grade laser is a green laser with a good intensity.  I prefer green because I find it easier to see.  Supposedly the human eye sees green better than red due to the rods and cones in our eyes.  The on/off buttons are ambidextrous so you can use the laser with either hand.  I found the activation of the trigger finger operated buttons some of the best that I have experienced.  The angle is very ergonomic and found them very easy to operate.  The unit is splash proof.

Mantis Training

What sets this apart from other lasers is the MantisX training system integrated into the laser.  You connect the TOR-X to your MantisX software (normally on a phone or tablet) using Blue Tooth, by pressing both laser activation buttons at the same time.  There will be a little blue light that shows up on the bottom of the laser.  When you are done training you press both buttons again so the blue light goes out.  Then a press of either button will activate the laser. 

The unit performed flawlessly when I synced and used the TOR-X with my MantisX software.  Because I have the MantisX 10, I was a little worried about swapping back and forth between the TOR-X and X10 unit, but it links with which ever you are using.  There are no settings that you have to change because you are using different units.  It is interesting that the colors for the menus change to blue when using the Steiner TOR-X.  When using the X10, the menu items are Red.

You still will have to change the normal settings of the gun type, the live/dry/CO2 setting.  Also be sure to check the that you have the mount forward and, on the bottom, if it is mounted on the accessory rail under the barrel.    

As a hint, be sure to turn off the TOR-X off after training.  I didn’t and it killed the battery.  The next day I went to activate the laser and it wouldn’t come on.  After some trouble shooting I changed the battery and it worked like a charm.  Perhaps we need an auto-off feature in the mantis-X training mode.

Multipurpose Items & Warranty

Normally I am not a big fan of multipurpose equipment, especially when it comes to my self-defense equipment as I want to keep it simple.  This however comes with the Steiner’s Heritage Warranty as well as Mantis standing behind their products.  I have found Mantis to be fantastic customer service with their products. 

I did ask who the primary company for warranty repairs would be and the answer is Steiner.  Mantis will provide any software trouble shooting.  I think both companies have a great track record at supporting their customers.

Why would you consider this multipurpose piece of equipment?   It is because you don’t want to have to remove your laser to put the MantisX system on the rail and switch back and check zero every time you want to train.  Obviously, this applies to only those that are using rail mounted lasers, but for those that do, this will make training easier to do.  When it comes to self-defense the more training you do, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Overall Impression

The TOR-X has a great build quality which we come to expect from Steiner.  You won’t be disappointed with the quality of construction.  The integration of the MantisX software into the laser is a unique niche market for Steiner and Mantis, a move designed to improve the opportunity and reduce the effort to train.  In a world where the demand on our time is higher than ever, this product is a life saver when it comes to making it fast and convenient to train and that might result in literally saving your life.

 MSRP for the TOR-X is $359.

For more information on the new TOR-X pistol-mounted laser and integrated training system, please visit Mantisx.com