By: Tamara Rogers

There’s something empowering about being able to train on your own terms—at your pace, in your space, and without shelling out hundreds of dollars on ammo and range time. If you’re a shooter—whether casual, competitive, or defensive-minded—you’ve probably heard about dry fire training. But let’s be honest: staring at a light switch and clicking your trigger gets old fast.

Enter the Laser Academy Training Kit – Standard from Mantis, a game-changer that promises to turn your living room, garage, or backyard into a fully interactive dry fire range. I got my hands on the Standard Kit recently and have spent the past few weeks putting it through its paces. Spoiler: this thing seriously upped my training game.

Let’s dive into the unboxing, setup, real-world performance, and everything in between.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Mantis Laser Academy Kit
I’ve reviewed a lot of gear over the years, and first impressions really matter. When the Laser Academy Standard Kit arrived, I was impressed right off the bat. The packaging is compact and sleek but doesn’t skimp on protection. Inside, every component is securely nestled in a custom foam insert within a rugged, zippered carrying case—perfect for storage or taking your training on the road.

Here’s what’s included in the Standard Kit (rephrased for clarity):

• A Full Access Code to the Mantis Laser Academy App
• The Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge (choose your caliber)
• A full set of 5″ x 7″ Smart Targets
• A full set of 8″ x 11″ Smart Targets
• A compact Mini Tripod with smartphone holder
• A full-sized Large Tripod with smartphone holder
• A Laser Cartridge Extraction Stick
• A padded Portable Carrying Case
• 🆕 Five Target Stands (brand-new addition!)
• 🆕 A set of Phone Shades for glare control

Everything feels well-made and thoughtfully selected. The laser cartridge has a nice weight to it and the tripods aren’t cheap, wobbly throw-ins—they’re stable and adjustable. The phone shades and target stands are new features in this updated version of the kit, and they make a big difference (more on that shortly).

Setup: From Tabletop to Tactical in Minutes
Getting started with the Laser Academy Kit is pleasantly easy. I inserted the Pink Rhino laser cartridge into my 9mm Glock (after triple-checking it was unloaded—safety first, always). The laser drops into the chamber and stays in place. No tools needed.

Then I downloaded the Laser Academy app (available on both Android and iOS) and redeemed my Full Access Code, unlocking a full suite of training modes. The app walks you through setup and calibration, guiding you to mount your phone using either the mini or large tripod, depending on your space.

Once your phone is positioned and aligned with the smart target, the app takes a quick calibration snapshot. From there, it automatically detects each laser shot and registers it with impressive accuracy. I used the Phone Shades for my iPhone, and they made a noticeable difference in reducing glare—especially in my living room where ambient light was interfering with detection.

The Target Stands are another brilliant addition. Previously, you had to tape the targets to a wall or lean them against books or boxes. Now, you just slide the paper into a stand and boom—you’ve got a makeshift indoor range.

Hitting the (Smart) Targets
Okay, let’s talk performance.

The app offers a wide variety of drills. With Full Access (included in this kit), you unlock over a dozen training modes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Open Shooting – Single Target: Great for warm-ups and sight alignment
• Shot From Guard: Practice drawing and shooting from low ready
• Multiple Target Drills: Perfect for improving transitions and focus
• Holster Draw: Adds speed and muscle memory to your routine
• Duel Mode: Challenge a friend or family member—this one’s seriously fun

Every shot you take registers almost instantly. The app shows your hit location, your timing, and your shot spread. If you’re competitive like me, you’ll start chasing better scores in no time.

The best part? You’re using your own firearm. That means real weight, real grip, real trigger mechanics. This isn’t a laser toy—this is muscle memory that transfers directly to the range.

Real-World Training Benefits
Here’s where the Laser Academy kit truly shines.

Over just a few days of training, I noticed I was drawing smoother, my trigger control tightened up, and my shot placement—even with live fire—had noticeably improved. It’s easy to understand why: with this kit, you’re practicing consistently and correctly, without the pressure or cost of live range time.

For those carrying concealed, the holster draw drills are especially useful. I’ve been incorporating these into my morning routine, and they’ve helped tremendously in building confident, efficient draws.

A Trainer and a Coach in Your Pocket
The Laser Academy App isn’t just a target counter. It gives you detailed feedback, scoring breakdowns, and even shot replays if you enable video mode. After each drill, you can see your fastest shot, your average speed, your groupings—and even save your sessions for later review.

You’re not just shooting at a target—you’re analyzing your progress and getting coachable metrics in real-time.

Portability and Quality That Travels
I’ve taken this kit with me on two road trips already. The carrying case is incredibly handy. It fits everything snugly, and even with a few extra paper targets tossed in, it zips up cleanly.

The components—especially the tripods and target stands—hold up to repeated use. Nothing feels fragile or gimmicky. Mantis clearly designed this kit to be used often and used hard.

Pros and Cons – What You Need to Know
What I Loved:
• Full Access App License included
• Laser Accuracy and fast shot detection
• Realistic training using your actual firearm
• Smart, insightful app with dozens of drills
• Great portability and clean organization
• New phone shades solve glare issues
• New target stands make setup easier than ever
• Fun for families, friends, and solo shooters alike

What I’d Improve:
• The phone camera needs to stay charged—consider a power bank
• Bright room lighting can still affect laser detection if not shaded
• You need to practice proper dry fire safety (not really a flaw, but a must-know)

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Serious (and Casual) Shooters
If you’re serious about improving your marksmanship—or even just want a fun, high-tech way to stay sharp between range days—the Mantis Laser Academy Standard Kit is absolutely worth it.

For under $200, you’re getting a full training system that adapts to your skill level, your schedule, and your space. The included Full Access App License, laser cartridge, target setups, and portable design make this one of the most complete dry fire kits on the market today.

Final Thought:
I’ve spent countless hours and thousands of rounds at the range, but this kit reminded me that sometimes, the best training happens at home. The Laser Academy Standard Kit doesn’t just simulate shooting—it elevates it. Whether you’re trying to shave a second off your draw or just want to have fun with the family, this system delivers.

So, if you’re ready to turn your dry fire training from a chore into a challenge, give the Mantis Laser Academy a shot. You won’t regret it.

Get yours today at: https://mantisx.com

Buying directly from Mantis ensures you receive:

• The most up-to-date version of the kit (with the newest features like phone shades and target stands)
• A valid Full Access code for the Laser Academy app ($99 value included)
• Access to official customer support and warranty services

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a concealed carry permit holder, or just someone looking to stay sharp between range visits, this kit is one of the best training investments you can make.