First Look: Mantis X8 Archery Trainer

by
posted on January 13, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mantis-x8-main.jpg
From the company that brought to market the MantisX, a revolutionary pistol trainer designed for live-fire, comes the new Mantis X8 for archery. The X8 from Mantis Archery is a small, precision-sensing device that tracks minute movements, collecting thousands of datapoints per second. Once mounted on the bow with the included adapter, it analyzes shooter movements and sends the data over Bluetooth to the MantisX Archery app for smartphones and tablets.

The MantisX Archery app draws a trace of the bow movement through the entire shooting process, mapping the phases of each shot by color according to the National Training System utilized by USA Archery. Every phase is plotted and timed. The pre-shot stability is scored, and consistency is analyzed visually to help the shooter determine patterns and outliers between shots. Bow cant and elevation angle are also plotted, along with directional velocity data and much, much more.

Additionally, the free app maintains a history of your shooting performance that is optionally stored in the cloud. Shooters can form groups and view each other’s data, often used by both coaches and students.

The X8 has a 20-hour battery life and is USB-rechargeable (cable included). It mounts on any bow with the included adapter. For more information, please visit mantisarchery.com.

Additional Reading:
Reviewed: MantisX Shooting Coaching System
Product Preview: MantisX Pistol Trainer

Latest

W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028
W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.