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How to choose a Self-Defense tool

Bc. Michal Kuczaj

In the current unstable and uncertain world, self-defense tools are becoming an extremely relevant topic – and for a good reason – because they can save your life. However, not every self-defence device is suitable for everyone and for every purpose. That's why we're gonna take a look at pepper and tear sprays, stun guns, telescopic batons and tonfas.

It is always better to be well prepared than unpleasantly surprised. But which self-defense tool is the most effective for a specific situation?

PEPPER SPRAYS

These non-lethal self-defense devices are available as easily portable dispensers of an irritant substance designed to temporarily incapacitate the assailant.

When protecting yourself with a pepper spray, it is best to focus on the area of the attacker's eyes. The substance causes pain, burning, or other irritation of the eyes and mucosa. The attacker may even become temporarily blind. This gives you enough time to escape and call for help.

PEPPER SPRAY INGREDIENT

The essential ingredient in pepper sprays is capsaicin - a chemical irritant extracted from chilli peppers. That's what makes them so spicy. And if you've ever eaten chilli peppers, you've probably found out that the hotter varieties can irritate all the areas of your body you touched before.

You may also be familiar with the word "cayenne pepper", which is often mistaken for capsaicin. However, it is the ground powder from certain types of chilli peppers, most commonly the 'cayenne' variety, which contains capsaicin and many other substances. Therefore, it is not exactly the same thing.

PEPPER SPRAY TYPES

Defensive pepper sprays can be categorized based on the method of dispersing the substance. Each type offers a different range and diffusion angle - thus also a different strategy.

Fog sprays

These pepper sprays generate fog. They might have a shorter range, but a larger spread. However, they are not very effective (at least not towards the attacker) if you're stationed against the wind direction.

Jet sprays

Instead of dispersing fog, these sprays produce a narrow stream of liquid. They offer a much greater range, but require you to aim more precisely.

Foam / Gel sprays

Foam and gel pepper sprays leave a dense layer on the attacker's body, which will try to wipe it off. However, this will only increase the effect of the substance.

Anti-animal sprays

They are designed to fend off aggressive dogs and other animals and are less powerful since animals usually have much more sensitive sensory organs. In contrast, there are also sprays specifically designed against bears - which contain up to 2x more capsaicin, have a greater range and spread.

Defense pepper spray is one of the most useful non-lethal means of self-defense. You can carry it in your pocket or a handbag, it is easy to use and most of all, it is very effective. Furthermore, compared to batons or stun guns, it does not involve physical contact with the assailant. Just be careful which way the nozzle is facing.

Defense NATO Gel Cone 50ml

3x

This pepper spray from German manufacturer Hoernecke is designed for close-quarters self-defense. It contains 50 ml of pepper gel. All you need to do is to point the spray at the attacker and it will release a fog, that will immobilize him immediately.

2 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 6.0

AntiDog Torch 65ml Defense Spray

This defensive spray is highly effective against aggressive animals. The Flip Top nozzle prevents accidental discharges. You can have this model with you at all times thanks to its compact size.

> 100 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 7.2

ALL PEPPER SPRAYS

 

tear SPRAYS

Tear and pepper sprays are different in the chemical composition of the active ingredient. Pepper sprays contain natural capsaicin (OC), whereas tear sprays use man-made halogen chemical compounds, most commonly o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) or chloroacetophenone (CN).

The effects of tear and pepper sprays are very similar (eye burning, mucosal irritation, coughing and, in case of tear sprays, also nausea on prolonged exposure), but may have varying effects on different organisms - for example, pepper spray is more effective against aggressive dogs or people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Anti-Attack 77000 CS FOG Defense Spray

This medium-sized defense spray from German manufacturer Hoernecke contains 40 ml of CS tear gas. It utilizes the FOG nozzle, which can cover a wider area.

3 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 2.6

Perfecta CS-Fog Stop Attack 40ml

1x

This highly effective defense spray from German manufacturer Umarex contains the CS tear gas (chlorobenzal­malononitrile), which causes sharp pain in the eyes and crying, giving you valuable seconds to escape.

19 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 4.4

TW1000 CS Fog Diplomat Pistol 20ml Defense Spray

3x

The defense spray in the shape of a pistol. It contains 20 ml of CS tear gas, which causes irritation of eyes, lungs and skin. This model must be stored in a well-ventilated place.

2 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 21.6

All tear sprays

STUN GUNS

Electroshock stun devices can be classified into two basic types according to the principle of use - direct contact and remote devices. A lot of people also call them "Tasers", but that is only the name of the remote stun guns manufactured by the company Taser (the name has been changed to "Axon" in 2017).

They function by disturbing the body's nervous system by creating an electrical arc flowing through electrodes that must be in direct contact with the target (or at least within a few millimeters). The electrical arc can also pass through a certain layer of clothing. This results in temporary immobilization of the attacker's muscles.

Stun gun manufacturers often claim that they offer the "most powerful product on the market" simply because they can produce voltages of several millions of volts. However, the high voltage only serves to create an electric arc - for that, even the 50,000 volts used by the police Tasers are just enough. As soon as the arc is created, the voltage drops significantly to around 1,200 volts.

It's the electric current what makes stun guns so effective. The lethal current for the human body is as low as 100-200 milliamps (mA). Therefore, electric stun guns use a relatively safe current of around 2.1 mA (civilian versions) and stun guns designed for police and other law enforcement forces use a current of around 3.6 mA.

direct contact STUN GUNS

Due to their design, contact stun guns require the user to place them on the attacker's body. They are easily portable, simple to use and can be used repeatedly - until the battery runs out, of course. However, the obvious disadvantage is the necessity to be in close proximity of the assailant.

Stun Gun Power Max

This model is powered by 9V battery. On the side you will find the safety button that protects you against accidental discharge. Hand clip secure against pull-up and use it against you.

1 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 43.6

Beast Defense Panther 2 Stun Gun

1x

The new version of the popular Beast Defense Panther stun gun has a maximum output of 2 500 000 V. You can charge it with the included USB cable. The green LED will let you know if the internal battery is fully charged.

In Stock in Our Central Warehouse, estimated delivery: May 7 - 10.

€ 39.5

Beast Defense Phazer Stun Gun

You can carry this compact stun gun with you all the time thanks to the included nylon belt holster. This model is charged with the included USB cable and has a maximum output of 500 000 V.

In Stock in Our Central Warehouse, estimated delivery: May 7 - 10.

€ 34.0

Stun Gun Scorpy 200

This model is intended for professional use. On the side you will find the safety button that protects you against accidental discharge. Hand clip secure against pull-up and use it against you.

8 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 42.0

Beast Defense Terminator Stun Gun

You can charge this compact stun gun with the included USB cable and it has a maximum output of 2 000 000 V. The green LED will let you know if the internal battery is fully charged.

Temporarily Unavailable

€ 34.0

Detail

All direct contact stun guns

REMOTE STUN GUNS

These pistol-shaped stun guns use compressed gas to discharge two electrodes with reverse hooks into the target's body, generating an electric arc through the wires (usually 4.5 to 10.5 m long), just like the direct contact stun guns.

Although having a long range might be beneficial, the electrode and compressed gas cartridge must be replaced after each use, and of course the battery must be recharged or replaced. Moreover, they might not be available for sale to the general public depending on the relevant laws in the respective country. Remote stun guns are mostly designed for the police or other law enforcement agencies.

BATONS

Batons are very popular self-defense tools mainly due to their simplicity and reliability. Nowadays, the most popular types of batons are telescopic ones, or so-called tonfas. Their usage is obvious - strong and quick strikes to the attacker's body, in order to repel the attacker by inflicting severe pain.

However, they are not suitable for every situation and for every user - it mainly depends on the physical strength and fighting experience of both you and the aggressor. For example, if you are of smaller size and there is a 2-metre muscular big guy charging you, your baton will likely not be taken into account. For such situation, it's more advisable to use a pepper spray or a stun gun.

TELESCOPIC BATONS

These self-defense tools have become very popular due to their compact dimensions when collapsed and their lightning-fast deployment ability. They are usually made of three metal steel tubes inserted into each other.

In the collapsed position, they are secured by an end cap with flexible metal plates, and in the expanded position, the tubes are fastened together thanks to their gradually narrowing/expanding diameter towards their beginning and end. Therefore, they are locked into each other via the mutual friction of the ends. Subsequent collapsing often requires a vertical impact against solid ground (e.g. concrete). However, the recent market also includes telescopic batons that can be collapsed using a button.

Hardened or non-hardened

Telescopic batons are available in two variants - hardened and regular non-hardened steel. Hardened steel is much harder and more durable than non-hardened steel, making a hardened baton capable of withstanding extreme usage that would bend or otherwise irreparably damage a regular baton. So the answer is pretty simple - if you don't mind the higher cost, we definitely recommend a hardened steel baton.

All non-hardened telescopic batons

Baton length

You're probably thinking "the longer the better". However, this is not exactly the case with telescopic batons. With a very long baton (e.g. 28"), you will of course have a greater reach, but its higher weight and size also mean worse manoeuvrability. Moreover, it is not very convenient for everyday carry. Despite its ability to be collapsed, it is still quite a large and heavy piece of metal. In general, we recommend a length of around 18" - 21", which is a sort of sweet middle ground between effectiveness and comfort.

Accessories

Telescopic batons can be supplied with a wide range of accessories that either make them easier to carry or can add some interesting features. You'll find telescopic baton belt holsters, flashlight end caps, glass-breaking tips and many other accessories on our website.

BH-35 Holster for Expandable Batons

The swiveling holster for expandable batons. You can turn it by 360° in different steps. This model is designed for batons with lengths from 21" to 26". The holster is made of plastic and you can secure your baton in place with a durable nylon strap.

2 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 8.8

End cap BE-04 with shank for ESP telescopic baton

The tip has a steel mandrel, which is often used for emergency glass breaking. The handle end will give you a more secure grip on the baton.

3 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 10.8

All accessories

Tonfas

Tonfas are is basically regular batons fitted with a perpendicular handle, thanks to which the user can protect their forearm and execute quick strikes. The original tonfas used to be made of wood, but these days you'll likely find them in a synthetic version. Recently, telescopic tonfas have also appeared on the market - combining the advantages of both types of baton.

TR Tonfa

The classic tonfa designed by self-defense experts. This model is highly durable and resistant to breaking. The handle is ergonomically shaped for improved grip.

5 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 10.4

TF Tonfa with Knuckle Guard

The classic tonfa with knuckle guard, which also reinforces the whole model. It was designed by self-defense experts and is highly durable and resistant to breaking. The handle is ergonomically shaped for improved grip.

7 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 9.2

Expandable Tonfa ExT 24/61

The durable expandable tonfa, made from duralumin. One of the biggest advantages of this model is its compact size. This model can be extended or collapsed.

2 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: May 2 - 6.

€ 62.0

Conclusion

When defending yourself, it is crucial to use the most appropriate method. And you'll definitely agree that it's best to keep as far away from a potential attacker as possible - in this case, pepper or tear spray is obviously the most suitable because all you have to do with the spray is aim properly, press the trigger button and the attacker is pacified.

You can achieve a comparable result with a direct contact stun gun, however, it has the drawback of requiring the stun gun to be held on the attacker's body. And unfortunately, the remote stun gun might not be available for sale to the general public in your country.

And batons? They can be a very effective means of self defense, but only in the right hands. They require certain physical strength and experience. So think carefully about which non-lethal self-defense tool is the best for you.

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Autor článku: Bc. Michal Kuczaj

Copywriter

I enjoy everything that shoots, cuts, drives fast and makes noise. I like being creative - which includes graphic design, 3D printing, origami and gardening. I've been writing articles, describing products, taking photos and adding posts on social media in the Balistas company since 2023.

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