I wrote my first Advisory about self-defense products about 5 years ago. Since then, I’ve added a couple more and then, last year, I turned an update on self-defense products into a whole booklet in the Emergency Preparedness Q&A Mini-Series!
The Advisories and that booklet have generated a number of comments. The topic continues to be one of our most popular. Still, no matter how attractive as a subject for reading, buying and actually using self-defense products isn’t for everyone!
At the same time, personal safety continues to be a concern, today more than ever.
So we keep up with the news and reviews about all aspects of self-protection, including Second Amendment controversies. I’m not ready to jump into recommending firearms yet, but I certainly can suggest some non-lethal alternatives that may serve ALL our readers.
Stun Guns vs. Tasers – They are NOT the same.
The confusion about these two items continues in the public, at least. Even on Amazon, there is no distinction!
Here are three differences you need to know:
1 – Different technology
While both these devices operate using a charge of electricity, the stun gun generates a shock when the probes on the gun itself are pressed against someone. Stun guns are available starting at around $20. On the other hand, the taser shoots a projectile that creates the shock when the projectile hits someone. Tasers start at around $300 and quickly go up in price from there.
2 – Different uses
Obviously, given the technology, the stun gun is an up-close weapon useful when you are being physically attacked. The taser can be put to use from a distance – typically from 10 – 25 ft, away.
3 – Different regulations
Stun guns seem to be legal in most states. Tasers may not be legal without a weapon carry permit and the training that goes with it. It all depends on the state – or even the county – you live in.
Here is a place you can begin research about your own state: http://outdoorsmagazine.net/stun-gun-laws/ (Updated as of 2020)
No guarantees! Check with official agencies in your OWN town to be sure you know the rules. And if you’re looking for more about the advantages of stun guns vs. tasers, check out this Advisory. The Advisory shows several sample products, too.
Warning about these NON-LETHAL devices.
The taser really isn’t non-lethal. It has been reported as causing the deaths of hundreds – now over 1,000 – of people in law-enforcement related incidents. Only some of these deaths seem to have been accidental.
My recommendation – Unless you are willing to come up with the cost for a taser, get the appropriate training and licenses and run the risk of a tragic accident that could get you mired in the legal system – I’d stay away from a taser.
Stun gun vs. Pepper Spray
The disadvantage I see to a stun gun is that your attacker has to actually be within arm’s reach for you to use the device. Of course, its colorful “Zap” may have some deterrent effect, but that’s it.
When it comes to stopping an attacker before he gets too close, I’d prefer pepper spray.
A hand-held canister of pepper spray can shoot a spray or cloud at least 8-10 feet, and probably more.
The important questions to ask about pepper spray:
Size of canister – Does the spray canister fit easily and comfortably in your hand so you can grab and use it? Sizes range from lipstick-tube-size to much larger cans. The 2-oz. size offers enough liquid that you can test a couple of times without emptying the canister.
Safety features – If you hang your canister on your key chain or onto the outside of your purse, or carry it IN your purse, what keeps it from accidentally going off? Flip top? Twist top? Can the safety features be operated WITH ONE HAND?
Life of product – Pepper spray won’t last forever, although it should last at least a couple of years. Check the expiration date on the packaging, and test to see that the spray is working every 6 months or so. You don’t want to need it and discover that nothing happens when you press the button!
Product quality – There are a number of manufacturers of pepper spray, and while I am usually happy to get “the best deal” on anything I buy, in this case the cheapest is not likely to give me what I am looking for.
My research has led me to one particular manufacturer of pepper spray – Fox Labs.
Reviews from law enforcement users as well as “regular” people are compelling. This product seems to work when other products, similarly priced and highly promoted, do not.
Here’s what the 2 oz. canister looks like. It should provide 18 or so ½ second bursts, so you can practice a couple of times. Its range is advertised as 17-20 feet.
Click on the image to get the latest pricing at Amazon. (It was just over $20 when I last looked.)
There is also a 4 oz. canister that may shoot even farther and has double the number of bursts, but that size is not legal to be shipped in California, so may not be legal where you live, either. Again, check local regulations!
Note that this product must be shipped via ground, so it may not arrive immediately.
Important Update! Thanks to a prompt from one of our readers (See his comment below!), I’m compelled to add another couple of items to this Advisory! They are both variations on the pepper spray theme.
There are now pepper sprays in GEL format and in FOAM format! They have the same basic capsaicin ingredient and serve the same purpose of self-defense. But neither is as likely as spray to blow back onto you in a confined space! Moreover, pepper gel goes a good 6 feet farther than either spray or foam, so you can use it from a safer distance. The gel doesn’t spread out as much though, so you may have to be better at aiming.
Click on the link below to get to a sample of gel made by SABRE. I own the SABRE spray and find it fits my hand well, and it looks as though the gel is packaged pretty much the same way.
Finally, if you purchase any pepper product, check your canister carefully. Note its expiration date. Then . . .
Practice with self-defense products!
Practice getting it out of your purse, unlocking the cover and shooting. You must be able to do it in the dark and when you are nervous! Get your moves down, and then refresh your skills from time to time.
If you ever need this, you’ll need it.
Virginia
Your Emergency Plan Guide Team
P.S. Joggers and bike riders say this spray works great on threatening dogs, too.
P.P.S. I mentioned that we’ve written other articles about protecting yourself from danger. If you are serious about buying for the first time, please get a copy of our 2020 mini-book, Personal Safety. Its 50 pages of common questions and answers will give you an update on self-defense and self-defense products plus a discussion of the necessary state of mind required to use force or weapons.
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Do you have an opinion on pepper spray vs. pepper gel? It seems like spray in an enclosed area or with a headwind could affect you and others you weren’t targeting. I’d guess that pepper gel has to be more precisely aimed, but that’s just a guess.
Mike, so glad you asked this question! It’s made me dig deeper into the latest pepper products. Not only did I come to the gel you mention, but I also discovered a pepper FOAM. I will be updating all my self-defense Advisories to include info about all of these. You point out the two main differences between spray and gel – danger of blowback and easy of aiming. DISTANCE from target is also right up there, since the gel seems to add a good 6 feet to how far away you can be and still be effective.