Pepper Spray as a Defense Tool
There are many reasons why you might want to use a less than lethal method of defense. Not all encounters justify deadly force response; you may have moral issues carrying a firearm or you may not be able to carry a firearm where you are going. Whatever the reason, you want to look at certain aspects of Pepper Spray to see which is best for you.
Remember that just because you use less than lethal protection devices does not mean you still cannot be charged or sued for assault. It is best to make sure you know the laws in your state and determine where you can and cannot carry it. Consider a self-protection insurance.
Reputation. Sabre Red is a brand that is used by most police. By using a brand that is used by police it helps to ensure that you do not get something that is too powerful and therefore you get caught up in a lawsuit. It also helps to ensure that it works. Police typically don’t use things that don’t work.
Application type. There are generally 3 types of applications they are below:
a. Fog – I do not recommend this type. A fog type creates a big cloud. It is too easy to get blown around and back to you.
b. Stream – This is watery consistency produces a stream of the Pepper spray that you can aim.
c. Gel – This is also a stream of Pepper Spray but it is a gel consistency that sticks to the attacker. You typically get a little better range from gel than stream.
Dyes. Most Pepper Sprays have a pigment dye and a Ultra Violet Dye in them to help identify the attacker. I recommend this feature be included in Pepper Spray.
Grip. If you are getting the Pepper Spray in a hurry, you want to be able to align it quickly in your hand to activate as well ensure that you don’t spray yourself. You will find several systems with finger grooves on them to make sure this happens quickly.
Inert Copy. If at all possible you want an inert practice copy of what you actually would use. This allows you to practice and get a better sense of how far it shoots, how you operate it etc. Be sure the inert version is the same style of activation.
Below are my recommendations for Pepper Spray Products – I do not get any money from these. I have provided a link to amazon for easy reference but please buy where you like.
For Home Defense:
Product: Sabre Red Home Defense
Why: Large volume, Gel so it won’t go everywhere, easy to use, comes with its own wall mounting hanger.
For jogging or walking:
Product: Sabre Red Runner Pepper Gel
Why: Keeps the pepper spray available in the correct orientation to activate it. Gel gives good distance even in wind. They also have a variant with an LED adjustable strap.
For Purse or Pocket:
Product: Sabre Pepper Gel Kit with Blue Practice Spray
Why: The finger groves help to align the system fast in your hands so that you can activate it. Comes with a practice system to help you understand how to use it and how far it will go. Has a key chain option.