Non-Lethal Self-Defense Products-Pros and Cons

I own several web sites now but back in 2005 I started my first, My-Defense-Products. I had a distributor and a site full of products so I waited for the orders to roll in. And waited. and waited...

I was naive. I thought if I built it they would come. But gradually, through the many weeks and months and yes, years after that, I learned what it takes to even compete in the competitive self-defense products fields. My first web site is long gone but my latest products and web site venture is stun guns, pepper spray and Tasers.

When we say self-defense products, we mean principally stun guns, Taser and pepper spray. There are others like a Kubotan or the popular wedge shaped Heart Attack. But the above mentioned "Big Three" account for most of the sales of these type products.

Why not just carry a firearm? Isn't that the most effective weapon? Well, yes and no. If your evil-doer brandishes a weapon, aims and you get off the first shot, that's good for you. If your threatening assailant isn't carrying a weapon and you shoot, well, you could get into big trouble. And how much of your time will be spent carrying a lethal weapon? On vacation? To the store? To the ballgame?

We think for most people and principally women, a stun gun, Taser and/or pepper spray is more practical and safe. They are inexpensive to buy, legal in most states, do not require training or registration and are small and light enough to carry most anywhere. They are most definitely effective with no lasting ill effects.

The TASER® M18L Advanced TASER is a popular consumer model produced by TASER International. This model sports a laser sight to help with aim. (You can buy this model without the laser sight in the M18.) The M18L package includes four cartridges, a battery pack (4 x 1.5 volt AA), an operating manual, a practice target poster and Citizen Training CD. It comes housed in a hard black poly case with integrated handle. It is made in the US. There is a 30 day money back guarantee, 90 day product warranty, and a lifetime replacement warranty if it is left activated next to an assailant.

First, let's clear some misconceptions. A stun gun is a "contact" device meaning the contacts must be applied directly to the perpetrator to be effective. This model can function as a contact stun gun with or without a cartridge. But that is only a backup feature. A Taser is a device that when activated propels two small probes attached to thin insulated electrical wires. These attach to an attacker's clothing or skin. The device sends electrical pulses through the wires that disrupt the motor and sensory systems. This incapacitates the subject allowing time to flee.

The TASER has gained wide law enforcement acceptance throughout the world. Predictably, injuries are much less than with firearms. Effects are temporary. The device is not without its detractors but studies show it is relatively safe when used in a responsible manner. It is virtually impossible for even an out-of-control perpetrator to over-ride the physical effects.

The TASER® M18, unlike most stun guns, actually looks like gun. The high impact black polycarbonate gun is set off with a mid gun yellow accent. The safety switch has a lock and armed position. The dimensions with cartridge are 8.30" long, 6" high and 1.75" wide. It weighs 19.2 ounces without the cartridge. It has a battery LED indicator. There is a molded mechanical sight it addition to the laser sight. The M18L has a range of fifteen feet.

Depressing and releasing the trigger will result in a five-second discharge unless the safety switch is moved to the down (SAFE) position. Holding the trigger switch for more than 5 seconds will result in a continuous discharge until the trigger switch is released, or until the batteries are depleted. Normally, aim the laser of the device at one of the large muscle groups (center of mass) such as the torso or thigh areas.

The M18L Advanced TASER has been discontinued by TASER International. It has been replaced by the TASER X-26-C. Also available is the Taser C2 which comes in eight colors as well as black. This sleek model has a smaller profile than the M18 and appeals to women with smaller hands. Pricing starts at $299.00. Tasers are not legal in all states and municipalities so check this before ordering one.

The Stun Master Telescopic Stun Baton is designed to repel attackers by the touch of this device on any part of the body. The manufacturer claims it will transmit its shock effect through 1/2 inch of clothing. It is rated at 800,000 volts which puts it at the upper echelon of power. It is a rechargeable unit and comes with an integrated flashlight and alarm. Also included is a holster with a belt loop and a plug in charger.

The stun baton closed is 12 3/4 inches long. The widest part is at the integrated light which is 2 3/4 inches across. The circumference of the shaft at it's base is 5 inches. Fully extended, the baton measures 21.5 inches. The unit weighs just over one pound. The baton is black with chrome side rails on the shaft. The telescopic part is in three sections. The handle is ridged for a positive grip.

The three controls on the baton are easily accessed when holding it. There is a rocker switch which arms and disarms the unit. By your index finger is a ridged oval switch which serves double duty. You press this to first expand the baton. It expands quickly with a decided snap. Then this switch will active the stun effect as long as you hold it down. The third switch by your thumb turns on the flashlight in the first position. Push it further and the siren goes off. The flashlight is bright and the siren gives off a very piercing wail. For safety, there is a small plastic set piece lying in this switch canal. You must remove this to operate the switch.

You collapse the unit by pushing in on the shafts till it seats. It's all very well thought out. That's a good thing because you don't want to be hampered by a poor design when you have to react in a hurry under duress.

The included black vinyl is a thoughtful addition. The shaft end goes into the holster while a Velcro loops fastens around the base of the handle. Because the unit is so light, a night watch or security guard could wear this around a belt with no undo fatigue.

This is a handsome unit with impressive features. Expandable/collapsible stun batons have an advantage over hand held rectangular stun devices. With those you must be very close to your attacker to apply the charge. (Hand-helds are typically 6-8 inches tall.) With a maximum range of 21.5 inches and with an outstretched arm, you could repel your assailant from 3 to 4 feet from your body. That's a distinct tactical advantage.

Tasers are in the news now more than ever. Despite the sometimes sensationalistic slant, Tasers are now the preferred non-lethal instrument for law enforcement and concerned citizens to subdue an unruly and aggressive individual.

A Taser is a type of stun gun that emits two electrically energized shooting tethered electrodes that attach onto the assailant. Although a prototype electrical device similar to the Taser was invented in 1969, it wasn't until the 1990s that the company Air Taser was born. Early customers were citizens concerned about personal safety. When Taser changed its name in 1998 to Taser International they began to market their devices to law enforcement. The timing was right. Law enforcement had been seeking an effective alternative to lethal force to subdue disturbed perpetrators.

How They Work

The Taser (sometimes called "Air Taser") is a specialized stun gun. Once the gun is fired, compressed nitrogen sends out two darts each attached to 15 feet of fine wire. These probes attach to the subject's clothing while 50,000 volts travel down the wires. The subject is incapacitated and goes down immediately. Because the amperage is low, no permanent damage is done and the effects are temporary. A threatening or out-of-control
individual is subdued without lethal force. Taser International, the maker of the trademarked "Taser" claims near 100% effectiveness.

Tasers, like all stun guns, use a high voltage, low amperage electrical signal that when administered causes the complete loss of neuro-muscular control. Taser's EMD (Electro Muscular Disruption) weapons use a more powerful 18 to 26 watt electrical signal to completely override the central nervous system and directly control the skeletal muscles.

The Taser gun uses a timing mechanism to deliver the jolt. It releases an electric current in a pre-set time sequence for a total time of about 30 seconds in each cycle. This cycle ensures that the nervous system of the target does not recover instantly to allow him to remove the probes.

Effects

This EMD effect causes an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue, allowing the gun to physically debilitate a target regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus. Rather than simply interfering with communication between the brain and muscles, the Advanced Taser EMD systems
directly tell the muscles what to do: contract until the target is in a docile position on the ground.

A person hit with an Advanced Taser will feel dazed and exhausted for several minutes. The pulsating electrical output causes involuntary muscle contractions and a resulting sense of vertigo. It can momentarily stun or even render the subject unconscious. Yet, the Taser's low electrical amperage and short duration of pulsating current ensures a non-lethal charge. Moreover, it does not cause permanent damage or long-term after-effects to muscles, nerves or other body functions.

A January 1987 Annals of Emergency Medicine study reported TASER technology leaves no long term injuries compared with 50% long term injuries for gun shot injuries.

Are Tasers Safe?

There is a plethora of information concerning Taser safety both scientific and anecdotal. In summary, most studies conclude that the Taser's effects are temporary with no ill after-effects. Those deaths that have occurred after the administration of the Taser have been due to pre-existing medical conditions, high drug intake or, in some case, over-administration.

Police are generally enthusiastic about the results of Taser. Florida Orange County Sheriffs Department reported a 80% reduction of injuries to sheriffs in 2002, the first year of Taser use. The Phoenix police department reported a 67% reduction in suspect injuries in 2004 and attributed the results to Taser use. In South Bend, Indiana, officer injuries were down by 67% in the last half of 2003 compared to no Taser use in the first half.

Taser claims that 10,000 police agencies in over 40 countries now use and depend upon the device. They have been used over 500,000 times, saving lives by subduing dangerous individuals so they can be apprehended.

Conclusion

It's a fact--Tasers work, clear and simple. Independent medical studies studies show they are safe when used correctly. The Air Taser is
non-destructive to nerves, muscles and other body elements. Unlike regular stun guns that require actual contact with an assailant, Tasers can be
fired up to 15 feet away.

As with all self-defense products, the user must exercise sound judgment in their use and application.

Stun Guns come in many sizes, shapes and voltages. Categorizing these attributes will help you choose an appropriate self defense product.

Shapes

The prototypical stun gun is rectangular in shape and perhaps 3/4 to one inch thick. Sizes generally increase with voltage power. This is as much as to hold more batteries than anything else.

The second common shape is one of a cell phone or Blackberry. This is the so-called "covert" self defense item where the intent of the device is hidden behind an innocuous shape. Cell phone stun guns are small enough to fit in a purse or glove compartment.

A third shape has recently arrived where the handle is molded into the device. Think of brass knuckles where the administration is straight on. This shape offers a more secure grip which could be crucial in a high stress situation. The Knuckle Blaster stun gun is a 950,000 volt device that somewhat resembles brass knuckles (although this one is molded plastic with an outer soft rubber skin.)

Stun batons are also members of the stun gun family. Consider these high-tech versions of the night stick. They are a natural for a walking patrolman and the night watchman.

Sizes

One of the tallest of the rectangle style stun guns is the Streetwise SW1000. This 1000K volt stunner measures 8.25 inches x 2 inches x 1 inch. It also features a built-in alarm. It requires three 9 volt batteries to power.

At the other spectrum, the Small Fry 1,000,000 volt mini stun gun may be the smallest battery powered zapper with the biggest wallop. This model measures an amazing 3 1/4 inches x 2 inches x 3/4 inch. This is made possible by the development of lithium batteries. This stun gun takes three button size lithium-ion batteries.

Stun batons come in either fixed or expandable models. You can keep your attacker at bay with the expandable type which can extend to 21". With your arm out-stretched you can keep an assailant a safer distance away than with a traditional hand held. Common fixed stun baton sizes are 16, 18 and 20 inches. Some models feature an alarm to hopefully scare a would-be intruder.

Voltages

Stun gun voltages run the gamut from 80,000 volts to 1.2 million volts. Many fall in the 300K to 500K range. At 80K, the Talon MINI stun gun is one of the smallest and most affordable models. It measures just 4" tall and has enough power to keep a would-be attacker dazed and confused for several minutes. At the other extreme, the Double Trouble stun gun delivers an ultra powerful 1.2 million volts. It's one of the new grip style devices with contacts on either end. This design is responsible for the unit's high power.

It must be mentioned that although these defensive products deliver high voltages, the amperage is very low, perhaps only 2-4 milliamps. They're considered reasonable force in resisting attack and are non-lethal. In fact, if you stand around too long watching your handy-work, you could regret it. Recovery time depends upon voltage and the length or series of administrations. But most people will recover in only 4-8 minutes. So run to safety first, not last.

Introduction

Pepper spray is made from the essence of the chili pepper. It is diluted with water to a specific percentage (usually 5% to 15%) and mixed primarily with propellants and UV dye (for police identification). Some products are mixed with tear gas (Mace Triple Action) for purported extra effectiveness. Products have specific spray patterns and forms. These are all effective and are not critical in the decision process. A sprayer expels its contents in short bursts. Buy at least a 2 oz product which contains 8-10 one second shots. Expect the stream to reach 8-12 feet.

Effects

O.C. (the active ingredient in pepper spray) is an inflammatory agent that causes distress to the mucous membranes. That's why it's important to aim the spray at the face and eyes of a would-be attacker. The eyes will shut as they tear and sting and the attacker will gasp for breath and cough. The effects last 20-40 minutes, certainly enough time to flee the scene or call the police.

How safe is pepper spray? With a reasonable dosage in a healthy individual with no respiratory illnesses or restrictions, we can say pepper spray is relatively safe. Recovery time is quick with no lasting effects other than perhaps a mild headache.

Antidote

Why an antidote? Perhaps you inadvertently sprayed yourself while handling the device (unlikely because they all have safety caps). Perhaps you panicked in the dark and sprayed an approaching man who turned out to be someone you know. Maybe you used the product one windy day and enough blew back on you to cause distress. Whatever the reason, there is no quick sure-fire antidote for pepper spray. But there are things you can do to minimize the effects. The most effective solution is a combination of milk, honey, a mild detergent, and a little baking soda. It will soothe the area and remove the chemical somewhat - even a tiny residue will continue to burn. Blinking the eyes several times can help tear away the irritant. Tearless baby shampoo sometimes works to cut the oily resin from your face and hair. Wash your hands several times with soap and water and wash your clothes separately from other items. Don't use oily lotions and wash the area repeatedly with cold water. If you are inside, go outside in the fresh air.

Conclusion

Pepper spray is the preferred agent used by police to control unruly crowds or individuals. It is the ideal security device for a woman to carry in her purse and car. It is inexpensive to buy and comes in many container types and disbursement methods. You never know--It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

A robber or sexual predator is looking for a vulnerable person who is walking alone and isolated, typically at night. Beyond this, most attackers do not plan their assault in any detail. They wish to do the deed and quickly flee undetected.

You can reduce your chance of injury or trauma by observing the following:

In Your Neighborhood

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Play "what if...?" How close is a populated area where you can feel safe? How close is a telephone? Public telephones are becoming a vanishing breed so carry a fully charged cell phone. You should have your local police number on a quick dial. Dialing 911 does not work on some cell phone networks. Try it first.

2. Carry a defensive device, whether its pepper spray or a stun gun or other device. Know the product you have and how to use it. Read the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Trust your instincts. Research shows that crime victims were aware that "something was wrong" just before an attack.

4. Over half of all assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Take notice if an acquaintance is paying unwanted attention to you.

5. Don't wear headphones in higher risk areas. You must be aware of your surroundings.

6.If you'd like to jog but are afraid, seek out Hot Walkers pepper spray. They look like ordinary walking weights but actually hold canisters of pepper spray.

Auto/Travel

1. Keep your car in good repair. Perform the recommended maintenance schedule. You don't want to be in a position of being alone in a disabled vehicle.

2. Again, this is the time to carry a cell phone. It can literally save your life in an emergency.

3. If you are traveling overnight, make sure you leave an itinerary with family or friends. Include your expected route and choice of hotel/motel.

4. Plan your trip carefully. Use and carry a map or internet map plan or GPS device and familiarize yourself with the route beforehand.

5. Carry an emergency auto kit including flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumpers, etc. If you do not know how to change a tire, why not learn? It's not difficult and it can get you going quickly if you have a blowout.

6. Personal defense items such as pepper spray or a stun gun can help even the odds against a strong assailant. Keep these in your glove compartment.

On Campus

1. Stick to well lighted areas at night. Know your campus security providers and where they patrol.

2. Dorm security is getting better but is not fool proof. Keep your dorm room locked, especially when alone.

3. Let a friend know if you are going off campus, where you are going and when you plan to return.

4. Do not walk or jog alone.

5. It's best to leave your headphones at the dorm. You must be aware of your surroundings!

6. Carry pepper spray. It's about the best personal defense item you can carry and very effective at temporarily disabling an assailant.

Keep these tips foremost in your mind so you may avoid becoming another crime statistic.

Mary S. regularly walked in the evening alone in her Billings, Montana neighborhood. She had realized gradually that she was becoming uneasy with approaching strangers, especially if they were in groups of two or more. Nothing had yet happened but she couldn't shake the feeling.

So Mary bought a Stun Master SM-300SB stun baton. She carried this 300,000 volt stun gun in the included belt holster. Nothing untoward happened until six weeks later. Two male teenagers passed by. Soon she realized that they had turned around and were following her. She then heard taunts, "Hey baby, what-cha doin?" and so forth. Mary felt her heart pound against her chest. What to do? As the taunts escalated she made a decision. She turned around, put her hand on the holster and said, "Stop right there. I have a weapon. Scram!" And, lo and behold, they did. They thought for moment, turned around and quickly walked away. Mary repelled her would-be attackers without even taking her stun baton out of its holster.

This scene is repeated time and again across America. Women are taking control of their lives and taking a stand against personal crime. It's a mind set. You can picture yourself a victim and act accordingly. Or you can imagine a confident you who is actively in control of the situation.

You can choose from stun batons, stun guns, Tasers, Mace pepper spray, and loud portable alarms. All these items are relatively inexpensive and are proven effective if used properly. So if you purchase a self defense weapon, PRACTICE! Don't leave your "get acquainted" time until an actual attack. You will be too unnerved. So pump a couple pepper sprays, press the trigger of that stun gun or activate the flying Taser darts. Make sure you aim at an object and not a person. Practice in your head the actual procedure you will use against your attacker, where you will apply the weapon and how long before you flee.

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The Z-Force ST, model ZF-ST, is a 300,000 volt stun gun styled in a ridged grip design with a slightly rounded edge profile. This is in contrast to the hard flat rectangular design of most stun guns. The black case measures 7" tall from bottom to the electrode tips, 1 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" deep. The unit operates on a 9 volt battery. Even though the instructions designate a 9 volt rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, a name brand alkaline is also perfectly acceptable.

There are only two switches on the Korean made stun gun, an on-off safety switch on one side and a toggle style "fire" switch on the other. The slim design enables one handed operation of both controls. The safety switch avoids an unintended firing.

Activating the fire switch produces a visible charge across the two electrodes along with a noticeable sizzling sound. The instructions say that a short 1/4 second application will startle the attacker and cause minor muscle contractions. A moderate length blast of 1 to 4 seconds, it says, can cause an attacker to fall to the ground and result in some mental confusion. A full 5 seconds can immobilize an attacker and cause disorientation, loss of balance and can leave the perpetrator weak and dazed on the ground for some minutes. Suffice it to say that the longer the contact, the stronger the stun effect.

The ridged grip and slim design makes this a particularly easy unit to handle. Although it's made of hardened plastic, the case feels sturdy and up to the task. The stun gun comes with an attached black nylon wrist loop for security.

Stun guns are popular self defense items. Although very high in voltage, the amperage is quite low. The units are categorized as non-lethal repellents and are effective in most situations. Assailants have been known to flee after just seeing and hearing the firing electrodes. Unlike pepper spray, stun guns require on person contact to work. On the positive side, the unit will be used when it must be used, IE, when an assailant is making an attack on your person.

The Z-Force ST stun gun is also available in a smaller 100,000 volt version. The ZF-ST 300,000 volt model carries a retail price of $35.00 although it can be found for less on the internet. Both carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Introduction

One of the most popular stun gun models is the Stun Master SM-CELL cell phone stun gun. This 800,000 volt self defense product contains the stun effect, a bright LED flashlight and a 120db alarm. The unit resembles a cellphone, not the latest ultra slim flip phone but still a convincing simulation of a small cellphone. It measures 4 inches tall, 1 7/8 inches in width at the waist and 1 1/8 inches thick. It is, of course, a self defense product and does not operate as a cell phone.

Up Close

The case is silver and the buttons are black. The simulated display is large with a group of icons typical of a cell phone. The black panel above the display reads "Stun Master." The product comes with two CR123A lithium batteries and a nylon holster with belt loop. A black wrist strap is a safety device. Wrap it around your wrist and if your attacker grabs the SM-CELL stun gun from you, the strap will detach and the unit will be left completely inoperable. The unit has a limited lifetime warranty.

Operation

The SM-CELL sports four functional buttons above the non-functioning dial buttons. You push the "Power" button to turn the unit on. Two red LED light come on. The "electroshock" button discharges the unit with a spark arcing across the two electrodes. The "alarm" button activates a loud high pitched alarm as long as the button is pressed. The "flashlight" button activates a very bright "white light" three LED flashlight. Pressing the "power" button again turns the unit off.

The SM-CELL is certainly full featured. It is the only unit to this reviewer's knowledge that includes both an alarm and a bright LED flashlight. As a bonus, the $59.95 retail price includes two CR123A batteries free. Go to Wal-Mart and these two batteries will cost you about $10.00.

All stun guns operate in the same way. The electrical charge is high in voltage but low in amperage. The high voltage enables the charge to be effective through clothing but the low amperage keeps the unit non-lethal. The units effectiveness varies with the length of application. A 1/2 second will cause some pain and muscular contraction, one to two seconds will cause muscle spasms and a dazed mental state. Three to five seconds will cause loss of balance and a confusion. You will not suffer a charge-back to your own body, so you can feel safe even if your assailant is touching you.

The best strike areas on the body are the upper shoulders, lower rib cage and upper hip. A stun gun requires direct body contact to be effective. Pepper spray can be applied from a distance of perhaps 5-8 feet. Consumer Taser darts can be propelled from a distance of up to 15 feet. Unlike pepper spray, stun guns are unaffected by wind. Furthermore, there are reports of an approaching attacker running away when confronted with the arcing snap of a stun gun's electrodes.

Summary

Stun guns are effective self defense products and safe when used in a common sense moderate fashion. The SM-CELL is one of the best cell phone type stun gun models available with a three-in-one multi-function operation: stun gun, alarm and flashlight. It is an outstanding value in a compact stun gun.

(The stun guns described below are not Tasers. Although a TASER® may be called a type of stun gun, it is different enough in design to be excluded here.)



Beginnings

The history of the stun gun is not a single birth but a series of developments. Electric cattle prods have been used since the 1940s to motivate cattle to go where the rancher wants them to go. There are numerous patents granted during the 1970s concerning devices designed to influence animals and repel sharks. During the same period, there were a couple of patents taken out on stunning devices designed for helping in patrolmen's arrests of suspects and in crowd control. It's unclear if any of these devices were manufactured in this time frame as described.

An early stun baton design is detailed in 1975 patent number 3917268, "Spark gap type electric shock-producing prod" which describes a device close to the modern device. The summary says in part,"An electric shock-producing prod, usable by cattlemen, law enforcement officials, and others, wherein the electrical or electronic circuitry therein consists of a battery-powered oscillator having a coupled output provided with a series-connected spark gap...the oscillator can and will continue to run with the electric-shock contacts of the prod in engagement with the intended, recalcitrant object."

The earliest compact stun gun of conventional design is detailed in patent number US3722788 published March 1973. It describes a small battery operated device of high voltage and low amperage, designed to be worn on the person. Interestingly, this device featured prods that can be extended several inches for easier application.

While previous patents were issued to Americans, two patents in 1989 were awarded to inventors in Taiwan. One looks much like a modern stun gun. The other is designed more like a pistol with a flashlight, strobe and siren on board. It's not conclusive that either design went into production.


Recent Times

It's only been in the last several years that stun guns have hit the news and commanded the public's attention. The media is quick to sensationalize stun gun mishaps as perceived safety concerns about stun guns in general. The media might not appreciate that these devices are not gun shaped at all but rather rectangle appliances that are rather benign in appearance. The amperage of a typical stun gun is quite low, only a few milliamps at best. Voltage is limited by a device's applied voltage and size, typically in the form of one or several 9 volt batteries (or 3 volt lithium cells). Although effective in application, stun guns are not the super powerful weapons that their advertised high advertised voltages would suggest.

There is an occasional news report of a law enforcement officer causing a captive's death by using a stun gun. Investigation usually turns up inappropriate beatings and attacks against the inmate much more likely to be the cause of death. Police who use these devices are usually trying to subdue out of control individuals who are frequently on high stimulant drugs. These individuals may go quite berserk when facing apprehension and restraint. If that person suffers a cardiac arrest, did the stun gun really cause it or was it one of several participating factors?


Are Stun Guns Effective?

Common sense would say yes, a stun gun is an effective crime deterrent. But scientific verification is scarce. Various video sites feature young men stunning their friends. Reactions are quick and most participants drop to their knees with accompanying cries and yelps. The internet itself is awash with scary sounding police incidents and promotional efforts by internet stun gun vendors. It is recognized that for this product to be effective, the batteries must be fresh and the device must remain in contact with the assailant's skin or clothing, preferably for several seconds or more. Whether an attacker would sit still for this administration is a question impossible to answer. It has been reported that some assailants will flee when confronted with the zapping and sparking from an activated stun gun even before the appliance has been applied.


The Future of Stun Guns

Stun guns have gotten more powerful in recent years. Indeed, marketers are advertising voltages up to one million volts and beyond. Take these readings with a grain of salt especially if these new models use the same battery power as lower powered ones. Besides, stun guns are a non-lethal crime deterrent and they should stay that way.

Two new designs that offer a more secure grip have recently appeared on the market. The ZAPTD Double Trouble stun gun features a slim vertical design with a handle grip not unlike a joystick. The electrodes protrude at either end with five inches between them. This creates a larger shock potential of 1.2 million volts, claims the manufacturer.

The ZAPBK950 Knuckle Blaster stun gun features a black molded design with a wrap-around grip similar to brass knuckles. The device has a soft rubber skin and is sized to accommodate all hand sizes. The manufacturer claims 950,000 volts of power.

The stun gun remains a viable and easier alternative to handguns. Stun guns are legal in most states and require no licensing. They are effective with a sustained application may be challenging in a real encounter. Perhaps a totally new technology will be invented that provides a quick sure knock down punch on any size assailant. Higher powered devices, however, could be a double edged sword for consumers. If the device becomes too powerful, it would likely be heavily regulated and reserved for law enforcement only.

The Streetwise 1000K stun gun model is one of the strongest stun guns on the market. According to the manufacturer it is capable of administering a 1,000,000 volt charge. To keep the unit non-lethal, the amperage is quite low by design. It is a rather tall unit as it holds three 9 volt batteries. (Less powerful stun guns typically take one battery.) It is 8 1/4 inches tall, 2 1/4 inches wide and 1 1/8 inches thick. The unit's case is a matte black plastic as are all sun gun of this nature. It features a master on-off switch and a firing rocker switch. This switch must be held to fire the gun. Once you lift your finger off the switch, the firing stops. Also included is a 130db alarm.

The Streetwise SW1000 stun gun features a disable pin with loop that you attach to the underside of the unit. You put the loop around your wrist. If an attacker snatches the gun away from you, the pin will pull out of the unit and the stun gun will be completely disabled. That way the attacker cannot use the gun on you.

Perhaps "gun" is a misnomer because this tall rectangular device looks nothing like a gun. Would stun guns be less controversial if they weren't called guns at all? Perhaps. It should be noted that stun guns like this one fire nothing through the air (except a spark between its two electrodes). It is not a TASER. The unit must be held to the aggressor's skin or clothing to be effective. The effects are temporary and non-lethal unlike a firearm.

As befitting a high voltage unit, this device sports two 3/17 inch diameter electrodes quite a bit wider than lesser units. The snapping sound when activated is louder with a stronger visible spark. The intimidation factor is high. It is known that some aggressors will immediately flee when confronted with the menacing site and sound of an arcing stun gun.

This device includes a 130 db alarm which is unusual in a traditionally shaped stun gun. The alarm button is right underneath the toggle on/fire switch for easy accessibility. It is suggested to try the alarm first in an actual encounter as this may be enough to scare off your enemy.

In summary the Streetwise SW1000 stun gun is an impressive high voltage unit. The case is sturdy and comes with a nylon holster with belt loop. Installing three 9 volt batteries take a bit of finagling to fit inside the unit but once in, they stay put. The manufacturer recommends using name brand alkaline batteries for reliable performance.

Founded in 2007, the Barracua stun guns line consists of the BC-10, BC-12, and BC-18. The three stun guns are strategically placed in the market to cover the vast majority of people's stun gun needs. All carry a 5 year warranty.

The Barracuda BC-10 is a rectangular unit with a traditional shape. The 1000KV unit requires two 9 volt batteries to operate. Some of the unique features include an 80db alarm and a safety/disable pin with wrist loop. This way, if your attacker attempts to grab your stun gun, the pin will pull out and disable the unit. So your enemy cannot turn around and use the stun gun on you.

The unit includes an attached belt clip and nylon weave holster with belt loop. The stun device measures 6" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/4" which is on the smaller side for this style stun gun.

The BC-12 and BC-18 are micro sized units. For the Barracuda BC-12, the manufacturer claims an output of 1.2 million volt or 1200KV making it one of the most powerful stun guns on the market. It is powered by a long life NI-MH rechargeable battery. A nylon holster with belt loop is included as is a wrist/disable wrist loop. Did we say tiny? This unit measures only 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1". You can hide it in your purse and hide it in your hand in high risk situations.

The top-of-the line is the mini Barracuda BC-18. The manufacturer claims an output of 1.8 million volts or 1800 KV making this the top voltage winner among reputable high quality vendors. This stun gun has all the features of the BC-12 including case size. It is also rechargeable so it is always ready when you need it to be.

A stun gun incapacitates by interrupting the neuro-musculature system. Make contact on the truck area, not the limbs, face or neck. The person goes down, limp and disoriented. Due to the low amperage, the effect is temporary with no lasting effects. It gives you enough time to flee or call the police. And that could be a life saver.

Consumers have been buying TASERs for their own protection for several years. The previous models were the M-18 and M-18L. Now a new high tech model has filtered down from the police ranks. The patrolman's favorite, the TASER X26, is now available for citizens to buy as the TASER model X26C.

It not only looks like the police version, it has many of the features too. Like the police model, it is lightweight and software upgradeable. The consumer model has a 15 feet maximum throw, while the police version can go up to 30 feet. The X26C has a 30 second on cycle, enough time to run away. The police model has a shorter cycle because law enforcement quickly move in to apprehend the suspect. The TASER can be used like a stun gun in a close-up encounter.

This is the first consumer model to feature a sophisticated readout of vital information. You can track battery level, energy remaining on the digital power magazine and time in use. The TASER contains all the safety controls that all TASER®s contain such as serialized paper tags. Twenty to thirty of these tags deploy during an actual TASER activation. Law enforcement can later retrieve this confetti from the scene and contact TASER International to get the name of the owner of the TASER device, allowing police to track any potential misuse. That's one reason new owners must register their product with TASER International.

Looking for a strong and effective self defense product? WebStar Productions, DBA Stun Gun Supply is now offering the Stingray SGS-2800KV stun gun to the general public. This non-lethal crime deterrent carries a 2,800,000 volt rating, the highest power rating in the industry thus far. Like all stun guns, the amperage is very low so it leaves no lasting effect on the individual. It gives the user enough time to get away, and that is what they are designed to do.

Mini, micro and compact stun guns are the hot trend in personal defense products. They are easy to stow and their mini size allows covert operation. The black Stingray 2800KV unit measures only 4 1/4 inches high, 2 inches wide and a depth of just under 2 inches. So the device can easily fit in a hand bag, glove compartment or shirt or pants pocket. It comes with a black nylon holster with attached belt loop.

The unit contains a nickel-cadmium rechargeable power supply so no batteries are needed. The fold-down plugs are integrated in the unit so there is no separate charging cord to possibly lose. A bi-monthly 5 hour charge ensures a full charge when needed.

The Stingray features a large and bright built in LED that is situated between the electrodes. You operate the flashlight by sliding the on-off switch to the first "on" position. To operate the stun effect, you slide the switch to the next position and then press the button directly above the switch. Careful! If you are not used to high powered stun guns, you will be surprised by the loud crackle and strong spark emitted from this unit. We also advise not looking directly into the bright spark.

A problem that exists with these small units is the smooth shiny plastic finish. They are sometimes difficult to hold on to especially in a stressful hand sweating situation. The Stingray SGS-2800KV solves this problem by
using a proprietary rubberized coating that provides a non-slip surface.

Stun guns work by disrupting the normal nerve impulses to the muscles. When activated and applied directly to a person's skin or clothing, the muscles work rapidly but inefficiently. This rapid work cycle depletes blood sugar by converting it to lactic acid all in the space of a few seconds. This energy loss makes it difficult to move or function. Second, the disrupted nerve impulses cause loss of balance, confusion and disorientation. The low amperage of stun guns ensures that the effect is short lived with no injuries.

We're favorably impressed with the mini Stingray 2,800,000 volt stun gun. It's easy to operate and the somewhat weighty feel leaves a favorable impression. When we test fired the unit in the air, we were surprised at the very strong crackling spark. We could even feel a bit of the vibration in the hand. To us, it makes no sense to under-arm yourself with a low powered device. You don't know the size and strength of a would-be attacker so it's better to have enough power to quickly deter the advances. We can't see power ratings going much further with present technology so the model SGS-2800KV stun gun will not become out-of-date anytime soon.

Stun guns are permitted for citizen use in most states. As of this writing, stun guns may not be shipped to HI, MA, MI, NJ, NY, RI, CT, WI, IL. Also prohibited are Annapolis MD, Baltimore, MD, Washington DC and Philadelphia.