A TASER is a product made by TASER International. The name "TASER" is a trademark like Coca Cola. So unless the product is made by TASER International, nothing else should be called a TASER. Basically, a TASER operates by sending powerful yet harmless electricity to temporarily disrupt the target's nervous system. Therefore, the target has no choice but to be temporally disabled. The TASER can also penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing.

There are currently five civilian models of TASERs available in the market. They are TASER X26C, TASER M18L, TASER M18, TASER C2 with Laser sight and TASER C2 without Laser sight.

All TASERs work the same. It doesn't matter which model you purchase; they all come with 3 main components:

A TASER itself works like a handheld stun gun in that you can touch the attacker with it. Some models come with an integrated laser sight to help you aim. And some even come with a built-in LED light so you can see in the dark.

An air cartridge is a replaceable item that contains two 15-foot, high voltage insulated wires which attach to a bi-metal probe. Each air cartridge can only fire once. After you pull the trigger and the two probes shoot out, you will need to replace the used cartridge with a new one before you can shoot from a distance again.

Both TASER X26C and TASER C2 are powered by a Lithium Power Magazine (LPM) which is made by the manufacturer. TASER M18L and TASER M18 use 8 regular AA batteries which you can buy at any grocery store.

You can use the TASER in two different ways; shoot it from 15 feet away with an air cartridge or touch the attacker directly with the TASER without the air cartridge attached.

If you miss the target with the 15-foot range shot, you have three options: First, unplug the air cartridge by just a click of a button and reload another air cartridge for another 15-foot shot. Second, since the 15-foot wires are still hanging from the front of the TASER, you can touch the attacker's body directly without unplugging the used air cartridge. Last, unplug the used air cartridge and touch the attacker body directly with the TASER.

Step 1 - Do you want the integrated laser sight?

The main purpose of the integrated laser sight is simple, point and shot. The 15-foot wires are going to hit wherever the laser light is pointing. According to some police officer experience, when the laser points the red dot on the attacker's body, it actually makes a huge psychological impact on the attacker. They know they are going to get stunned. This might already be enough to scare them away.

Step 2 -Do you want your TASER to be gun-shaped?

First of all, the shape of the TASER has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the unit. It is merely personal preference. People who are used to holding firearm prefer the gun-shaped TASER models (X26C, M18L and M18). Others like the discreteness of the TASER C2 series. They can hold it in their hands without anyone noticing it while walking to their car.

Step 3 - How long would you like the stun to last?

Each TASER model comes with different durations the stun pulse. TASER M18 and TASER M18L send a series of pulses for 5 seconds while the TASER C2 sends a series of pulses for 30 seconds when you press the trigger. You may press the trigger again to send another set of pulses once the previous one is completed. You can turn the safety switch to the off position to stop the pulse at anytime.
TASER X26C offers more control on the pulse duration. Press the trigger once for a 10-second pulse. Press the trigger twice rapidly for a 20-second pulse. Or press the trigger three times for a 30-second pulse.

Although it costs a little more, the integrated laser sight is a great feature to consider. When you are under attack, it is stressful enough to figure out what to do. The last thing you need to worry about is what would happen if you miss the target. I would much rather to have the laser sight in place so I can point and shoot. Not to mention, it is very intimidating when a red dot is pointed on your chest.

I plan to carry my TASER with me wherever I am allowed to. So I would want something much smaller and lighter. Therefore, I picked the TASER C2. It is only 6 inches long and weighs 7oz (verses the TASER M18 and TASER M18L which are 7.5 inches long and weigh 18oz). The only reason you might want to consider the M18 series is if you are used to shooting a firearm and you like the gun shape.

I cannot think of any reasons for anyone to even consider the TASER X26C unless you are a security guard. The TASER C2 offers everything the TASER X26C does except the gun shape and the control of the pulse duration. If a person is trying to attack me, I am going to stun him for as long as I can (with the TASER C2, it is 30 second). If for some reasons I want to stop, I could just turn the power off.