Any reccomendations for non-lethal sprays? Is one brand or design better than another? Is a tear gas --pepper spray mix a good idea?

TRO

Mace, phenychloromethylketone (a CN derivative), is a very ineffective self defense weapon.

A true pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum that HAS NOT been blended with other chemical agents, is far more effective and has less potential for causing serious physical injury.

Look for products made by Fox Labs...

M

Get pepper foam rather than pepper spray. Check your local regulations for purchase, ownership and carry. I don't know about your state, but in MA you must have a Firearms Identification card for mace.

Pepper foam has some qualities that make it really good, others that make it really bad.

Good:

1. Very little if any secondary contamination effects. Great for churches, hospitals, and in close quarters such as an elevator.

Bad:

1. It uses water and soap as it's carrier. The treatment for contamination is water and soap. Hence, some effectiveness is lost.

2. It takes longer to work as the foam must break down into a liquid before contamination takes place.

3. While still in the foam state, it can be wiped off and effectively thrown/flicked back at you.

M

Sabre Defense Blue Can... works like a charm. I use it on the job and it is a good repelent against animals and other things. Oh get a stream version.

I am fond of the fine mist version. I like BodyGuard and Punch II. Create a wall of fog with a zig zag spray and then run like hell, if that is all you have!

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Along the lines of this thread, has anyone ever used the ASP key defender or the HEAT® Oleoresin Capsicum brand of pepper spray?

I have used the ASP Key Defender and HEAT. HEAT is appropriately named. Pretty good gear limited by very short range...

M

Now, what's the best size? 1/2 oz, 2 oz or 4?

Teacher RO

I think 2oz is a good balance between portability and capacity.

-john

I suspect that if it does not fit in your pants pocket you will not have it on you when you need it. The 2 oz can does not fit in your pocket. Are you going to carry it everyday everywhere on your belt? I know I won't.

I have the long, skinny, 3/4 oz can of Punch II in my pocket right now.

Craig,

Nice choice....

M <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That means a lot coming from the Master!

Thanks! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Punch is excellent. Make sure to get a stream rather than a fogger or foam, for outdoor/downwind use.

OC is an excellent non-lethal force option. You should also consider carrying lethal force options such as folding knives or handguns.

Where I live the police and correctional officers are no longer allowed to carry pepper foam. It didn't take long for the criminals/inmates to realize you could easily scrape up the foam and throw it back into the faces of the officers. I would recommend against carrying pepper foam for exactly this reason.