When it comes to personal safety, pepper spray is a popular self-defense item. Although guns may be more reliable, there are situations where carrying a firearm just isn’t viable, and carrying pepper spray is better than nothing.
Pepper spray is also often allowed in places where firearms may not be, making it an alternative for those who live in or are visiting places where they can’t have a gun.
Importance of Pepper Spray for Self-Defense
Pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense option with a lower chance of injuring a bystander. It’s considered a “non-lethal” personal self-defense device.
However, chemical sprays have caused death, under certain conditions. Pepper spray is effective in the hands of a trained person. There are situations in which carrying a firearm isn’t practical, and carrying pepper spray is a good alternative.
SABRE Pepper Sprays Recommended by Police Departments Worldwide
Sabre Red is one of the best-known manufacturers of pepper spray, and its products are trusted by multiple police departments worldwide, including the NYPD, Chicago PD, and the U.S. Marshals.
Sabre offers a range of pepper sprays, including keychain sprays, jogger sprays, and home defense sprays. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients and are designed for maximum effectiveness against attackers.
Advantages of Pepper Spray over Firearms
Pepper spray is easier to carry while engaged in physical activities like running, especially if you prefer to carry concealed. It’s also less regulated than firearms, making it an alternative for those who live in or are visiting places where they can’t have a gun.
Pepper spray is also often allowed in places where firearms may not be, like private campsites and college campuses.
What to Consider When Buying Pepper Spray
Formula: CN, CS, and OC
When choosing pepper spray, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider. First, you’ll want to look at the formula. There are three different major formulas on the market when it comes to self-defense sprays, CN, CS, and OC. CN and CS are military-produced irritants that work by causing pain.
OC, or pepper spray, is an inflammatory that not only causes pain but also causes inflammation of the mucous membranes around the face, making it difficult and painful to breathe or open the eyes.
Practice Versions of Pepper Sprays
It’s important to practice with your pepper spray before you need to use it. Many manufacturers offer inert versions of their products, which allow you to practice using the spray without actually dispensing any pepper spray.
Spray Pattern and Range
Once you’ve made sure you’re looking at the right formula, you’ll want to check the spray pattern. Some pepper sprays shoot streams, which provide a longer range and allow you to target your attacker.
However, streams aren’t generally inhaled, which takes away a large part of the spray’s defensive capabilities. A spray or mist is more easily inhaled, but it has a shorter range than other patterns.
Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray Keychain
Stay safe on-the-go with the Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray Keychain - compact, powerful, and always within reach for added peace of mind.
For most people, I’d suggest the Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray Keychain since it’s a spray that gives you distance and leeway with accuracy. Plus, a nicer safety to not inadvertently activate it in your purse or pocket.
No matter what pattern you choose, you’ll need enough pepper spray to get the job done. One to two-ounce canisters is the most commonly recommended size. They can spray for about 30 seconds and usually have a range of around 15 feet.
Local Laws and Regulations
Keep in mind pepper sprays are not allowed in all places, so check your local laws before attempting to purchase one.
It’s important to know where you can legally carry pepper spray, especially if you plan on traveling with it.
What pepper spray do police recommend?
Police typically recommend pepper sprays with a capsaicin concentration between 5-10%, as higher concentrations result in longer-lasting effects.
Which is better mace or pepper spray?
Pepper spray is generally considered better than mace for self-defense, as it is classified as an inflammatory agent and can immediately incapacitate an assailant, even those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is a better option than pepper spray?
While pepper spray is a popular choice for self-defense, other options include personal alarms, stun guns, and self-defense classes to improve physical skills and situational awareness.