Non-Lethal Options

Tactical Specialist

What Works and What’s Junk

In many threat situations, the person that takes the time to find a good non-lethal option of self-defense is usually better prepared for a violent confrontation. A simple nuisance or aggravated threat by an individual may also be eliminated by a non-lethal form of defense instead of having to naturally go right to your primary weapon. A good non-lethal type of self defense tool should be used only when the threat is low or that’s all you have at the time.

Some of these non-lethal options are very effective, while others are more of a problem or ineffective. Your defense tool however must be capable of doing what it claims it will do to an attacker. The burden of succeeding a violent encounter also depends on your ability to remove it from wherever you carry it and use it effectively in a short period of time, under stressful conditions. Let’s review what’s out there in the market today for defense products.

There you have it ! The non-lethal options listed and graded below, are most of the standard main stream forms of personal protection available. Yes there are some other more questionable forms of non-lethal defense, however we are discussing the majority of types used in the market today.

First of all lets evaluate the (F) category. Whistles, decibel alarms and cell phones are fine. However they will do nothing to stop the actual attacker(s). If your non-lethal type of defense will not temporarily incapacitate one or more assailants immediately than it is time to count that tool out for self-defense purposes. In the (D) category, we only have one product listed, although there are several different types available. Tasers/Air Tasers are yet another semi-useless tool in the non-lethal market. Just a brief comment on Air Tasers, Don’t waste your money or put your life behind one.

Next is a Stun-Gun which must have body contact in order to be even remotely effective. Most people are untrained in subduing an assailant with physical contact and could possibly be disarmed or overtaken by his or her assailant. The Stun-Gun at the least can now be used on you.

In the (B) category, I find three B minuses, Tasers/Air Tasers are yet another semi-useful tool in the non-lethal market. Just a brief comment on Air Tasers, Be careful that you have more tactical options than or putting your life behind one.

Others are a hand held small striking device/pressure point tool the Kubotan again is useful if you are physically capable of going toe to toe with one or more assailants and a regular CS/CN Mace spray. I do like the Kubotan however, you should put it on your keychain in case you have nothing else. CS/CN “gas” or tear gas was a fair deterrent 10 and 20 years ago, when there were no other good options. The average street thug was not generally on Crystal Meth., PCP, Crack, Cocaine, Heroine and Acid to name a few. CS/CN spray is not effective enough on the streets today. However, something is better than nothing.

In the B+ category is an ASP baton. There are different sizes and metal compositions available. A typical 9 inch baton when snapped open will open to 26 inches long. A very effective tool for someone trained in its use. This still needs contact in order for it to be useful, however I really like this one. Training and a commitment to close quarter combat is especially needed here, or if you are disarmed with a weak strike, could cost you your life. The last one I will discuss briefly is from the (A) category is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) pepper spray is the most effective method of non-lethal personal protection.

Pepper spray unlike CS/CN gas has derived its effectiveness from using various hot pepper plants.

In a nutshell OC pepper spray comes in various concentrations from 5% to 15% on average. The heat generated by OC is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Pure OC has about a 15 million (SHU) heat rating. Jalapeno Peppers for example have a maximum heat rating of 5,000 (SHUs) and habaneros peppers are rated up to 300,000 (SHUs). The key to a good OC defense spray are the (SHUs), not the percent of the OC concentration. For example, a 5% concentration of OC at 2 million (SHUs) is more effective than a 10% OC with 500,000 (SHUs) Generally the range is from 6 to 8 feet away for maximum distance effectiveness. A good OC spray on contact should immediately snap the assailants eyes shut, rendering him/her temporarily blinded. Then the spray should enter his respiratory system e.g. Lungs etc. This will normally put the assailant to the ground, gagging, coughing, and possibly throwing up. The last thing this will do if in fact it is a high (SHU) spray is cause a burning to the skin.

The cheap versions of OC are generally not dependable and vary in quality and overall effectiveness. I have tested many of them and I feel you get more punch for your buck as well as reputation with a top quality OC Defense Pepper Spray.

People on Meth, Crack, PCP etc.. will probably not be effected the same as a non drug induced person.

There you have it, a brief run down of the main stream non-lethal tools of self-defense.

Every person, whether you carry a gun or not for protection should invest a little more in a non lethal form of self-defense.

For product information about Non Lethal Options and getting a great OC Pepper Spray, order direct @ www.maricopatactical.com