Personal defense has become a top priority for many Americans. The main reason is both the frequency of violent crime as well as increased media attention. No longer is crime an inner city urban problem. Crime is everywhere and it is all of our problems. Unemployment rates are above 10 percent, illegal drug use is at epidemic proportions and the demand for self defense and personal security products has never been greater.
Trying to determine the most effective personal defense products can prove to be a very daunting task for many consumers. I've put together our top five self defense and personal security product list. This is our "must have" list when it comes to protecting yourself and your family. We will give the the product, how it works and what it costs. We hope you will find this beneficial.
The C2 Taser is the most technologically advanced non-lethal self defense product on the market. Independent studies cite its effectiveness and relative safety. The C2 Taser is small, in fact it only weighs six ounces, yet its stopping power is comparable to a handgun. The Taser is legal in most states and requires a successful background check prior to activation. The TASER C2 uses a replaceable cartridge, containing compressed nitrogen, to deploy two small probes that are attached to the TASER C2 by insulated conductive wires with a maximum length of 15 feet (4.5 meters). The TASER C2 transmits electrical pulses along the wires and into the body affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. The energy can penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing.
The C2 Taser has the same makeup as the professional law enforcement model. The major difference is the effective range. The civilian model has a 15 foot range while the law enforcement model is 25 feet. The Taser comes with a very complete training DVD that makes learning to use the C2 easy. The C2 is available with or without a built-in laser sight, which makes accuracy a cinch. The only major obstacle using the Taser C2 for personal defense is the price, as consumers can expect to pay $399 for the model with built-in laser and $299 without.
Instructional self defense DVD's are popular among many as a way to protect themselves and the ones they love. With instructional fighting DVD's you are not dependent upon a device to ensure your personal safety, instead you depend on specialized self defense fighting skills. Instructional self defense DVD's offer self motivated individuals a nice selection of specialty techniques including basic martial arts, striking, bare knuckle fighting, street fighting, hand to hand combat, gun and knife disarmament, and how to protect against home invasions. The cost of a DVD ranges from about $39 to over $100 depending on the lesson and its content. If you are self motivated and learn well in a one on one environment then fighting DVD's may be the way to go.
Telescopic or expanding steel batons are extremely popular self defense weapons. They are currently a police favorite and their popularity among residential customers increases daily. Made of solid steel, these weapons are basically indestructible and can be counted on in nearly every situation. In the closed position these batons measure 7 to 10 inches, but with a "flip" of the wrist they extend and lock at 16 to 26 inches. The baton is mainly a striking weapon but works well as a leverage and pressure point weapon. The telescopic baton pricing runs $20 to $30 dollars depending on model.
High voltage mini stun guns are excellent at deterring human and animal attack. These stun guns take small to a whole new level, most are only about 3.5 inches tall. The look of these mini stun guns is nothing like that of a traditional stun gun. In fact, unless you tell someone what it is they probably will have no idea. The high voltage (2 to 3 million volts) and low amperage (10 to 12 milliamps) provide a debilitating self defense product that is totally non-lethal.
In the past the dependability of stun guns was often the problem or concern. Advancements in technology have improved the performance and dependability of the stun guns. Most sellers now offer a lifetime warranty against defects.
You choose your voltage, style, color and it you want a battery powered or rechargeable unit. Most battery powered units run on 3 volt lithium, while the rechargeable units never need new batteries but do need to be placed on a charger from time to time. The cost of a high voltage mini stun gun depends upon the manufacturer, features, and voltage, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $60 for most units.
Self defense pepper spray accounts for more self defense product purchases than all other products combined. Pepper spray and Mace products are inexpensive, work almost instantly, have effective ranges of 8 to 30 feet, and work well against animals as well as humans. Tried, true and refined; todays best pepper spray products will stop even the most aggressive attackers right away.
Available in ballistic stream, fog, foam and gels; there is a self defense pepper spray from every situation. The shelf life is typically 2 to 3 years and stamped right on the product so you don't have to guess at when to replace.
To brands like Fox Labs and Defense Technology are favorites among law enforcement professionals and act as a first line of defense. Like the pros our choice for the best all around non-lethal self defense product is a good pepper spray. The best on the market, in our opinion, is Fox Labs pepper spray.
