Protect Yourself - A Beginner's Guide to Self Defense Products

Lethal and non-lethal self defense productshave the advantage of easy portability and ease of
Self defense weapons are portable, affordable, andconcealing. However, before purchasing a self
many options exist that are safe to use fordefense spray it is important to understand the
individuals of all ages and abilities. There are twoproper and safe way to use them. Some regions
types of self defense weapons: lethal and non-lethal.require that tear gas or pepper spray users attend
States and countries differ on their laws regardingclasses or purchase licenses before carrying tear gas
carrying or using lethal self defense weapons likeor pepper spray.
knives or guns, which have the potential of fatallyStunners - Stun guns and Tasers
injuring the recipient of their force. Non-lethal selfSelf defense weapons that stun the recipient of their
defense products are designed to temporarilyforce present another option in consumer self
incapacitate the recipient of their force, but notprotection. A stun gun delivers a high voltage electric
deliver a fatal injury. This article focuses on non-lethalshock when applied directly to a person's body, which
self defense products like pepper spray or stun gunsworks on the person's nervous system to deplete
carry because they carry less legal restrictions andblood sugar quickly, making it difficult for one to
are safer and easier to use than lethal alternatives.move or function. Many people prefer stun guns
Sprayers - Mace and pepper spraybecause they can be disguised as everyday items like
Many individuals, including children, mothers, andcell phones or lipstick, which increase their every day
retirees, opt for sprays when choosing a selfportability.
defense product because sprays are unintimidating toTasers deploy electric barbs, which can penetrate a
use and less violent in effect. Mace is a type of tearperson's clothes and deliver a shock for up to 30
gas which acts as an irritant. When sprayed into anseconds from fifteen feet away. A taser affects a
assailant's eyes, it causes one to feel immediateperson's nervous and muscular system, causing a
burning which will cause her to shut her eyes andperson to temporarily lose control of their muscles
start coughing. Many people experience a chokingthus immobilizing and incapacitating him. Although
sensation. Mace has become less popular in the lastTasers are designed to deliver non-lethal shocks,
few years because of its low effectiveness onthere has been some controversy surrounding
people under the influence.individuals who are killed or seriously injured after
Pepper spray is an aerosol with a main ingredient ofreceiving multiple Taser shocks. Lethal or non-lethal, all
capsicum or hot chile pepper. When an assailant isself defense products should be treated like weapons
sprayed with pepper spray, his capillaries becomeand users should ensure they understand how to
instantly dilated, his eyes tears, and he experiencessafely operate their device.
difficulty breathing. Both tear gas and pepper spray