Choosing A Self-Defense Product

     Many, many people have decided that other means of self-defense are necessary to protect themselves and their families. Self-defense products are sold by a multitude of websites and brick and mortar stores alike. What you decide to use as your self-defense is a totally personal choice, based on your needs and activities. Described below are two of the more common self-defense products used for protection.

    • Stun Guns: Most stun guns are light and easy to handle. They are a hand-held, battery-powered device designed to deliver an electric shock to an attacker. They can be somewhat larger than your hand or small enough to fit into shirt/pants pocket or purse easily. They can range from 80 volts to 975,000 volts, each with enough stopping power to get your attackers’ attention quickly. The amperage driving the voltage is low enough to not cause any permanent physical damage or serious injury. Many will drive your attacker   to his/her knees, disrupting their muscle control debilitating your attacker for up to 30 minutes, giving you time to get away or call for help. The entire process only takes a few seconds. A nice thing about stun guns is that the volts used to stun your attacker will not be transferred back to you and these volts can be transferred from your stun gun to the attacker through clothing without losing the effect.
The requirements to get in great physical and emotional condition for self-defense can be a daunting task for many of us.

    • Pepper Spray: Pepper spray is one of the most common forms of self-defense used by people on aggressive attackers today. Size containers and power ratings vary across the product line to suit varying needs ranging from ½ ounce to 9 ounces. Pepper spray contains a solution called oleoresin capsicum, better known as cayenne pepper. The spray typically produces intense choking, burning in the throat, face and eyes, and instant eye closure. It can also force the diaphragm to contract and cause an attacker to double over. "It’s like putting your hand on a hot stove and not being able to take it off," notes a Washington police officer. "The pain keeps intensifying." But pepper sprays are not foolproof; they do not necessarily "stop an attacker instantly" as many product pushers would like us to believe, and this necessitates a combination of self-defense tactics.

The discipline required, over a long period of time, is a commitment many cannot adhere to. Others will haphazardly attempt to get into shape and believe they have done all they could do, until they are attacked and find out they did not do nearly enough to protect themselves.

    The particular self-defense method you use is up to you. You know your needs, usually better than anyone else. Intelligent use of these self-defense products can produce an effective self-defense strategy for most people. The best defense is to try to be in good physical and emotion condition and be prepared at all times. These and many other products can increase your chances of survival and prevent you from getting any serious injuries.

Ted Marlett MSW
Copyright 2006