Buying A Self Defense Spray

Things to Consider Before Buying A Self Defense Spray

So, you have decided to take up jogging in order to shed a few pounds. Because the neighborhood is not what it used to be, you opt to purchase a can of self defense spray. Simple enough, huh? Not necessarily.

Consider this: There are three basic compounds

Of the three
OC is the newest and most effective. Some manufactures carry a combination of the three, such as, OC/CS or OC/CN. They claim that there are documented advantages to these mixtures, as well as the OC only formulations.

Tear Gas
CN and CS are irritants. They irritate soft membrane tissues and cause coughing, tearing and stinging pain. They take between 5 and 30 seconds before becoming effective. For people who cannot feel pain ( people on drugs,drunk,or having a psychotic attack ) there may be no effect at all. Because of these reasons, I suggest that these two chemicals, used alone, be used by trained professionals only. CN and CS also takes longer to wear off and has been known to cause other complications.

Pepper Spray
OC on the other hand is an inflammatory compound, which when sprayed into the face of an assailant, causes their eyes to slam shut IMMEDIATELY. Even if the attacker was able to open his eyes, he still could not see . The OC will dilate the capillaries within the eye and cause temporary blindness. Next, the uncontrollable coughing and accompanying fit will take the person to the ground. The OC also causes inflammation to the respiratory system which causes labored breathing. It is hard, if not impossible, for anyone, after being sprayed, to continue with what they were doing.

OC is manufactured by processing different types of hot peppers. The heat in peppers is measured in SHU's (Scoville Heat Units). A bell pepper has 0 SHU's; a jalapeño about 5,000 and a habanero can have up to 300,000 SHU's ! Pure OC has a heat rating of 15 million. Most pepper sprays are rated in both percentages and SHU's, which only confuse things. My first question would be: A percentage of what? A 20% concentration of jalapeño peppers will not be as hot as a 2% concentration of habanero pepper. Therefore I recommend that you judge the strength of a pepper spray simply by the SHU's. 2,000,000 SHU's is very effective,and will do the trick. A hotter concentration may start to cause tissue damage.

Suspension Medium
This is the carrier agent that keeps the OC floating in solution and aids in the dispersal from the can. Most manufactures keep their actual medium formula secret, but there are three basic ones. Liquids; Gels; and Foams.

Delivery Types
Foams and Gels These are the new kids on the block and they have been documented to be very effective. They shoot farther (up to 18ft.), so you do not have to be as close to your assailant. They are also more wind resistant. The concept is to get some of this sticky glue like substance on your attackers face. His first reaction is to wipe it off; which will only allow more surface area contact with attackers skin and compounding his problems.

Liquid OC Sprays
Foggers The most effective because the ultra fine mist is easily inhaled and causes inflammation to respiratory tissues as well as the eyes. Foggers have very strong stopping power. They also allow you to put up a barrier between you and your attacker and and allow you to make your escape, as the fog tends to linger in the air. Foggers are usually effective 8-12ft. maximum and can be wind affected.

Stream Sprays
Usually has a greater range, typically up to 15-20ft. Stream sprays do not dispense in small droplets, therefore are not as easily inhaled. (They do break-up somewhat on impact and does affect the eyes face and skin.). Streams sprays are not affected by wind as much as foggers or cone sprays. There is less chance of blow back. Stream sprays may require more accurate aim though. You can use a waving action until your target is homed in on.

Cone Mist
A wider spray pattern with finer droplets than a stream spray are emitted. Their range is 4-8ft. Cone sprays can also be used as a barrier or against multiple assailants and can be wind affected. Remember when using a fogger or a cone mist to spray and get away to avoid blow-back. Wind can shorten the range of these types of sprays.

Other Considerations
Some of these products also include a UV dye that will mark the assailant. A black light will enable the police to see the dye. The average number of shots per container and volume are also important. All of these different choices are designed to give you the flexibility to choose the right defensive spray for your individual needs. Which product fits you best? Lastly, check your local laws for any restrictions on defensive sprays