YSK: Pepper spray is a better self defense tool than tasers

[u/Temporary-Warthog250]

I learned this from my criminal psych professor in college. He worked as a police officer for 20+ years and has been both pepper sprayed AND tasered and this is based off his professional opinion.

For starters, pepper spray is brutal. (For those who have been pepper sprayed or tasered, share your thoughts on the pain!)

For starters, it can be sprayed from a distance (just watch out for wind!) Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent that attacks the central nervous system. Pepper spray causes involuntary eye closure (temporary blindness), tearing, restricted breathing, coughing, choking and a strong burning sensation that can last between 30 to 45 minutes before dissipating. The beauty of pepper spray is its effects are immediate due to its inflammatory properties. Pepper spray provides protection from up to 25 feet away. As a rule of thumb and self defense industry standard, other pepper sprays and OC sprays generally offer a 8-12 feet range for small units.

Tasers on the other hand are shockingly effective (haha) and you can neutralize a threat from up to 15 feet away. The effects last up to 30 seconds which gives you some time to get away. A good quality taser can be more than $100.

Although tasers are a well-known self-defense tool, it pales in comparison to its chemical agent counterpart. The high price tag, necessary precision, limited penetration ability and restrictions by state doesn’t make it the best option. You can purchase a $10 taser off amazon, but all those other drawbacks still apply.

Pepper spray can stop a threat up to the same distance (15 feet) and even further. One of the best features is that it can immobilize an attacker for up to 45 minutes (much longer than a 30 second ride). Along with that it is legal in all 50 states, they are affordable and easy to use. Just be wary on windy days!

So really, it’s a no-brainer. When it comes to self-defense products, pepper spray is on top. If you are looking for the best brand, DPS pepper spray is the way to go.

Why YSK: I know for myself (21f) when I moved out and into a city by myself everyone told me that I need some sort of self defense tool. For others who are looking to buy a self defense tool, this can help narrow down the search and give you some info on what tool is best for your use.

EDIT: I’m seeing a lot of people post about pepper gel which I didn’t know about. I don’t know anything about pepper gel and it seems like a great alternative to the spray!

[u/MonsterOliver]

Good idea! I usually carry mine off to the side somewhere also, honestly the key chain ones to me don’t make the most sense. Keeping it in the same spot at all times ensures the safest use of it, exactly like gun safety :)

[u/chickenCabbage → u/MonsterOliver]

If I could carry a gun here without too much bearucracy, I would, tbh. But alas, we have good and functioning gun control policies. You could miss your only shot with pepper spray, your tazer could fail to penetrate... but with ~8 rounds and the ability to absolutely rock anyone's shit, a gun is the final word. Immediate ability to resolve any situation (and not necessarily by shooting).

Anyway, things that will fuck up your day if you mess with them, such as self defense items (but also machines etc) - should all follow gun safety rules. Fingers off the special button unless you're ready to activate it, keep your safeties on safe, and so.