Self-defense products to stop an assailant | Buyer's Guide

In this Guide we will tell you about all types of self-defence products available in the world but you should know that the only fully legal self defence product in the UK at the moment is a rape alarm. There are other self defence products which claim to be legal (e.g. non toxic sprays), however, until a test case is brought before the court, we cannot confirm their legality or endorse them, states ASK THE POLICE.UK. 

Best Trusted Personal Alarm | SABRE

This model will suit a keychain of car keys – it looks like a keychain-car alarm and can be activated by pulling the pin. The volume here is 120dB. This parameter allows the device to disperse the sound 600 feet (185 metres) away, depending on stranger noise. But you can be sure that the parking lot attendants will definitely hear the sound. 

Self-defense products are something that each and every person needs. We may face different situations and cases in our lives, and we never know what’s waiting for us around the next corner. Attacks, robberies and other criminal actions can seriously damage affect your nerves. But when you know that you are able to protect yourself, your mood becomes much better, doesn’t it? 

Self-defence products like stun guns might be dangerous and if you use them in a wrong way, you become the criminal and your attacker will be the victim. Devices from this list will not cause severe injuries to the health of the attacker, but they can give you some additional seconds to run away as far as possible or to call the police. Thus non-lethal self-defense equipment, like personal alarms are the best choice for those who do not want to deal with firearms but still need reliable protection.

What personal defense products will suit you best and solve YOUR problem?

There are so many products and all of them have different characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. We have prepared a list of efficient devices for kids, delicate or frail women, drivers, runners, and joggers. What is the best choice for you?

Are you walking along the dark and deserted streets? – Then your choice should be a personal rape alarm SOS sound.

Do you like jogging in parks? – There are special alarms created for runners. Such alarms can be easily fixed to one of your arms, allowing you “to be ready” all the time.

Are you scared of strangers in the elevator? – A siren will be pretty useless because there’s nobody to hear it, while a spray can be dangerous for your own health. However, a non-toxic spray is the best choice for any enclosed space.

If you are a driver, then it can be useful to put a special personal alarm on your keys.

Are you concerned with the safety of your own kids? It’s obvious that your child won’t be able to use a pepper spray, which is why the best choice for you is a personal alarm for your precious child. Such device is convenient to carry on your backpack since nobody will figure out that this nice keychain is, in fact, a powerful 120dB siren. A cheerful design and affordable price make it a perfect gift both for yourself and your kid, as well as girlfriend or mother.

Are you a delicate woman and you’re afraid that you won’t be able to use a pepper spray in front of a big palooka? – Just press the button of your personal alarm. 

Sometimes it’s simply impossible to fight with your attacker, thus, you have to call for help. As a rule, many people are too traumatized and scared to shout for help in unfamiliar and dangerous situations. A keychain with an alarm is the best option to use instead of crying or shouting. Furthermore, the loud sound of such devices may scare your offender away. Such an alarm is the best choice for kids, college students, and young women.

Do you like riding a bicycle, but you always meet dogs on your way? – Just take a small handy device - the dog ultrasonic repeller.

Self-defence UK Legal Products

17 Self-Defense Products | Reviews

 5 Types of the Most Effective Stun Guns. Choosing between Sizeable, Invisible, Built-In Flashlight, Keychain-Shaped and Taser Options

What makes you a fearless person? You’re not afraid of anything and you are always ready to push back! One of the most popular self-defense means is the stun gun. And it is a good choice for a very brave person. It hurts and it can scare your attacker away with its sound, and furthermore, it’s relatively affordable.

We have selected 6 models which will satisfy all your needs: a big one in the form of a truncheon, a compact and totally invisible one, and one that looks like a keychain. Interestingly, the 2-in-1 Stun gun flashlights are the best-selling models. If you walk a lot along dark streets, guiding your path with a smartphone, then you’d better buy a stun gun flashlight and hide the smartphone in your pocket. Our special guest today is a taser gun. Similar guns are used by the police. It’s worth noting that this gun is pretty expensive, however, it’s the only device that can hit your attacker from a distance.

How Does It Work?

Now let’s say a couple of words about the current strength of such devices. Manufacturers are writing incredible numbers of up to 230000000 volts. In fact, all these numbers do not affect the level of the attacking force. The main task of any shocker is to penetrate the clothing of the attacker and create some kind of a conducting channel between the electrodes of the devices and the skin of the attacker. The voltage of the shocker is responsible for such “delivery”. The voltage indicated by the manufacturer doesn’t affect the strength of the shocker.

However, it works as a psychological attack, because the higher the voltage, the louder the cracking sound of the device. Don’t forget that such a loud sound of the shocker can also scare your opponent away, especially if your shocker has a high voltage. The real power of all civil versions of shockers lies in the range from 20kW to 90kW, a limit that is regulated by the law. Furthermore, even some light versions of shockers are limited for sale in several states. Thus, you need to research the actual laws of your state before buying a device.

1. Stun Gun Flashlight

Regarding the voltage and penetrating capabilities of this stun gun, we have to say that all the parameters of this device are exemplary. Here’s what people write in their reviews: “Extremely potent and effective. I am 6'3" 230 lbs and it put me on the ground in half a second”. The manufacturer claims that this device has a voltage of 230,000,000 (!) volts, which is pretty impressive because even the loud cracking of this device will make your attackers change their mind and run away. This stun gun has a very practical construction: Spike Electrodes are located a bit outside of the case, allowing the charge to penetrate thin clothes and creating the maximum shocking effect.

Many experienced robbers know how to unarm all average users who are carrying a stun gun. In the majority of cases, they will try to take your stun gun away by holding its case above the area with electrodes in order to avoid direct contact. This model will make our clumsy robber totally disappointed because the case part of this stun gun below the handle is made of steel, thus the attacker will be shocked even if he tries to grab your stun gun. Take your time and run away, while he’s falling on the ground.

2. Disguised flashlight stun gun

In case you don’t want to confuse people around you with a stun gun, but you are still thinking about your own safety, we recommend you to look at the stun gun in the form of a usual flashlight. It has a smaller size and attracts less attention.

The main feature of such construction is that the current conducting electrodes (the manufacturer claims that this stun gun has the same power as the best seller) are almost unnoticeable on the body of the gun, thus it’s significantly harder to see that you are holding a shocker in your hands. This stun gun makes impulse shots, which are effective for a couple of seconds, which will be more than enough to carry out your safety measures plan. The second advantage of this stun gun is the built-in flashlight, which will disorient your attacker in the dark, giving you more space for action and evaluation of the situation.

3. Like a Catwoman. Imperceptible Stun gun 

Very often while watching action movies, one can see secret agents with various super watches, rings or cufflinks, which can be used to neutralize their opponents in one move. Maybe this sting ring is very small and it’s not the weapon of mass destruction, but it can protect you and your belongings.

It’s obvious that you can’t use this stun gun as a usual ring because its construction looks more like a brass knuckle. But it will not take a lot of space in your pocket and you will be able to take it out immediately in case if you face any danger. The manufacturer claims that this compact device has a voltage of 18000000 volts, which is just a bit less than in a more classic model. This “stealth” factor will definitely play on your side because your powerful touch will shock the attacker in both meanings of the word.

4. Keychain stun gun 

Is someone trying to steal your keys? Well, we are sure that the robber will be surprised after getting an electric shock from your keys. This model is the most popular keychain stun gun, and the manufacturer indicated 20 million volts as its voltage. This model is less powerful than other classic shockers, however, it’s created not to fully protect you, but to surprise the attacker with an unpredicted movement towards him. This stun gun looks more like a flash card, but not a weapon, thus you can use all the benefits of the so-called “surprise” factor. Always remember to use it wisely and remember that the keychain is not as powerful as any other traditional stun gun.

5. Heavy-Duty 18-Inch Long Stun Gun 

For those who appreciate powerful weapons, this one will be the best pick of the bunch when it comes to stun guns. The item is definitely not for ladies and will not fit into a small purse. I would rather imagine it in the hands of a tough guy who is not afraid to stand up for himself and his girl somewhere in a dark alley. That said, the product weighs 2.7 pounds with a battery, which is not actually much to carry it in a bag on a daily basis.

Apart from its impressive dimensions, the device is very powerful. Unlike many other models where only the front part of the weapon stuns, this one has a 360-degree electrified shaft, which means the electrical current is circulating around the entire thing. This leaves no chances to an assailant and you will not be limited in your movements, knowing that whatever part of the shaft contacts the attacker, it will stun him.

So no wonder that this thing is not only used by the police and military but has also been featured in various movies. On top of that, this is a brand-name product manufactured by a trustworthy company that has been present on the market for decades.

4 Guns: Taser, Pepper Spray Guns, Blowback Air Pistol Beretta

You may want something more powerful and not involving direct contact with an attacker. In this case, you have a Taser, pepper spray guns, and a blowback air pistol Beretta to choose from. A Taser is an electrical weapon which fires barbed darts connected to the gun and delivering electric current to the body of the target. This weapon is widely used by the police and military agencies.

Pepper spray is another potent self-defense device which requires much practice, though. Otherwise, you risk spraying yourself in the face or making other fatal mistakes when using the gun. Experts at Virginia Commonwealth University indicate that these sprays come in several types of dispersal patterns so that you can choose the best option depending on the environment where the gun is to be applied. The “stream” model shoots straight ahead and is recommended for a single target. The “fogger” pattern is best for targeting a group of attackers and such devices work much faster. The “gel” pepper spray is designed to stick to the assailant’s face and has a more durable effect.

However, if you need something close to real firearms, opt for a blowback air pistol Beretta.

6. Taser-gun — Taser Pulse with Laser LED 2 Cartridges Holster Target Black Finish

Now we are moving to a more advanced and expensive model in the form of a gun or so-called taser. The main advantage of the taser in comparison with other stun guns is the 15-feet radius of attack. The manufacturer indicated 50000 volts as the voltage of this device, and this is more than enough, especially keeping in mind the fact that this “voltage” will reach your attacker from a distance. Attack the leg of your opponent and run away to a safe place. In order to charge this device, you need to connect it to a usual power socket. The taser can hold up to two charged cartridges. The price is high, but maybe such a distant shocker is the best solution for your situation or you were looking exactly for this model.

7. Pepper Spray Gun Self-Defense Kit | Salt

To be better prepared for an assault, you may want to have a kit that includes not just a gun with pepper spray rounds, but practice rounds as well. In any case, you need to learn how the gun works and try it before using. This item comes with 10 pepper spray rounds and the same amount of the practice ones, as well as with one 7-round magazine and a case. The gun is filled with a pepper spray and tear gas. Upon contact with the target, this combination causes temporary blindness and difficulty breathing.

The manufacturer says that the range of the device can be more than 150 feet, which is a clear advantage in comparison with many other models that can do at most ten feet. And yet, this claim still requires confirmation since some customers assert that the gun goes up to several dozens of feet but no more. It is not just the range where the product stands out among the models of other brands, though. It has a much larger shelf life — 5 years, which is twice as much as the industry standard.

8. Self-Defense Pepper Spray Gun with Strobe LED | Mace

This is a stylish device that can neutralize an attacker with the help of oleoresin capsicum at a concentration of 10%. Moreover, it will mark the assailant with a UV-dye, allowing the police to better identify the criminal. With this unit in the hand, you may shoot up to 7 sprays at a time. Still, compared to the previous product, this one has a narrower range and, according to the manufacturer’s product description, can reach a target that is not far than 20 feet away. The gun has a little flashlight that is not actually very bright but still is capable to confuse the assailant at night.

The gun is easy to use: just load it with a pepper can and pull the trigger. There is a safety lock, so feel free to carry it in your purse or bag, without worrying that it could be triggered by accident. A practice can that is filled with water is also included in the pack so that you can test the unit before actually using it.

9. Blowback Air Pistol | Beretta

If you want something more heavy-duty, try this option that includes an air pistol, 1500 steel BBs, 12 CO2 cartridges and 100 various targets. The unit is well made, with a high-quality metal used as a material. It velocity amounts to as much as 400 feet per second. The product comes with a 1-year warranty but it is limited. The product is not expensive but has a good performance and resembles a real firearm.

The 4 Pepper Sprays and Gels. How Do They Work and Why Are They So Powerful?

A pepper spray is one of the most popular self-defense weapons, particularly among women. It can be used for rapid actions, blinding and disorientating your opponent. Furthermore, the burning effect is long-lasting, thus you will have enough time to run away from the dangerous environment. Despite such a scary description, the pepper spray will not hurt your offender.

Help Save the Next Girl, a national non-profit organization formed to sensitize young women and girls to predatory danger, advises: "Invest in pepper spray or, if you can find it, pepper gel--it's better because the wind doesn't blow the spray towards you or away from your attacker. If you have to walk your dog at night, attach a pepper spray key chain to the leash."

Currently, there’s only one leader among the pepper sprays, but we decided to add a pepper keychain, which you will never forget. There are special pepper gels which can be used in any type of enclosed environment (like an elevator). These are great not just because of their sticky form, but for their extended range of use. We selected two of them for you: one for enclosed spaces and another one for the real fans of jogging.

10. Pepper spray — SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray

Do you think that a pepper spray is less effective than a stun gun? It’s not really true. In fact, it’s totally the opposite, because pepper spray creates a long-lasting effect (if you can reach the eyes of the attacker), giving you a lot of time to run away. Here’s some users’ opinion about this pepper spray: “If you have never been pepper sprayed, you have no idea how effective it is. In a police defensive course, I was sprayed and it is hell on earth. Trust me when I tell you it's not like the movies, where someone gets sprayed and thirty seconds later they are fine. After being sprayed, in real life, you have at least a half hour of blindness, skin on fire as though acid has been thrown in your face, and more fluids coming from your nose and mouth than you thought possible”.

The radius of diffusion is also great because it covers up to 10 feet. One full can of this pepper spray can make 35 “shots”, which is more than enough for usual life conditions. This spray is effective against people, as well as aggressive animals. This model has a real reason to be a best seller. The products from Sabre are widely used in various police departments all over the world. This pepper spray is made in the U.S.A. and ISO 9001:2008 certified, which says a lot about the level of the manufacturer. By buying this pepper spray, you can be sure that you have selected the best model among all pepper sprays available on the market.

11. Pepper spray keychain for absent-minded persons

The very same spray from the same manufacturer, but hidden in a keychain. This solution is a perfect choice for forgetful people, who always forget to take their personal protection from one bag to another. Your pepper spray will always be with you, hanging on your keys. The main thing is to know how to switch it to working mode; otherwise, you can be doomed in a dangerous situation.

12. Pepper gel for indoor use 

If you try to use a pepper spray in any type of enclosed space (for example, if someone is offending you in the elevator) you have a high risk of tasting your own spray. There are special gels, which are intended to be used in all types of enclosed spaces. The main difference with the pepper sprays is their consistency. The consistency of pepper gels is more dense and sticky; thus such gels can’t be dispersed around, staying on the face of your opponent. After receiving a dose of such gel of the face, the offender will try to clean it by reflex. This requires some time, thus you can run away to a safe place. There’s no limitation in using this gel when outdoors, plus the effective range of this pepper can is 18 feet. The main disadvantage of this pepper gel is the number of bursts: it has just 18 of them.

13. Pepper gel for joggers 

Jogging or running around an empty park in the evening can be quite dangerous, even if you know how to run away rapidly. The great idea is to take a pepper gel with you. Sabre produces a special model for athletes. Their pepper gel can be easily fixed to your hand with Velcro and can be easily used when required. In the event of an unexpected attack, you can react rapidly by making a sharp move with your thumb. Don’t forget about all the benefits of gel, which won’t be dispersed all around your face in case of close contact.

Frightening off the Attacker with Your Personal Alarm: Is this Solution Really Effective? 

We have carefully selected four personal alarms with various designs: from designer and stylish to usual and invisible. The initial concept of a keychain with alarm was to find keys, which were occasionally lost from your pocket. However, the manufacturers decided to modify it and offered us the personal alarm. This device is one of a few which are not just easy to use, but are also legal in the territory of any state – you won’t be required to show a license or need any other permission to use it.

14. Personal alarm-bestseller — SOS Personal Alarm

This model has a bright design, thus you will not just get a usual keychain, but a real mini-robot. It’s a little addition, but a really pleasant one. This alarm has the principally operates like a grenade, but it uses a fixation cover instead of a pin. If someone removes the cover from the keychain, it produces a loud sound. The device will become silent again only when the cover is placed back on the keychain. The best feature of this device is its water-resistance, thus rain, puddles, and even ponds won't stop it and this personal alarm will generate stable sound even under the water.

15. Safe Sound Personal Alarm System – 120 dB Personal Alarm for Women, Kids, Men

If you are fond of large bags, small alarms in the sort of USB drives is not a great idea. These tiny devices can be easily lost at the bottom of the bag and will not be helpful at the critical moment. While the size of XORXL is such that it will not get lost among other things and you will be able to find it easily even by touch. All you have to do then is simply pull the corded pin. An ear-piercing sound will be emitted, drawing everyone’s attention within a radius of 1000 feet.  All your loved ones should be protected.

17. Designer personal alarm 

It's amazing when such devices stay totally invisible. This personal alarm looks like a typical designer stuff on a bag of a kid or a girl. In any dangerous situation, you need to detach it from the ring in order to activate the typical alarm sound (proof link). We should mention that this type of sound shows the danger and the fact that you require help more effectively than another personal alarm. You can purchase of the following sets: 1-pack and 2-pack.

18. Personal alarm for kids 

This type of personal alarm is the perfect solution for your child. This soft toy won’t attract any attention, but it can generate loud sounds with the volume of around 120-130 dB. Unlike many other models, the retractable cord (link) is located on the bottom of the device, thus it doesn’t require the removal of the toy from a bag. The manufacturer offers a wide range of 6 colors, thus you can select one that fits the needs of your child.

How to Keep Dogs Away Using Dog Repellents

Very often we can face homeless or even wild dogs, which can be quite aggressive. It’s great if you know how to avoid the conflict, but sometimes it’s simply impossible and such a dog will try to attack you. The worst idea is to run away. 

“Sudden movements and eye contact are also risks,” Samuel Siskind, a security expert, told Gadget Reviews.

We have found two amazing solutions for you, which will help you to deal with dogs, making them run away from you. The first option is a spray, which requires a close distance with the dog. The second one is the ultrasonic repeller, which can scare the dog away even from the distance.

When a dog is going to attack you, the best idea is to use a dog repellent spray, which will scare it away and kill its will to deal with you, causing no harm to the health of the dog. This repellent includes capsaicin, which makes it possible to get rid of the animal with no danger to its health. Remember one thing – never put your hand close to the mouth of the dog, because it’s very dangerous. Make a strike from a distance of up to 12 feet.

Are you riding a bicycle, but a pack of dogs is running somewhere around? Just use the ultrasonic repeller and they will run away, channeled by fear. This repellent is the best choice for weak, defenseless persons because it can help them to get rid of the dogs without any physical actions, giving safety and freedom. This aspect is important for cyclists because homeless animals simply love to attack them. You can easily fix this device on your bicycle, totally protecting yourself, because all the dogs will be aware of you at a distance of 50 feet. This device can be used not only to scare aggressive wild and homeless animals away but to train your own pet. Have you caught your lovely dog eating your furniture? Don’t think about beating it, because an ultrasonic impulse will explain the seriousness of the situation much better and faster.

There’s no doubt that by protecting yourself and your belongings you can significantly improve your mood and walk along the dark street with no fear. But you have to remember that any type of special measures and devices have to be used wisely. To be sure that the laws of your state allow you to buy such devices, please check our table. Have you already found your state there? Now check all applicable laws!

*Before making a purchase, please check that the effective legislation faced no changes