What is pepper spray
Pepper spray is the most common choice of citizens thinking about self-defense. Pepper sprays are cheaper than other self-defense means, do not require a license and are sold in online stores or gun and hunting stores in almost any city.
Externally, it is a metal can filled with pepper liquid, with a valve device and a protective cap for the sprayer. Pepper sprays are inexpensive - you can buy them for 500 rubles or less.
Pepper spray uses hot red pepper. The canister sprays red pepper, which, when it gets on the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, causes severe burning, lacrimation and pain. When a person inhales the spray, red pepper causes him to cough and feel short of breath. As a result, the person becomes disoriented in space; due to severe pain and the production of tears, he cannot continue to commit illegal actions. The effect of using the can lasts up to 30 minutes.
Proper use of pepper spray can neutralize the offender and provide sufficient time to escape or call for help. It is effective against persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, who respond less well to some other means of self-defense. The spray can also help if it is used against aggressive dogs, since it causes the same body reaction in them as in people.
Rules for using a gas cartridge
But if you think that it’s enough to buy it and you have nothing to fear, then you are mistaken: it is important not only to carry it with you, but also to be able to use it.
Here are a few simple rules of use, knowing which you can correctly use a can of irritant gas:
- No matter what they say, this is not a full-fledged self-defense weapon. This is only a “helper”; it will not be possible to completely neutralize the enemy. In any case, you will have to either use physical force or run away.
- The storage space should be accessible, preferably in a separate pocket: if the can gets lost at the bottom of the bag, it will be of no use. For quick removal, use either a gas cartridge case or a special carrying system.
- Practice taking out and using the can. In an emergency situation, you should not rely on coordinated actions that have not been worked out in advance.
- The effectiveness of the can decreases in cold weather. When wearing in winter, it is better to warm it with your hand: using a frozen canister is practically ineffective (some gas canisters do not freeze even at minus 20).
- For an untrained person, a “cloud” type spray can (Fakel-2, pepper 11-a, Shock) is suitable. The enemy will be hit regardless of the direction of the jet. But in order to minimize the risk of ending up in the gas zone, Tesakov.com recommends taking into account one simple rule when using it, namely, taking a step back.
- Learn to use pepper spray with your left hand. Since most people have a stronger right hand, and can strike with it, the following scheme can be used to fight an enemy: spray the can with your left hand, immediately hit with your right, repeat if necessary (only works with a jet type, for example Epee or Dragon).
- A small gas canister is not worth saving. It is better to spray all the gas as close to the enemy's face as possible than to split it into several doses and not achieve the desired result. A large can can be used twice, thrice, or more times with the same effect, depending on the volume and type of spray.
- You need to spray wisely. It is not enough to simply spray gas - you need to follow the stream behind the face of the dodging enemy and try to get into the eyes (the rule of use is only for the jet type of spray).
- You should not expect an immediate effect from pepper spray. Firstly, you might not have hit the attacker in the eyes. Secondly, the maximum effect of the gas occurs only after 5-10 seconds (depending on the concentration of irritating substances in it). The conclusion that follows from this: you must be prepared for the fact that you will immediately have to flee. Or, with proper physical preparation, after half a minute, give hand-to-hand combat with a stun gun: at this time it will be most effective.
- If you are affected by a cloud while using it, don’t panic! Remember: the enemy was definitely hit harder because he received most of the irritant gas. Be patient and fight. Just a rule to remember: when the fight is over (in your favor, of course) - go home for milk, which relieves the burning sensation. If there is no milk, use water. There is no need to worry about the attacker: if he is not allergic to the components of the gas, then after 20-30 minutes he will feel better. Better than after meeting you, but still worse than before he attacked you
Pepper spray for self-defense
Self-defense with pepper spray does not require special skills, but there are several important factors that affect the effectiveness of its use.
Important factors affecting the effectiveness of self-defense with pepper spray:
It is prohibited to use pepper spray in enclosed spaces, the inside of a car, an elevator, or an entrance. Otherwise, the person using the spray will also be exposed to the pepper mixture.
Do not use pepper spray in a headwind. Such a wind will carry the substance to the owner of the can. Also, the wind can carry the stream to the side, and it will not reach the offender.
You need to aim at the eyes of the offender in order to achieve maximum painful effect and provoke irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Use pepper spray unexpectedly; you must not show it to your opponent before using it, otherwise he may grab his hands, knock the spray out of his hands, or dodge the spray aimed at him.
After use, the canister will have to be thrown away, even if there is some pepper mixture left in it, since a strong odor will emanate from the valve.
Best inkjet pepper sprays
Jet cans release the substance in a directional manner. The shot range reaches 4 meters. The stream resists the wind well and does not disperse into a cloud. This option can be used indoors, but it is more difficult for them to hit the enemy.
Pfeffer Ko Jet
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The Pfeffer Ko Jet can hit up to 18 enemies. The irritant is based on a proprietary formula of pepper extract - a caustic enhancer has been added to capsaicin. One short volley will completely neutralize the attacker. The effect comes instantly.
The jet remains straight even at a wind speed of 17 m/s. The spray range reaches 5 m. The can can be used indoors without harm to the defender. 100 ml of irritant is enough for 9 seconds of uninterrupted operation. The proprietary valve makes the cylinder reusable. There is no need to throw it away after one use - the gas will not evaporate. The product fits easily into your pocket.
Pros:
- compact;
- enhanced active substance;
- instant effect;
- jet range – 5 m;
- wind resistant;
- reusable.
Minuses:
- expensive (price reaches 2000 rubles per 100 ml).
Pfeffer Ko Jet is included in the arsenal of the German police, which indicates the high quality of this protective equipment.
Fighter
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
The Fighter inkjet spray is suitable for self-defense outdoors and indoors. The jet remains smooth in winds up to 6 m/s, its flight range is 3 m. However, the most effective defeat of the enemy occurs from a distance of 1-1.5 m.
The operating temperature range is wide. The product can be used in frosts down to -20 and in heat up to +50 degrees. The active substance consists of 95% hot pepper extract, 0.23% is a police irritant. The high-flow valve provides an immediate neutralizing effect. The contents are enough for 2.5 seconds of spraying.
Pros:
- effective in cold and hot weather;
- not afraid of the wind;
- high jet range;
- instantly neutralizes the attacker.
Minuses:
- ends quickly.
The manufacturer's line includes all types of Fighter spray cans: aerosol, jet, gel and foam. The buyer can choose which option suits him best.
Safety of using pepper spray
Using pepper spray does not cause serious harm to health, but the person may need medical attention.
The only group of people for whom the pepper mixture may be dangerous are people with bronchial asthma or those experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Using pepper spray may cause them to choke and require medical attention. For other people, symptoms of irritation from red pepper usually go away after a few hours.
conclusions
Pepper spray is an inexpensive and effective means of self-defense, which is most often chosen by citizens. When used correctly, it will help protect against attacks from aggressive or drunken citizens or from stray animals.
However, the use of a spray can is not possible in all situations: indoors and in unfavorable winds, the pepper mixture can get on the defender, and the use will only be effective if the stream of pepper spray is directed into the offender’s face.
The Best Gel and Foam Pepper Sprays
Gel balloons produce a dense, directional stream. When released, the active substance is activated, penetrates the eyes, mouth and pores, causing burning and itching. The first reaction to such a “mask” is to wipe it off. This way the aggressor spreads the substance over a larger area, worsening his condition.
Some cylinders have special sprayers that foam the mixture. The resulting mass also quickly spreads over the skin and has an aggressive effect on the mucous membranes.
C360
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The Russian C360 can is filled with pepper concentrate gel. The active substance can fly up to 3 meters. The jet is not afraid of heat, wind, rain or frost down to -20 degrees.
The irritant instantly irritates the mucous membranes and skin and continues to act for up to 40 minutes. The can works in any position - vertically, horizontally or upside down.
The dimensions of the device are compact - 15 by 3.5 cm. The duration of uninterrupted operation reaches 5 seconds. During this time, you can neutralize several opponents at once.
Pros:
- works in any weather conditions;
- shot distance – up to 3 meters;
- long lasting;
- effective when turning at any angle;
- A 5-second press is enough.
Minuses:
- price (reaches 500 rubles).
A direct hit can seriously harm the health of the attacker. The gel irritates the mucous membranes, causing excessive secretion of bodily fluids, coughing and suffocation.
Fighter-SG
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
The Fighter jet-gel spray has not only a neutralizing, but also a psychological effect on the attacker. The action of the irritant is based on hot pepper extract.
The content is enough for 2.5 seconds or 5 short presses. The propagation range of the jet reaches 3-4 m. However, the maximum effective distance is 1-1.5 m.
The can works at temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. The spray is resistant to wind at speeds up to 6 m/s. The cylinder has a safety lock against accidental pressing.
Pros:
- natural irritant;
- high shot range;
- wide range of operating temperatures;
- protective flip top cover;
- wind-resistant jet.
Minuses:
- ends quickly.
It is better to buy 2 cans at once - the first for training, the second - to carry with you.
The Dragon
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
The action of the Dragon balloon is based on an effective mixture of CS and pelargonic acid morpholide. The substance immediately begins to act on the aggressor. Foam irritates the respiratory tract, eats into mucous membranes, pores and any damage to the skin.
The shot range reaches 2.5 m. The foam hits in a clear direction and does not create a caustic cloud. The device can be used indoors and without fear for your own health. The balloon is effective against people and animals - the foam blinds and disorients the attacker. The can is available in different volumes from 65 to 650 ml.
Pros:
- valid from 2.5 m;
- instant effect;
- There are different volumes;
- can be used indoors;
- Suitable against animals and people.
Minuses:
- not suitable for windy weather;
- short action.
In a strong wind, the jet shoots only 50 cm. The durability of the foam is low, and its effect quickly ends.
