Pepper Spray Considerations
Choosing the Right Pepper Spray
There are so many types of pepper spray on the market today that
it has become confusing for you to decide which one to get.
There are three basic chemical compounds that compose these
defensive sprays.
CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
The first two, CS and CN, irritate the membrane tissues and
cause stinging and tearing. They can take from 5 to 30 seconds
before they are effective and may not work if someone is drunk,
on drugs, psychotic, or can't feel pain. The time delay and the
fact that they may or may not be effective, is enough to turn
people away from the self defense sprays. However, the remaining
compound, OC, does not have these limitations.
OC, or Pepper Spray, is an inflammatory agent; not an irritant.
When someone is sprayed with OC pepper spray, the person's eyes
slam shut. Even if someone does manage to get their eyes open,
they won't be able to see because OC dilates the capillaries and
causes temporary blindness. Additionally, instant inflammation
of the breathing tissues restricts all but life suport
breathing. They double over coughing uncontrollably.
But I hear about people who aren't affected by pepper spray?
What you have heard about are the man made chemical compounds
commonly referred to as CS or CN. These are your tear gases. For
example, military personnel are subjected to similar chemicals
in the course of their training to simulate a chemical attack in
a war time situation. After repeated exposure, a resistance is
built up so the "gas chamber," as it is called, does not affect
them as much. And it's true that some people are just not as
affected as others are. Other law enforcement personnel, martial
artists, and yes, even determined criminals can fight through
the effects of CS or CN chemical sprays.
Chemical Compounds that make up defensive sprays:
CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
Pepper Spray, on the other hand, has the effect of putting a
brick wall in between the assailant and the sprayer. When
someone gets a full blast of OC pepper spray, they stop what
they are doing. They stop what they are thinking. Even people
previously mentioned that could withstand the effects of tear
gas, are very personally affected by OC pepper spray. This
includes people that are drunk, on drugs, or psychotic.
Ok, so how do I decide which one to buy?
Once it became known that OC is superior to CN and CS, many
brands became available with different concentrations,
formulations, sizes, and spray patterns. Choosing the right
spray is a critical decision if the spray ever has to be used in
a self defense situation.
Defensive Sprays Considerations
Size and capacity: Sizes can range from a 1/2 ounce personal
pepper spray up to 9 ounces for the bear pepper spray. Keychain
sized defensive sprays or sizes easily carried on a belt or in a
purse are ideal for most situations. Even the smallest units
have enough in them to handle multiple attackers if done
properly. The two main factors you want to look for are the
range and the number of shots. A 6-8 foot range is plenty since
that is where most personal assaults will take place. Most
defensive sprays are also classified by number of one second
bursts. A good 1-2 second burst will disable almost any
assailant.
Spray Pattern: There are two basic types of defensive spray
patterns, stream and mist. Stream patterns give good range but
require aiming directly at the face. Cone mists have shorter
range but you don't have to aim as well. If there is a breeze, a
stream is more controllable. Mists can be blown off target or
even back to the sprayer. OC pepper spray works best when it
hits the eyes and is inhaled. The mist is inhaled instantly
while the stream might take longer for the person to breathe in
the pepper spray. In all cases, it is critical to hit the
attacker in the face!
What else should I know about purchasing defensive pepper sprays?
Aside from size and capacity, and spray pattern of pepper spray,
the formulation can also be a consideration.
Formulation: OC comes in concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, or even
higher. Bear pepper spray is rated at 20%. Because of different
marketing that has evolved around these defensive sprays, the
percentage is not always a good indicator of effectiveness.
TBO-TECH Self Defense Products only carries the highest quality
pepper sprays, including Mace brand, that have been proven to be
most effective.
Other factors: Many pepper sprays come on keychains. This is a
sound idea because since most people usually have their keys
with them, they will also always have their pepper spray with
them. But don't forget about the times you don't have your keys.
The small investment in an extra pepper spray could actually
save your life!
The best pepper spray in the world or the most extensive
training will amount to nothing if you don't do two things:
Carry your pepper spray wherever you go and practice using it!