Van Life Safety: Top SELF DEFENCE Gadgets ANYONE Can Buy
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- Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024
- THIS IS PART OF MY VIDEO SERIES ON PROPER PLANNING FOR NOMADS!
In this video we are testing out stun guns, pepper gel and more!
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I’ve been a professional self-defense instructor for quite a few years now also have a background fighting MMA competing in jujitsu as well as other arts. I advise all my clients to never buy something that only has capacity to be used once or twice. In a high intensity situation your aim is going to be wildly unsteady and only having one or two shots you’re likely to miss. Do not ever purchase a self-defense tool required to be used at hand to hand range unless you know how to fight wrestle,box,Bjj,mma etc. Last and most importantly anything you ever buy you must practice with. If you buy a gun you need to go to the range and practice if you buy a knife you need to have a trainer blade and practice if you buy pepper spray you need to have a water version of your same canister and practice no matter what you must practice and practice regularly if you want to be effective in defending yourself.
I’m shopping for a stungun. I have one in my cart but after watching this I think I’ll go for the Sabre you demonstrated.
Not a Nomad...yet, but, I purchased a house in a rural area known to see occasional bears and cougars. I bought bear "spray", the most potent police grade I could find. I decided to try it on some wasps who had every intention on building their nest in my attic. I suited up. Plastic rain gear, gloves, goggles, paper mask and bandana, and my safety work helmet with a plastic face shield. Waited for the perfect wind condition, NONE, and let fly that 12' shot of bear spray. NEVER EVER will I use it again. Within seconds it crept past ALL my precautions, trapped itself under everything, went up my nose, down my throat, into my lungs, coated my eyes...I had a gallon of milk in my fridge. Choking and blind I made it back in the house stripping off my protection gear as I went and used the entire gallon as eye, nose, throat and skin wash. So, anyone reading this BELIEVE BOB when he says YOU WANT THE GEL NOT THE SPRAY. Recovery time was a good 24hrs, but it did work on the wasps, they never came back. However, I can't say as I got away safely 🥵
An important concept in self-defense: Factor in the time it will take to reach safety. You must render your attacker unable to harm you for the amount of time it will take to get to help or safety. A distracting injury like a kick in the shins will provide little time to escape which means you need to continue your defense until the attacker is subdued.
Don’t kick shin. Kick knee cap. Stomp on top of foot. Can’t chase you with broken foot or knee. Don’t fight fair😊
A 9mm will stop any size critter out there faster than any kick or stomp will ever do.
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@@lilianatincher4231you got that right and my 1st choice
@@RLeeVanCamps Shin kick was just an example. Not a place I would go for first. The style of defense I have been taught employs many techniques from several disciplines. The point is to keep attacking until your the perp is subdued.
Having spent many years teaching self defense, Saber pepper spay is by far the best option you presented.
Jim, what do you recommend to woman for defence when travelling alone? Distance type weapons?
@@glendajorde9062
A man.
@@glendajorde9062 pepper GEL spray that sprays a straight line of gel about 20 feet. It's solid so won't blow back on you. Though it will still be bad for anyone with respiratory issues. That pepper is serious stuff.
@@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin I accidentally sprayed my key chain pepper spray in my bank one time. Never went back to that bank branch lol
I would get multiple self defense tools. If someone attacks you and somehow gets first device from you, then surprise , here's another..
2nd A aside, many people aren’t comfortable with a firearm in a vehicle, where to store it when not in the vehicle, the legalities involved state-to-state and internationally.
Adding a gun to the mix of self defense has a steep responsibility curve; Bob is offering up some alternatives.
Thanks for sharing these items. I have a rechargeable stun gun, a tactical knife, a push knife, bear spray, marine boat horn, self defense pen and a 420fps CO2 powered BB gun that looks real. As you said in the video, I don't want to kill someone. I just want them to leave me alone. That being said I believe intuition and common sense are your best form of self preservation.
Diana F; please wear a name tag so I don't get too close to you ! Holy Moly you are ready ! Good for you. I will email if I see you at the rtr and have a question before getting too close. Laughing here !! Again good for you, stay safe.
If you’re carrying lethal weapons (tactical knife and push dagger) why not get a CCW permit?
Your brain is your best and safest form of self defense. Everything else comes with a cost. Co workers grandson thought someone was breaking into his car in front of his house. Called the police and walked out the door with a bb gun that looked like a 357. Cop shot him multiple times while his wife and kids were looking out the front window.
Thanks for making a safety video for all rather than just women as in 95% of safety videos. I'm a 53 year old guy with a van and a blind labrador that likes to travel when life permits. I'm always concerned about peoples safety, including myself. I was mugged as a teenager in downtown Portland, have driven to Oaxaca, and am constantly aware of bad actors.
Thanks again!
I've worked in Corrections around violent offenders. As far as non-lethal effective options go, capsaicin spray works at a distance and renders an attacker useless long enough to either get away or (teach them a lesson)😉. Key benefits: deploys fast, useful at a distance.
Do they have quick response or does one need to carefully find the "press here" area of the nozzle? I think these are great although with bad eyes I need the button to be clearly accessible.
"As far as non-lethal,,," not far enough for me.
@@tallcedars2310 the key in becoming competent with any weapon is practice and being completely familiar with what you're using. Then you won't have to look at the firing mechanism when deploying it.
I carry them all!!! In addition I have spent just over 10 years studying martial arts and carry concealed as well!!
As a retired LEO and chemical weapons instructor I have used many applications of pepper spray with success. It is not a solution to a deadly force situation and should only be used as a last resort if a firearm is not available. You should not depend on pepper spray in a deadly force encounter. A firearm should be your weapon of choice. Many decades of dealing with thugs has given me the insight not to underestimate what they will do. ILEA 80-59 FTO/FCC Extra Class N9UU
Be careful when you have weapons so you don't over react. I would like to tell story of walking with our dog on a leash in Codorus State Park Pennsylvania this past summer 2022.
My wife and I were walking our dog along a road in the park when a man with 3 large dogs all on leashes approached us (they looked like Labs). The dogs started barking steadily when they saw us. We tried to pass each other on the road by being just off the road on opposite sides. The man got a terrified look on his face as his dogs started pulling him in our direction, he could not hold them back. I handed the leash of our dog to my wife and ran in his direction and grabbed the leashes along with him and stopped the dogs just before they got to my wife and dog. At this point the man was on the ground and we had stooped the dogs. All of his dogs turned from pulling and were looking at me. The largest one came over to me and looked up as to ask what now. They did not try to attack me and they settled down.
The man was stupid to have 3 large dogs that he could not control and none with prong collars.
I am big and strong, 6 foot 230 lbs but am 73 years old and recovered from having a brain aneurysm burst in 2018. Have recovered to be able to walk again. I am going to carry a walking stick or cane and plan to have pepper spray.
But, I don't want to ever over react.
I moved from South Californica over a year ago. When I worked in L.A. I carried a gun or two, as some of the industrial areas my job took me were surrounded by some very bad areas. Over a decade there, and I only pulled my weapon twice, and the presence of lethal force seemed to deter the criminals present, as they fled. The Kimber is the only one I would consider carrying, but I prefer the Kimber R7 with 14 rounds of combat proven 9mm. ANY defense is a danger to the user without practice.😎
A friend of mine was worried about me, I wasn't worried about myself and often camp alone. I've never had a problem with this as it's pretty safe in the national forests and Moab area. He gave me a stun gun similar to the smallest unit, it does make that hair raising sound. The interesting part of this story is that a friend of my friend who is a big guy decided to try it out on himself to see if it worked. It knocked him out cold and burned a hole in his blue jeans where he touched it to his thigh. I didn't witness this so don't know how long he was unconscious. The sound alone should scare anyone away and I would prefer to have something that works at a distance, and best yet to never need it at all. Bob and Brian, Thanks for your review!
Friends of mine are worried about me as well because I love to camp alone. I always think to myself that there aren't thieving marauders out where I'm camping because all of the campers I've met have been womderful people. Coworkers try to get me to borrow their guns, I have essential tremor so I think that's a very bad idea. I don't know. I usually feel safe and if I don't, I leave immediately. I feel like I have decent intuition. Am I being naive?
@@ksussl All we need are "Borrowed Guns"! Maybe that fancy pepper gun that looks like paint ball. How about an air horn?
Sounds like you have a similar mind set to mine and similar experiences. Camp on!🤩
I spent over 25 years camping/exploring very remote places by myself in the desert and never has any problems with anyone. I still take protection with me (non PC type). These ideas are some I am considering for additional defense. Great job on this video.
Ditto. 20yrs solo otr female truck driver. NO issues. My best weapon was/is common sense
People should consider cattle prods. I grew up on a farm and these things will bring a cow to its knees. They come in lengths up to 3 feet and look intimidating. And they are inexpensive.
thank you for info on safety and self-defense; as a woman, i have more focused questions: i hesitate to rely on items that are to be used at extremely close range (hand-to-hand, or actually in the grasp of an attacker), because of the well-known "freeze" phenomenon, in which the defendant becomes immobile. Secondly, i am reluctant to rely on my poor aim in fending off someone coming at me, so the products that spray at a distance would probably be no more than "hit-or-miss" for me. Finally, i personally am clumsy, so my biggest fear is of injuring myself with whatever i am armed with. I appreciated your demonstrations of each of the items; i am attracted by the Ruger and Sabre flashlight/stun guns, since they emit a warning sound, useful in the case of a dangerous but not-yet-deadly encounter (human), like a rattlesnake! I would appreciate this same video content with a woman/women reviewer(s). Thank you again for your MANY helpful and encouraging videos. Without Bound encouraged me to go on the road! -eve
Oh yes I agree
One thing that I didn't see them mentioned was siren type portable alarms. Not correct description here but I think you know what I mean. something that can scream for you for several minutes or make enough noise to scare an animal off. Good luck be safe
We are 2 women and we have wasp spray near our door.It shoots 20 foot stream.We use small hand held pepper spray in pocket on walks.We use solar operated motion lights around camp.In 3 years we have not encountered a need to use them.
You definitely need to explore different options yourself and practice with them, preferably in a non combustible outdoor area. But I just have to say: Not all women freeze. I've been attacked twice and kept my virtue, my car and all my jewelry. I did lose a small amount of money giving it up to one mugger.
Situational awareness and gut instinct would be most important. Bob already covered that awhile ago.
I am enjoying these more "prep" oriented videos. "Stuff" happens. Among other tools, I carry an aluminum baseball bat when I walk the dogs. When I lived in TX, golf clubs were a popular choice for walking.
One interesting point about stun guns is that if you use one on someone while they are touching you, you will NOT get shocked. That makes them an excellent choice for very close situations. Great video!
Another good distance weapon is wasp spray. Also a spray bottle of ammonia. These work real good on humans and animals. Even a squirt gun with ammonia in it.
Wasp spray is illegal. Ammonia is lighter than air, and harder to aim, also it's flammable. Just get pepper spray and give it a test spray to see how it works.
I have the viper. I live in a really small town but when i have to go to the city i have a long drive and thought it would be a safte thing for those trips. I bought the viper in pink. I never thought to warn my boyfriend and he turned on the flashlight. Long story short he managed to buzz himself. He said it gave him a good shock!
If I may add: it would pay dividends to take a martial arts class to learn how to effectively block, punch, kick, gouge, etc., to defend yourself. You don't have to be a black belt and be able to break boards and stuff, but at least learn the basics to give you more confidence when faced with an attacker. A lot of the tools shown in the video are useless if you use them timidly. Just some food for thought.
1. Ruger makes the pepper spray 2
2. A strobe blinds predators
3. Re stun guns….anything unreliable should not be used for self defence.
4. They make flair GUNS which can be used to signal for help or to shoot at something n intimidate.
I like the Sabre personal alarm. Legal everywhere and no weapon training needed at all
I know you guys are having fun. Thank you!
Thank you for another great video. I have traveled and backpacked for decades. I have found the best defense is trusting your gut and just leaving if you are uncomfortable. I have never come close to needing to defend myself with lethal force. Yes I carry a few self defense items, that I am comfortable with and have trained with, but for me, not needing to harm anything is important. For really close encounters I prefer a few Jujitsu techniques that can be applied to what ever level is necessary to release and get away. These skills are always with me and once mastered are quite efficient. They don't require purchase, ammunition and are not illegal anywhere. I did take some classes to get started and worked out for exercise and balance training for a few years, but now all my primary self defense costs is a little reinforcement practice workout on my own. Thank you for demonstrating these items. Thank you again for creating this series. Safe travels.
Anita Simmons; That's great,...for you. Most or a lot of us out here are older and not physically combat ready, trained or in the shape or condition to perform martial arts.
@@tubetime39, I too am older and I am verticality challenged along with being on the lower end of the BMI, (Body Mass Index). The great thing about Jujitsu is it uses leverage, pressure points, and the aggressors own force and momentum against them. Jujitsu is one of the few martial arts that the aggressor is at a disadvantage. True I never bothered learning the movesets that were better for taller or heavier people, but I am really good at releasing, and locking up joints. You can absolutely learn some basic self defense skills even if you have limited mobility. My younger sister has a black belt in a martial art, and she could never harm or control me when we worked out together for the few years we lived together. The reason was, I mainly deflected or released her moves and she expended a lot of energy doing them. All I had to do was, learn to relax and wait. The best thing about Jujitsu was that, it teaches you how to fall and disperse the energy of the fall so you don't get hurt. You also have to learn not to tense up and to deflect force. Jujitsu, reinforced my belief that you don't have to be big or strong to come out of a conflict, safety, you just have to stay in relaxed, smart and confident. My point is don't give up on gaining the skills you need to be safe, or getting into better physical condition, remember we all started out so week we could not even lift our head... our intelligence is what sets us apart from the rest of the living things on our planet.
Interesting! I used to work at a Psychiatric Hospital and the staff told me they all used to carry cattle prods in the 70.s and 80s so if a patient acted up they would gang up and zap them. The times they are a changing!
Cattle prod don’t need to be as close to attacker. 😊
I checked the reviews on for one of the stun guns Amazon and noted that a person who gave it one star rating noted that she bought the flashlight to walk her dog at night and to give her protection if needed. She complained that the using the flashlight drained the stun gun ability to fire. This makes me think that the purpose of the flashlight is mostly so that you can see where to point the stun gun and not to use simply as a flashlight.
I have an axe head cane that is unbreakable. A downward swing can break an arm or collar bone, which can stop any attacker, be it animal or human. The trick on any type of self-defense item is to become proficient at using them. Practice.
The 1st time I touched the taser button on my flashlight, I was so startled I dropped it. Took me completely by surprise at how loud it was.
I carry the viper Tek ;). And yes the noise it makes should be enough to scare off a coyote, or any unwanted guest in the dark of night. had over a yr. Now still charges via wall plug. Not sure if it ships legally to all states. Does rechargeable and nice flash light etc. Peace of mind 👍
I would be careful about using that flare in a dry Forest or you might find yourself in an even bigger pickle, haha!
Air horns are great for scaring away bears or cougars. They are getting more resistant to yelling and clanging on pots
I worked at a non-profit with (sometimes) clients who had behavior issues. We were taught “workplace self defense”- a lamp, a phone, a pencil, a book, anything you can hold and hit someone with works. Also, we were taught that our desks should not be between us and the clients. That they should not be able to block us in or stand in the door (or God forbid) LOCK the door and trap us in. Just a few ideas…thanks for the video.
I have a pink teaser that cost me about $14, bought it awhile back. Pink was the cheapest, probably because of.the color. I also use a cane off and on as needed and would not hesitate to use. Once bought my son a cane with a long knife inside it as he had to walk to work, then walked home in the.dark. Thank goodness he never had to use it, but it was there.
Better to have something and not need it than not have something and need it. Practice is key. Be very familiar with your choice of protection and know how to use it. Prefer not to have someone even get close enough. Thank you for the great info and videos.
As a security guard I have a Taser flashlight I bought on eBay.i needed it a few times and just the sound solved the problem
I have a stun gun and my absolute favorite my Glock 21 45cal. Stay safe and enjoy your life
I've had several of the "stun guns" you mention.. pretty much worthless noise makers. Flares sound good since they have multiple uses. I also like the cane idea, but I'd get something a bit more substantial. Let's not forget baseball bat. My favorite is something you don't mention.. a good old fashion firearm.
The problem with the stun guns,is that you have to be very close to
Whomever you are trying to stun,if someone is trying to do great bodily harm to you,those stun guns will probably just piss them off more,if they are that close to me ,then I'm going for my backup, Gerber double edged combat dagger ,because by that time you are in a self defense mode,it's either you or the other guy,and I dont plan on it being me that they cart off in a body bag!😎🇺🇸🇺🇸
One thing you didn't hit on, was the fact that the sound put out by any of the stun guns will scare/ stop a loose dog from possible attack. Saw an officer do this n the dog hightailed it away.
The demonstration of protective tools is very beneficial. Prices are reasonable as well.
Wasp/Hornet spray foam. Unconventional, relatively cheap, sprays 15 ft, lightweight, can be purchased anywhere. Also, many of the same methods used on sailboats at anchor, check out Sailing Brickhouse, inexpensive but effective strategies to be safe. I agree, instincts are your best defense. Merry Christmas all.
It’s so cute. The dog in the cab of your rig is just fascinated
REALLY like the new series with the both of you !!!! Winner, winner !!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Thanks for the reviews, guys! I look forward to meeting you at the RTR!
Thank you so much for your video, Bob. Self defense devices are so important for all, and you show some that I had never seen or heard of before. Very valuable. Ever since I found your channel I have loved your videos the most out of all the THOW channels I watch. You have such great videos of THOW tours, demonstrations, and helpful tips to get the most out of tiny home living with very unique, useful, and creative ideas to help us be as comfortable as we can in our homes. Just want to express how much I appreciate you and these videos :)
The sound of a pump action shotgun is the sound you want shooting at people with a sling shot is crazy. If you don’t want a gun get bear spray.
I've learned that I can deter an approaching bad dog by stopping, staring into it's eyes, slowly raising my free hand pointing and it and then I move my pointing finger behind and to the side of them and deeply, loudly shout "Look!" Dogs are the only creatures, besides humans who will automatically look where you are pointing. If they don't stop, do it again. It almost always breaks their aggression mode. They often then become afraid of me. If there is another dog present, I point to the other dog while going through the "Look!" procedure. The aggressive dog will always stop and look at their companion. Sometimes they will even attack their companion dog instead of me. Sorta like I gave them a command.
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Thank you for the update on safety
You’ve got to be careful & ready just in case the worst case scenario. My advice is keep all doors & windows closed & locked if the area doesn’t feel safe don’t ever go outside at night . Have your keys ready just in case .
Thanks Bob Always appreciate your wonderful videos
Very interesting discussion. I agree with the approach of keeping the threat at a distance! I liked the pellet gel pistol! I liked the pen with the steel pointed tip. Best of all I too like Ruger, the 3 screw version!
Although I have achieved my enhanced concealed carry license, the states I grew up in do not allow me to carry when I visit --- so, these are some great alternatives. Thanks, Bob!
My daughter is a restaurant manager, and gets off work around 1-2am. She has to walk to her car alone, in the worse part of Portland, Or. so I bought her a taser for self defense. Luckily, and praying she never has to use it. 😊
These are great gift ideas. I have four sisters, and this would make a great Christmas gift.
The saber stun gun with the metal strips, The strips are electrified so if the bad guy grabs it he gets a little zappy zappy👍. I bought it for my girlfriend it’s the best one I could find. I would suggest marking it on the calendar to charge it monthly
a whistle with the bouncing ball inside - for wildlife: cougars, bears etc : also the googly eyes glued to the back of a hat because cougars and other wildlife wont attack if they think they're being watched from behind lol
Ugh! Wrong key. So I've decided to start saving up for a vehicle. I'm fortunate because my oldest nephew does all sorts of bodywork. He has a business restoring classic and muscle cars. It's Top Gun Autobody.
I'll ask Corry to help me pick out a reliable vehicle.
A couple more questions, have you ever worked with 3d design software for rv interiors? Do you have any books besides your own you'd recommend on van conversion or van life?
One more, I plan on being at your RTR in 2024. That will be my first outing. Do you know of any dwellers or caravans in Tennessee. I am NOT a desert person. I LOVE TREES, HILLS AND WATER. Thanks Bob for everything you do. You're amazing!
Guns plus ammo are so expensive . Wasp spray I agree is a good way to defend yourself you can spray it in someone's eyes face and still stay a decent distance away from their reach. $4.00 a can.
I carry pepper spray. Going to check out more of the items you shared with us.
I don't live in my vehicle but have recently practiced sleeping in it (when the weather's warm here in MA, of course). My sister and I might do a road trip for my 60th birthday in this coming summer. For that reason, I'd definitely want a stun gun.
My go to now is the spray can fire extinguisher. Many can spray 20 ft, and the bottle it self can be used as well,
Always a wonderful video Bob! Thank you!
I have a Viper stun gun. Never needed it, but have felt better living alone for the past 3 years. Now I feel some what safer and aware. Thank you for your reviews and will now check out the Saber units too.
I’ve considered the paint gun type of pepper spray and possibly a stun gun. I would prefer something non lethal to avoid accidentally killing a friend/family.
I did buy a stun gun pepper spray combo from a website it was only 20 bucks that includes shipping. Seems like it'll work good. No name just says gun/spray combo safety tool for protection So good the hubby wants me to order another. 1 for each hand I guess. Lol. Great video. You 2 seemed like you were having to much fun with the stun guns. 😆
I ove that you guys had a sling shot1 I remember my brother having and making as may as he could as kids
Any form of self defense is great. I prefer the good ol 2A
Hi bob, i love your vedioes. Im 72 and thinking of doing the van life. I had sling shot in first grade. Got in trouble! Lol! I like the safty vedioe. Im learning alot from you. Cathy fogarty in vernal utah
Hey Cathy, 74 yr old female here. Going to be living in my CRV in a few weeks, months depends on when the house sales that I have an apt in. Going to the womens RTR next month...maybe we'll run into each other there. 😄😄😄
I prefer the thought of a 12 ga. coach gun is tucked-away where I can reach it quickly if need-be. Bullies rarely bother a confident person, usually they attack the weak or those who appear fearful. Avoiding a confrontation is the best approach.
I was once pulled off the side of the road near Tombstone AZ, when a State trooper pulled-up behind me to offer any assistance. It was early in the Morning but still very dark and he peered into the back seat where I was sleeping. He spotted the AR-15 I had laying on the floor and laughed, saying that he expected I wasn't going to have any trouble any time soon and left after he asked me if I was OK.
Thank you Bob ❤
I'm still a fan of the bear spray/Louisville Slugger combination. You spray them with the bear spray and if they don't go away wail on them with the baseball bat. Below the waist the bat is not lethal but above the waist it can be so be careful. That, or chase them away with your civil war sword but not too many people have them. Keep the good stuff coming Bob and friend (sorry I forgot your name).
I have bear spray (in the larger cannisters) and dog/coyote spray & gel (in the small fist-sized cannisters). They all trace back to Sabre as manufacturer and all have expiry dates. However, I have no intention of disposing of them on the basis of that date.
I've had the Sabra spray handy for years now but I think I'm going to switch to the gel. Also I absolutely would get one of those tasers I think those are awesome. Great video, guys..very helpful.
Gel, may need to be replaced more often, but pepper spray has to be replaced every few years to. Almost everything takes maintenance or has a shelf life.
I have viper stun gun and that is by far the best I think. My other stun guns have all crapped out. I also keep a can of hornet spray. It shoots 20 feet and can blind someone or animal if in the eyes. I plan on getting the pepper gel and also some flares and hiking stick. I also have marine boat horns which work well on animals
I have carried the Sabre pepper gel for many years, on the recommendation of a friend. Be advised these DO have a life expectancy on them, they will degrade in effectiveness over time. As mine is nearing it's "best by" date I'm hoping to test it out a bit in early 2023. The gel is better than the spray, IMHO, because it is less likely to get back on you and incapacitate you.
I would also recommend looking at the Umarex T4E by P2P HDP .50 Caliber Pepper Ball Pistol (it's on Amazon under that name) as a greater distance "stand off" defensive weapon. It will fire a .50 caliber pepper ball with a pretty good force for 40-60 feet. It is air powered and very quiet. You can also get .50 caliber rubber coated steel ball practice ammunition which can be recovered and reused. It uses the standard air pistol CO2 cartridge. These come in both a full size and a compact version. I have the large size and it's not very concealable. I haven't tried the compact version yet as it about $10 more expensive. Both hold six rounds.
While it’s true as the title states, these are self defense gadgets that anyone can buy. However, it doesn’t mean you automatically know how to use them effectively in self defense. Anyone can buy a guitar but that doesn’t make them a musician. One of the most important aspects of any self defense tool that isn’t mentioned in the video is that you must be properly trained on how and when to employ whatever tool you decide to carry.
For example with each of the OC pepper products: it's important to understand the differences and limitations of each (e.g. pepper gel; spray; foam; stream; balls; etc.) in different environments (weather, wind direction, indoors; outdoors, etc.) for different target areas (chest; face; across eyes; mucous membranes, forehead; etc.) for capacity, size and number of shots, (include for misses and multiple assailants) at different distances and their respective time delay to incapacitation (they're not instantaneous). Also know its relative strength (some are very weak) as measured in Percentage Major Capsaicinoids (>1% are best). Something also to consider is its shape and design. Can you tell which way the nozzle is pointing just by touch in the dark and without looking at it. The last thing you want to do is to shoot yourself full of pepper spray in an emergency.
And while the Bob and Brian seem to rate the stun guns on how much noise they make, it’s important to understand what’s really important, including the differences and limitations of each too. Many stun guns are “rated” in meaningless voltages (as high as hundreds of millions of volts) and are actually ineffective. A truer measure of its effectiveness is the number of microcoulombs (µC) it can produce. The best ones are > 1 µC. Remember also; this is a contact distance device and must also be held in contact on a vulnerable part of the body for several seconds to be most effective. Not the safest distance to be in with an aggressor. Be aware they have limited effectiveness against someone wearing heavy winter clothing as well.
As with any defensive device, you must have it readily available, preferably in your hand before you actually need to use it. It’s of no use if you can’t deploy it in time to be effective. Try testing a variation of the “Tueller Drill” (it's taught to virtually all police officers) on yourself. Place the defensive device wherever you plan to keep it and have someone tap you on the shoulder and begin running away from you, while you get the device out and into your hand and deploy it (e.g. turn stun gun on and press button or unlock pepper spray, put thumb on plunger and point at a target). Yell “stop” when you’ve done that and note how far your friend has ran. Anyone inside of that distance would be able to attack you before you could actually deploy your device. Sobering! That’s why you need to have it in your hand before you actually need to use it.
Lastly, you must have practiced with your defensive device (they sell inert Practice OC Pepper products for that purpose). As with Brian in the video, he did not expect what happened when he first shot the pepper ball gun. The first time you use your defensive device should not be during an emergency when your life is at risk.
Those flares could be dangerous in a dry area. The Cedar file that destroyed almost 3000 buildings and homes was started by a lost hunter. He started a signal file, so a flare would have been better. But you need to be extremely careful with it.
Be sure to check local and state laws on non lethal self defense weapons before using them.
Another great video fellows, keep up the excellent work.
I personally like the idea of having more than one of these Self Defense items. The cane stands out as one good idea because it would be handy most of the time. Right beside my bed for sure and going on a walk this would be a natural thing to have handy. I could see it being dangerous but when your life is at stake you have to think of yourself first. Also the stun gun would make me feel safer just knowing I have another line of self defense. The sling shot for animals who are threatening but far enough away for you to prepare was another good idea for our own safety. I’d have to practice on that one before I felt really prepared. Lot of thought put into making this video which I believe is something that each of us need to be aware of our surroundings. Thank you both for sharing these different ways for us to use to our benefit and share this information with our family members and friends.
"It's very POKEY at the end." I lol'd...
Stun gun definitely for defense from aggressive attacking dogs. This from personal experience.
Bear spray in bear country. And in the car, directly accessible, for road rage knuckleheads if necessary.
Your brain is the best self defense, ALWAYS be aware of your situation.
Some basic self defense, hands on practice/training, will provide confidence.
Small capsaicin spray, always in your pocket.
Firearm only if you have proper training, and confidence. Usually not necessary if you just stay aware.
Great video Bob I carry a wood hand saw 15" It has a good solid hand, When swung with force can surely deter. Is easy to keep handy and is also useful.
Wrist straps are important too. Wouldn't want to drop it and lose your defense.
I make sure I have a spray can of “ Bee Blaster” which shots a 20’ stream.They work good on bees ,bears,animals and humans.
Try a Taurus g3c for an inexpensive and quite good concealed carry.
Excellent information! I will be looking into these items. Thank you!
I have a really good stun gun I keep at my bedside or carry if I go walking also pepper spray. That's what I have viper tech bought it when the pandemic hit its re chargeable
Very informative video. Thank you!!
Not sure if it's been discussed before but it's important to know your rights when it comes to being secure in your camper when law enforcement wants you to exit your camper residence or want to search your camper residence without a search warrant. Each state has it own laws when it comes to a temporary residence.
I can't stop in some states, unless I'm going to a competition, due to state laws about some things I have aboard.
However, I've always got my Omega stun baton handy.
Plus, my dog hates anyone who knocks on the bus.
Oh yeah..
And, ten years ago, I was a ranked fighter, so, that helps.
Hand to hand skills are key.
A weapon can be taken away.
Unless you are the weapon.
Also, I carry a stun gun by Street Wise, Ladies Choice 21,000,000. They have multiple different choices specifically for women.
Stun guns are for contact protection aren’t they?
I’ll keep a slingshot handy to scare off small critters.
Bear spray/gel will be my choice for large animals and people attacking.
A strong heavy wooden cane is in my arsenal already, as it is useful for walking & hiking on uneven ground, and will sure hurt someone who is hit with it!
BTW great info as always.
Bob, I've got a question for you. Let's say you've got a minivan, like a kangoo, Berlingo, sienna, Sedona etc. How quickly do you think you can nobuild convert your vehicle and drive off e.g. of you need to get out asap like an abusive situation
I have the pepper gel spray to reduce blow-back. It shoots a straght line about 20ft. And a taser in case the gel is not stopping the violence. And a neck knife with a break away chain so I can't be choked with it.
Pays to live in Australia, no one worries about self defence camping even leave all items outside fridges, chairs ect not much theft or threats in the bush. No one here feels threatened camping alone pretty well anywhere, but then we have strict firearm laws. The government banned automatic fire arms and pump action shot guns in the 90s after someone went stupid with an automatic weapon only gun available are single shot bolt action
The only item on the table legal or able to enter the country is the walking stick, everything else is classified as a concealed weapon even a kids sling shot will land you a massive fine or prison sentence
We travel full time even camp at wolf creek, nothing better than watching the movie at midnight while there 😂
Have to watch later. But thank you SO much. 💜❤️
This is a great video! And I like that you keep doing self defense videos. 👍🏼
I always carry the little red gel pepper spray gun.