Self-defense can be a scary thing for people to think about.

You are probably thinking, I don’t know Karate or Ju-jitsu, how am I going to protect myself?

Pepper spray can help individuals face threatening situations every day. Often these encounters can be avoided or stopped before they escalate if the individual had some basic training and a self-defense device like pepper spray or a taser.

It is legal to purchase and carry in most states and countries

Pepper spray is permitted for use in all 50 states with restrictions for some. We have compiled a list of all 50 states with their basic restrictions. Please use this guide for information purposes only. Some of the information you read may have changed recently so check with your local law enforcement officials for the most recent laws and restrictions.

Easy to conceal and carry

The (usually) small size of pepper spray devices allows individuals to easily conceal and carry for self-defense. Some of these devices feature a belt clip, hip holster, key ring or other fast action deployment device. Keep in mind you want to be able to deploy your pepper spray in a split second when facing a threat. If you currently own pepper spray and are looking for a holster or quick release, check out our holsters and quick release section.

Highly effective, even against multiple targets

When you encounter a situation where there are multiple attackers, you can rely on pepper spray to deliver multiple bursts for numerous targets. Some spray patterns such as the cone and fog types are very effective in hitting multiple targets simultaneously as they deploy a wide pattern.

Effects are temporary no permanent damage

This is a major advantage when it comes to warding off animals or individuals that you do not necessarily want to hurt but just temporarily disable. The effects last up to an hour and usually start to taper off after about 30 minutes. We have a nice infographic to walk you through the decontamination process if you ever need to clean yourself up or offer assistance to someone who has been sprayed.

CAUTION NOTE: IN SOME CASES ALLERGIES, ASTHMA, OR OTHER SERIOUS MEDICAL ISSUES MAY ADVERSELY INTERACT WITH THE CHEMICAL AGENTS IN PEPPER SPRAY. ALWAYS USE YOUR BEST DISCRETION WHEN USING THESE PRODUCTS.

Affordable

Compared to Tasers, stun guns, knives, and other self-defense products, pepper spray ranks pretty low on the totem pole in terms of price. Averaging about $10 for a personal unit and $20-$30 for home and business type protection, giving you the most bang for your buck.

Final Thoughts

If you are not into carrying or using pepper spray there are other self-defense devices you can use to protect yourself.

A few other options include

• Tasers and Stun Guns
• Kubotans
• Pressure Point Keychains

Always make sure you are comfortable using any self-defense weapon or device if you are going to depend on it in a real-world situation. Make sure you know the product in and out and have plenty of practice so when you need it most you are prepared and can keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way.