TYPES OF PEPPER SPRAYS

 

It goes without question that the best one can do for a hostile situation is avoid it together. However, preparedness should involve the proper choice of defence tools and, more importantly, knowledge of their applications. It cannot worsen when you find yourself in a hostile situation and turn to grab your pepper spray, clueless about using it. Additionally, a proper choice of spray goes a long way in deciding the success of countermeasures. Because not all situations are the same, and what is apt for an individual attacker might not be sufficient for a group. Below are the types of pepper spray categorised depending on different situations:

 

1. Stream pepper spray:

Stream sprayers could be thought of as water pistol that delivers more liquid pepper spray to the attacker. But they also get used up faster. Streams have a longer range than a usually forced cone pepper spray. So someone getting hit in the face with a stream of pepper spray is taking a pretty big hit. Another added advantage to stream spray is the low risk of blowback, which is what might usually happen if you shoot a mist of pepper spray into the breeze, and it reverts and hits the user too.

PROS

• Delivers more liquid pepper
• Higher impact
• No blowback

CONS

• Used up faster
• Ineffective if aimed poorly

 

 

 

2. Forced Cone Pepper Spray:

Of the smaller 1/2 oz. Personal size pepper sprays, most are forced cone sprays. The spray pattern covers a width of about two feet and spreads radially because of having a circular shape, viz about the size of a human head. The forced cone spray ranges approximately 6-12 feet. The spray is more of a fine mist than a broken stream but is delivered as a forceful stream. Subsequently, eyes will shut tight and fast. Even If the slightest amount of spray is inhaled, it will instantly cause choking and uncontrollable coughing.

PROS

• The latest generation of dispensing actuators
• Covers full-face penetrates skin pores and mucous membranes
• Effective over 6 – 12 feet         

 

CONS

• Blowback

 

3. Foggers Pepper Spray:

 A fogger type of spray disperses wider and constitutes finer droplets. It is most effective in a larger area with quick discharge. Although aim can be less critical, it is ideal for dealing with multiple attackers, animals, crowd control, and making a hallway uninhabitable in no time. The force with which the spray is dispersed is appreciable. The attacker will certainly receive the majority of the spray, even in windy situations.

 

PROS

• Wide dispersion
• Crowd control
• Animal control
• Multiple attackers

CONS

• Bulky
• Less critical

 

 

4. Foams Pepper Spray :

Foam pepper spray constitutes a thick, heavy foam with numerous effective ingredients. The wind has minimal to no effect on it. Foam pepper spray accumulates rather than running off and is, in fact, practically impossible to wipe off without assistance. The effects are instantaneously debilitating and worsen as the target tries to wipe it off, inadvertently rubbing it further deeper into the skin’s layer.

 

PROS

• Unaffected by wind
• Doesn’t run off
• Worsens, when attempted to wipe it off

CONS

• Shorter Range

Conclusion: Make your selection wisely and purchase the best suitable type of pepper spray as per your requirement.

Stay safe!