How Effective is Pepper Spray for Self Defense?

You may find yourself in circumstances that require you to fend off an assailant or attacker. You may require some form of product to protect yourself. The effectiveness and efficiency of any self-defense product are dependent on the ability of the user. Pepper spray is increasingly becoming the product of choice for self-defense.

Pepper spray has oleoresin capsicum which is the active ingredient that creates the stinging effect. This ingredient is made from chili peppers, which explains why the effects are dreaded. Oleoresin capsicum causes excruciating pain and a burning sensation when it comes into contact with the body particularly the mucous membranes, skin and the eyes. Further, it can cause involuntary coughing and the inability to breathe. In this way, any form of physical attack is stopped. The instant effect of the pepper spray on the attacker will normally last up to an hour. The attacker is will be disabled completely during the entire duration.

Pepper spray products come in different types that can be purchased to increase your protection and safety. The various types available are foam, gel, stream, and fogger. Equally, there are various brands in the market such as the pfefferspray Test.

The advantages and disadvantages vary from one type to the other and are entirely dependent on an individual’s own needs.

Pepper spray fogger

When spraying, the range may vary from 4 to 8 feet. Pepper spray fogger is good because of the spraying distance. However, they are ineffective under conditions that are windy because they are in the form of fine droplets. It may blowback in the direction you are spraying from.

Pepper Spray Gel

The gel is ideal when spraying in close quarters or indoor settings. Pepper spray gel can only cover 25 feet. Unlike pepper spray fogger which splatters back, pepper spray gel does not since the droplets are not very fine. Upon making contact with the attacker, it sticks to his body.

Pepper Spray Stream

The distance that pepper spray stream covers depend on the amount of the liquid and the canister size. On average it covers between 15 to 20 feet. It is effective because of the higher force it is sprayed. It is very good under windy conditions. It does not blowback in the direction. It is not very good when used in an indoor setting since there is a risk of you inhaling the streams.

Pepper Spray Foam

Pepper spray foam works like the pepper spray gel. The foam is very efficient in indoor use or close quarters. The foam normally coats the face of the attacker incapacitating them for some time. The pepper spray foam can cover a range of between 6 to 8 feet.

Pepper spray is the easiest product to use when it comes to self-defense. It is important to know the laws relating to the use of pepper sprays in the jurisdiction you are in. It may be outlawed. Study carefully the product you are buying/using and make enough practices so that you are comfortable with the pepper spray. Fending off attackers will be an easier job.