Pepper Spray EDC recomendations

[hunterb]

Hello CalGuns LEO's!

Well, I am getting old and can't scrap like I used to so am looking into some chemical help if I ever find myself in an unfortunate situation. (Last real fight was in the 11th grade about 25 years ago, but I like to be prepared)

I was hoping for personal experiences with specific Pepper Spray types and brands and what you guys prefer.
Please share your personal experiences carrying, and using Pepper Spray if applicable.

I am NOT an LEO but figured I'd post this here since Law enforrcement professionals probably have the most experience carrying and using chemical agents on angry/dangerous individuals.

Thanks for the advice! (And I'm in LA so can't get a CCW, so that's not an option).

[micro911]

OC spray is what LEOs and "regular" people use these days. There is a hybrid of OC and some other chemicals also. I don't remember exactly what the composition is.

On various chemicals that were sprayed on me, OC spray was the worst for me. However, it may not work on some people.

[teeemothy]

Hello CalGuns LEO's!

Well, I am getting old and can't scrap like I used to so am looking into some chemical help if I ever find myself in an unfortunate situation. (Last real fight was in the 11th grade about 25 years ago, but I like to be prepared)

I was hoping for personal experiences with specific Pepper Spray types and brands and what you guys prefer.
Please share your personal experiences carrying, and using Pepper Spray if applicable.

I am NOT an LEO but figured I'd post this here since Law enforrcement professionals probably have the most experience carrying and using chemical agents on angry/dangerous individuals.

Thanks for the advice! (And I'm in LA so can't get a CCW, so that's not an option).

http://www.safariland.com/less-lethal/oc-aerosols/

Our Sheriff's Office issues Def-Tec by Safariland, never sprayed anyone with it but when I was sprayed for training it was some really tough pain to fight through; tough to open your eyes and a bad burning sensation. FoxOC is really popular brand also.

Remember to train getting to your spray or else it does no good.

[jef2110]

Lots of scary transgenders with HIV in Hollywood.....id just move to a better town before i had to worry about pepper spraying one while waiting for the bus. But that's just me

[BoulderTroll]

I've lost count of the number of OC spray cans I've gone through on duty over the years. Both used on humans and dogs. Also a number of taser deployments and a few batonings/ flashlightings. I'd carry a taser (civilian model if limited to that) over OC any day of the week and twice on Sundays. OC is more useful on dogs (especially with multiple aggressive dogs), but taser is far more effective on people. The taser frequently fails due to poor probe placement, broken wires, thick clothing, etc. But even with these limitations it has been more effective for me than OC, which does very little to a truly combative subject IMHO. Not to mention I've never OC'd someone without getting a healthy dose myself. The taser, with good probe spread, is a game changer in a fight in a way that OC never has been for me. I've had OC take the steam out of aggressive folks, but it sure isn't instant and it sure isn't in those people who really want to fight.

Use of force is nothing to brag about, but just so you understand that I'm not talking out of my *****, I'd estimate I'm north of 30 total deployments (only counting humans) when you combine taser, baton, and OC, so I'm speaking from a healthy amount of experience.

[Rogue187]

You are limited to size limitations here in CA.
The penal code only allows a certain size to be carried by civilians.
Before you begin your search so some research as to the type of spray you want.
It depends upon where you live. There are different types of sprays.
Fogs, Streams, Splatter Streams, Cones, Gels, Foams.
Then there are the different formulas..Different Strengths.

I taught as my agency instructor for 8 years and as an Academy Instructor. So contact me via PM and I will help you as best as I can.

[CaliTheKid]

Fox Labs
Sabre Red
Freeze +P

All three are top shelf products. I have use Sabre and Freeze with Freeze being the nastiest of the bunch due to its dual chem agent CS and OC formula although I think some of the Saber products now have the dual agent formula.

Mixed bag with personal experience with its use. it has worked as advertised shutting the suspect down and at other times had no effect in stopping the fight (but did manage to cross contaminate all of us). Use with this in mind.

[RogueSniper]

Then, there's spray, gel, and foam. What do LEOs prefer?

[CBR_rider]

I don't like OC because it doesn't always work on the intended target (yes, I know, nothing is truly 100%) but it sure seems to work pretty doggone good on me. That being said, some of the gel/foam products are nice because they have less of a chance of cross contamination and may not be affected by slight wind as much as a spray. Spray products might have a tad farther reach and the fact that they spread more easily might be a benefit when dealing with multiple opponents (including the four legged kind).

[hunterb]

Thank you so much for this invaluable information!
I have never considered a taser but will now do some research on the topic.

The first-hand accounts of how it works is beyond valuable to non-LEO's like myself, who probably never will have to deploy these (knock on wood).

The cross-contamination issue is an interesting problem I didn't think of, will have to take another look at gels / foams.

Has anyone had any experience with the Kimber pepper blaster?

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pepper-blaster

Anyways, thank you very much, already ordered a can of Freeze +P for the fiance.

[CaliTheKid]

Go with stream. Get an inert trainer or two to practice with. Have a few friends the have the kimber pepper blaster. Looks like a good product but I have no personal experience with it. Maybe YouTube some gear reviewers.

[fighter4cage]

The Kimber pepper blaster is awsome, Problem is I think it is not allowed in the screwed up State we live in (California)

[CBR_rider]

The thing to think about in regards to cross contamination (in my opinion) is how are you likely to use your pepper spray? As a LEO; after I use the stuff I am going to have to go hands on with bad guy (unless I have a rookie nearby and can make him/her do all the cuffing haha) . If I use pepper spray off duty/as some regular Joe; I am not really gonna worry about going hands on. As long as the stuff works and stops the attack; I'm gonna leave well enough alone and beat feet while calling law enforcement (or just continue my walk in the case of a successful use on an animal out in the cuts or something). Be warned that I have sprayed a few enraged pit bulls (not many, but probably two or three) who literally did nothing but drink the spray.

The Kimber Pepper Blaster seems like it might be a cool tool but as already noted it appears to fall under the "prohibited" category. Tasers are good tools as well but again; not always effective. Especially if you live somewhere pretty darn cold where almost everyone is gonna be bundled up tight in bulky clothing.