Finding the Best Self Defense Product for You
01/30/2008 - Home Management
There are a number of different options available when it comes to self defense products. The list includes personal alarms, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, guns, knives and many other, less conventional items. When selecting the option that is best for you, keep convenience, effectiveness, cost and ease of use in mind.
Convenience is key. If you can't carry your self defense product with you most of the time, is it really going to protect your safety? You want to pick something you feel as comfortable with as your own keys or wallet. Pepper spray and personal alarms fulfill the convenience requirements of most people. They are small enough to carry in a purse or pocket. Some models even attach to your keys. Firearms and knives are quite inconvenient for most people. Unless you like the look of a holster, odds are carrying a pistol around all day isn't your idea of handy and practical self defense.
A self defense product is useless if it's not effective. Guns are fairly effective, perhaps even too effective. You do not want to have to defend yourself against legal prosecution. You have the legal right to self defense, but justifying a shooting is no easy task, even if you are warding off an attack. Plus, you will live with the fact that you've shot another person for the rest of your life. Tasers and pepper spray get the job done without lifelong consequences.
Guns are also very expensive. Pepper spray and personal alarms are much more affordable. Tasers vary in price, but also quality. Make sure the taser you choose isn't the cheapest one available, since their effectiveness depends on their quality. The same holds true for personal alarms. If it isn't loud enough to shock people, chances are it won't attract enough attention. Quality is key.
If you have to dig around in your purse to find your self defense product, you won't be able to defend yourself from an attack. It has to be easy to use. Pepper spray and tasers only require a simple flick of a finger and they are easy to keep handy. Knives require close contact and often result in a struggle with your attacker. That is exactly what you want to avoid. You want to get away from your assailant as quickly as possible, keeping as much distance between yourself and potential harm as possible.
You may choose to carry more than one self defense product. A personal alarm and pepper spray can easily be used together. The pepper spray will thwart the attack and the personal alarm will call attention to the criminal while you make your escape.
The best self defense product for your lifestyle is a personal choice. When you find yourself in a threatening situation, you must feel comfortable using your self defense product to defend your safety. Regardless of which self defense product you choose to buy, it is important to know how to use it properly. If you are comfortable with your choice, it will give you confidence, independence and freedom from fear. Investing in your own safety is the best purchase you will ever make.
