• CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
• CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
• OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)

The first two, CS and CN, irritate the membrane tissues and cause stinging and tearing. They can take from 5 to 30 seconds before they are effective and may not work if someone is drunk, on drugs, psychotic, or can't feel pain. The time delay and the fact that they may or may not be effective, is enough to turn people away from the self defense sprays. However, the remaining compound, OC, does not have these limitations. OC, or Pepper Spray, is an inflammatory agent; not an irritant. When someone is sprayed with OC pepper spray, the person's eyes slam shut. Even if someone does manage to get their eyes open, they won't be able to see because OC dilates the capillaries and causes temporary blindness. Additionally, instant inflammation of the breathing tissues restricts all but life suport breathing. They double over coughing uncontrollably.

 BUT I HEAR ABOUT PEOPLE WHO AREN'T AFFECTED BY PEPPER SPRAY? What you have heard about are the man made chemical compounds commonly referred to as CS or CN. These are your tear gases. For example, military personnel are subjected to similar chemicals in the course of their training to simulate a chemical attack in a war time situation. After repeated exposure, a resistance is built up so the "gas chamber," as it is called, does not affect them as much. And it's true that some people are just not as affected as others are. Other law enforcement personnel, martial artists, and yes, even determined criminals can fight through the effects of CS or CN chemical sprays.  Chemical Compounds that make up defensive sprays:

• CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
• CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
• OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)

Pepper Spray, on the other hand, has the effect of putting a brick wall in between the assailant and the sprayer. When someone gets a full blast of OC pepper spray, they stop what they are doing. They stop what they are thinking. Even people previously mentioned that could withstand the effects of tear gas, are very personally affected by OC pepper spray. This includes people that are drunk, on drugs, or psychotic.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER IN BUYING A PEPPER SPRAY? Size and capacity: Sizes can range from a 1/2 ounce personal pepper spray up to 9 ounces for the bear pepper spray. Keychain sized defensive sprays or sizes easily carried on a belt or in a purse are ideal for most situations. Even the smallest units have enough in them to handle multiple attackers if done properly. The two main factors you want to look for are the range and the number of shots. A 6-8 foot range is plenty since that is where most personal assaults will take place. Most defensive sprays are also classified by number of one second bursts. A good 1-2 second burst will disable almost any assailant. Spray Pattern: There are two basic types of defensive spray patterns, stream and mist. Stream patterns give good range but require aiming directly at the face. Cone mists have shorter range but you don't have to aim as well. If there is a breeze, a stream is more controllable. Mists can be blown off target or even back to the sprayer. OC pepper spray works best when it hits the eyes and is inhaled. The mist is inhaled instantly while the stream might take longer for the person to breathe in the pepper spray. In all cases, it is critical to hit the attacker in the face!

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING DEFENSIVE PEPPER SPRAY? Aside from size and capacity, and spray pattern of pepper spray, the formulation can also be a consideration. Formulation: OC comes in concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, or even higher. Bear pepper spray is rated at 20%. Because of different marketing that has evolved around these defensive sprays, the percentage is not always a good indicator of effectiveness. TBO-TECH Self Defense Products only carries the highest quality pepper sprays, including Mace brand, that have been proven to be most effective. Other factors: Many pepper sprays come on keychains. This is a sound idea because since most people usually have their keys with them, they will also always have their pepper spray with them. But don't forget about the times you don't have your keys. The small investment in an extra pepper spray could actually save your life! The best pepper spray in the world or the most extensive training will amount to nothing if you don't do two things: Carry your pepper spray wherever you go and practice using it!

WHAT IS PEPPER FOAM? Pepper Foam is a revolutionary new defense pepper spray that combines 10% PEPPER and FOAM to produce a powerful deterrent against attack. The thick pepper foam covers an assailant's face, making it difficult to see. When the attacker attempts to wipe away the foam, the pepper is ground into the face and eyes. Mace Pepper Foam also includes UV DYE which the police can use to quickly and positively identify the attacker.

WHAT IS MACE PEPPER GEL? Mace Pepper Gel is a new (Patent Pending) formulation of OC pepper which is suspended in Gel instead of a liquid stream. This Gel formulation results in several advantages:

• longer distance
• stronger pepper
• sticks like glue
• less contaminating
• non-flammable

Ideal for auto, personal (walking, running, etc.), or home use. This new pepper gel formula is the newest and most ingenious product available in self defense sprays.

IS PEPPER SPRAY LEGAL? Pepper spray is LEGAL in all fifty states. However, some states and cities have specific regulations pertaining to the purchase, possession and use of defense sprays. Please check with your local law enforcement agency for any regulations your state may have.

New York: the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers or local pharmacies.

Massachusetts: the buyer is required to obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID); the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers.

Michigan: OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 2% concentrate. CS is the only Tear Gas accepted. Both must be no larger than 35 grams per can. No combination sprays allowed.

Wisconsin: Pepper spray only. No Tear Gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 10% concentrate. The can must be between 15-60 grams only. Must have safety feature. 

California: Canisters cannot be more than 2.5 ounces. WILL PEPPER SPRAY EXPIRE? Yes.  Most pepper spray expires in 3 to 4 years.  Although the spray life is indefinite, it does start to lose potency over time.  We strongly advise you to replace your pepper spray every year!  That way you are always assured of the potency of the spray.

 WHAT IS A STUN GUN? Stun Guns are electrical self-defense weapons that use high voltage to stop an attacker. Touching a person with the prongs of the stun gun quickly immobilizes the attacker. However, because stun guns have very low amperage, no serious or permanent injury is inflicted.

ARE STUN GUNS LEGAL?

STATES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:

HAWAII
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
RHODE ISLAND
WISCONSIN --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CITIES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:

ANNAPOLIS, MD
BALTIMORE, MD
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
CHICAGO, IL
DENSION / CRAWFORD COUNTY, IA (*According to Sheriff Tom Hogan*)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILADELPHIA