Batons for Self Defense With Reviews of Each Type

Chances are that you already have some items that you can use for self defense. Ideally these should be compact such as a knife and some mace. Perhaps even a small pistol. All items that can fit into your bug out bag. One other item you should consider is a baton. While batons are non-lethal they can prove very effective in deterring unwelcome attention.

At first glance a baton may not seem to be the best choice, but think again and you will realize there is a reason why batons, or truncheons as they are sometimes known, form part of the equipment of police officers throughout the world. You might think that a knife would provide greater protection, but experience shows that people who carry knives are more likely to be stabbed themselves. For this reason at least a sturdy baton is something to have handy in a survival situation.

There are two main types of batons. The first type can be folded and is generally referred to as collapsible or expandable whereas the other is a fixed length of wood or metal. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types. Because they can be folded the collapsible batons are easier to carry. They can be attached to your belt or slipped into a large pocket. The opposite is true for the non collapsible batons. Because of their fixed length they are more awkward to carry or conceal. However they do have the advantage of being stronger and more durable.

Here is my list of the top five batons available at the present time:

Hardcore Hammers Hickory Stick

As its name implies the Hardcore Hammers Hickory Stick is a 17 inch long stick made of Grade A American Hickory. The grooves at one end provide easy grip and a lanyard for your wrist gives extra security. It is also known as the Hickory Stick Tire Whacker from its traditional use for doing quick tire pressure checks on trucks and big rigs.

Of the 60 five star reviewers on Amazon one described it as “very swingable and good for cracking skulls in a self-defense situation”. At just $17 this is the cheapest of the five batons, but definitely worth considering.

ASP 16″ Federal Expandable Friction Lock Batons

The ASP Friction Lock Baton is described as the most tactically sophisticated impact weapon currently available. Measuring just six and a half inches when closed this baton extends to sixteen inches with a simple flick of the wrist. These batons are extremely effective defensive tools used to block, restrain & subdue an attacker which is why they are used by many police forces.

The ASP Baton is superior to all others in quality, durability and performance. With this high specification comes a hefty price tag of up to $160.

Streetwise Barbarian LED Stun Gun Batons

This Stun Gun Baton has extra features which takes it to the next level. The baton includes a bright LED light which can be used to confuse an attacker together with a built-in stun gun. One of the 82 reviewers commented ”This is certainly an intimidating weapon. Exceeded my expectations. Heavy and solid and noise and visual from stun gun would deter any attacker”. With a price tag of around $45 this baton might be the right one for you.

Smith & Wesson Collapsible Batons

This well known brand of firearm manufacturers also include several collapsible batons in their range. Made from carbon steel and aluminum tubing they are immensely strong. There are several models ranging from 16 to 26 inches in length. Prices start at $37 making this an affordable choice for a quality product.

Cold Steel Axe Head Cane

This is a baton with a difference. What looks like a harmless walking stick can prove very useful in a self-defense situation. Unlike a conventional wooden cane the Axe Head Cane is made from high-impact polypropylene and so will withstand the harshest weather without fear of cracking or rotting. Weighing under two pounds this is a lightweight option. The official Cold Steel brand is priced at $40.

Wrap Up

Being a non-lethal form of protection one of these batons should be included in your survival kit. If every police force issues batons to their officers surely it makes sense for you to follow suit.