Do you travel through rough neighborhoods? Are you looking for a way to defend yourself without having to use a gun? Are you looking for non-lethal ways to defend yourself against potential attackers? If you answered yes to any of these questions it’s time to start learning more about the best non-lethal self defense weapons. Keep on reading to find out what we consider to be the best everyday carry non-lethal weapons for self-defense.
Non-Lethal Weapons for Self-defense
No matter how much you might not want to admit it the world we live in is not always safe. Seems like most days when you turn on the news you hear about some kind of attack. Nobody wants to be the victim of an attack, but the reality is it can happen to anyone. Having a contingency plan in place is one of the best ways to ensure you are ready if you are ever attacked. We are not saying you will be attacked, but it is always better to be safe than sorry if a tense situation comes up.
When it comes to self-defense guns are one of the first things that come to mind. Yes, guns are a legitimate option for self-defense, but they are not always the best choice. Sometimes the situation at hand doesn’t warrant a gun being used for self-defense, other times your gun simply isn’t going to be available when you need it.
How do you defend yourself or your home if you can’t or won’t use a gun? Obviously we like the idea of a powerful LED flashlight that can temporarily blind people. Check this guide to find a high lumen flashlight.
Non-lethal self-defense weapons are a great choice. Here is a look at what we consider the best non-lethal weapons that you can use, some you will see as a proper self-defense weapon and some will do the job.
Just remember that it is always better to get away than to fight and you should try and be places where there is the extra layer of security with security cameras.
#1 – Pepper Sprays:
Pepper spray is great but we really like this upgraded option better that has a different formula and is more of a gel instead of typical spray so it sticks. You do not want this pepper spray gun with gel pointed at you. It is called Reflex Protect.
If you are looking for something that is strong enough to stop any potential attacker pepper spray is a great choice. Oleoresin capsicum is the active ingredient in pepper spray that causes inflammation of the eyes and facial skin. It also causes capillary dilation. These reactions make it difficult for potential attackers to breathe, can cause temporary blindness, causes a burning sensation along with pain. These effects can last from 20 minutes up to an hour. Pepper spray is very difficult to wash off. Pepper spray is available in spray canisters or ammunition rounds for pepper spray guns.
#2 – Bean Bag Gun:
A bean bag gun, such as the Arma-100 seen here, is a great non-lethal self-defense weapon that will stop a person in their tracks. The bean bag gun uses a pressurized nitrogen cylinder to launch bean bags at 135 feet per second. Getting hit with a bean bag at that rate of speed is enough to knock the wind out of you. Bean bags are simple to use, just point and shoot.
An interesting self-defense device but probably not practical for most. Would be fun to play with and would do the job if you carried it with you.
#3 – Kubotan:
Also known as a pocket stick, the kubotan can be used attached to a keychain for a self-defense weapon. The kubotan is small enough to be held in the palm of your hand. Its small size often makes them difficult to register as a weapon by potential attackers. If used properly this head-treated steel baton can cause lots of damage.
Concealing the weapon in the palm of your hand gives you the advantage in up close attacks or crowded areas. Most people don’t know how to use a kubotan, so the chance of it being used against you if you lost control of the weapon is minimal.
The kubotan similar to the tactical pen, knives, etc. are short range weapons so you really need to know what you are doing.
#4 – Tactical Pen:
Another palm-sized weapon is the tactical pen. Tactical pens are actual writing tools that double as a small self-defense weapon. As a palm-sized weapon the tactical pen only works for close encounters with training.. Knowing how to use the tactical pen is necessary.
Ape Survival is giving away a pretty nice tactical pen that also has a writing pen and a small flashlight in it. The image below shows what is in it, you just need to pay shipping and handling.
#5 – Tactical Flashlight:
A tactical flashlight works as a self-defense weapon in a few different ways. Many tactical lights come equipped with a striking bezel. Some tactical lights offer a toothed bezel, while others are a standard design.
In either case, a striking bezel is designed to handle sudden, hard impacts. These bezels make a great striking tool if you are ever attacked. Tactical lights emit upwards of 1000 lumens allowing you to potentially blind an attacker. Just make sure you have a charged battery.
Strobe mode can also be used to disorient potential attackers while you make a quick getaway. If a tactical light sounds good check out our guide on the best tac lights. A bright LED flashlight is an easy thing to carry that will help with lots of tasks anyway.
#6 – Mace:
A great non-lethal weapon, but it does have some limitations. Mace is a type of tear gas that has been in use since the 1960s. Unlike pepper spray, Mace does not have any inflammatory properties. When a person comes into contact with Mace their eyes begin to water and immediately shut. Mouth, nose, and throat will start to burn and they will begin to cough and choke as they breathe.
Mace is not effective on people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Extremely violent people can also be immune to the incapacitating powers of Mace. But, this is a good option as a mid range weapon, in a 10-foot range.
#7 – Stun Devices:
The most common stunning device is the stun gun with the stun baton coming in a close second. The great thing about stun devices is they come in a variety of shapes and sizes allowing you to choose something that works perfectly for you. Stun devices are non-lethal self-defense weapons as they release the electric charge into a small area of your body. A typically stunning device releases a pulsed electrical current strong enough to incapacitate a potential attacker. When powered on the device makes a loud and intimidating crackling noise.
- Stun Gun: Handheld device that is around the same size as a flashlight. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and easily fist inside a purse or a pocket. The stun gun uses two electrodes to release 20,000 to 150,000 volts of electricity to drop an assailant to the ground.
- Cell Phone Stunner: Similar to the stun gun, but looks just like a cell phone. The device can be carried on a belt or inside a purse or pocket. The cell phone stunners can deliver up to 4.5 million volts and is rechargeable.
- Lipstick Flashlight Stunners: Works as both a flashlight and a stunner. These stunners are easily concealed as they are disguised to look like a tube of lipstick. When charged the rechargeable battery allows the device to deliver 3 million volts.
- Stun Baton: Designed to be carried on your belt the stun baton is harder to conceal. The stick of the baton reaches up to 18 inches in length. The baton can deliver 800,000 volts. Some styles only electrify the tip of the baton. Other models electrify the entire stick preventing assailants from grabbing hold.
#8 – Taser:
These are not to be confused with a stun gun. Although they make look similar a taser releases a current with the purpose of disrupting the signals that go from the brain to the muscles to incapacitate an attacker. Tasers fire two barbed electrodes attached to long wires. The barbed electrodes penetrate the skin to deliver the current. Tasers can be used up close or from a minimal distance, but you only get one shot so make it count. This is one of those self-defense tools that are single purpose, these are better for a law enforcement officer.
#9 – Tactical Knife:
Tactical knives are probably one of the best self-defense weapons you can carry. Designed for close encounters tactical knives do have the potential to be deadly, but they can also be used to simply ward off any attackers.
When choosing a knife for self-defense look for something that is lightweight. You need a blade that is at least three inches long, anything shorter won’t work for defending yourself. You don’t want anything cheaply made, look for something durable, something made with at least a 3mm thick stainless steel blade.
Also remember that if you have a knife and you do not know how to use it as a personal defense weapon you might be giving the attacker a weapon to use on you.
#10 – Self-defense Keychain (Personal Alarm):
Self-defense doesn’t mean you have to be the one defending yourself. In some cases, you can alert others that you need help as you are in trouble. Self-defense keychains are small personal alarms that can alert those around you that you are in need of help.
Personal alarms, such as the Vigilant, emit 130 decibels to alert those nearby that you are in need of help. Alarms might not sound all that great as you are relying on others for help, but perhaps the noise will be loud enough to cause any potential attackers to think twice. Self-defense keychains should be carried in addition to another non-lethal self-defense weapon.
#11 – Cellphone App:
Most people fail to realize that cell phones can be used as a non-lethal self-defense weapon with the addition of an app, such as PANIK. There are many other apps available to download, but this is one of the best. The app acts as a personal alarm and is intended to draw as much attention to yourself as possible. The alarm is a loud siren that goes off in conjunction with a torchlight. The app causes your screen to flash multi-colored lights all in the attempt to grab people’s attention.
A password can be added to prevent attackers from shutting off the app. The app can also be integrated with your social media accounts to send out a distress message upon activation. As with a self-defense keychain, cellphone apps should be used as a secondary self-defense weapon rather than a primary, an extra layer of protection.
#12 – Rubber Bullets:
If you own firearms but are looking for a non-lethal option, rubber bullets might be the way to go. Designed to be fired from handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc. you must undergo the same process of obtaining permits and licenses as normal firearms. Rubber bullets hurt a lot and are not designed to kill, but they can be deadly when fired at close range.
#13 – Slingshot:
Many people think of these as a “toy,” when used properly they are an excellent non-lethal self-defense weapon. Made from lightweight aluminum with a leather pouch, slingshots can shot stainless steel ball bearings up to 120 yards away. If you plan to use a slingshot for self-defense around the home ensure you opt for a high-velocity one. This is an easy to carry long range weapon if you know how to use it.
#14 – Mini-Crossbow:
A mini-crossbow or a pistol crossbow is an excellent non-lethal self-defense weapon, but like other weapons, it has the potential to be deadly if not used properly. These mini-crossbows can have as much as a 50-pound draw weight and can shoot arrows up to 120 feet away. Wow, that is excellent range.
#15 – Martial Arts Weapons:
Martial arts weapons include things like throwing stars, nunchucks, caltrops, and many others. These are not weapons you can simply pick up and use. To use them properly for self-defense you will need to train with them. When used properly and with the necessary skills they can be used to deter potential attackers without lethal force.
#16 – Dogs:
Not your traditional non-deadly weapon, but dogs have the ability to protect you and your loved ones, as well as your home. Simply having a larger breed dog is enough to deter most home invaders as the barking draws unwanted attention. The uncertainty of an attack also helps. Dogs don’t just provide protection, they provide loyal companionship. Dogs require a lot of responsibility, so don’t make the decision lightly.
#17 – Home Alarm System:
Alarm systems protect your home all day, every day, regardless of if you are there are not. Look for a system that allows you to monitor your entire home and its surroundings. Door and window sensors are a must, as well as video recording. Systems should have a minimum 140-decibel alarm with the ability to call in a report to the appropriate emergency department.
Non-Lethal Weapons Final Thoughts
When choosing the best non-lethal self-defense weapons you need to bear in mind what the goal of self-defense really is. Self-defense is not about winning a fight, it is a matter of surviving an attack. Our goal here was to show you the best non-lethal self-defense weapons we could find. Each of these non-lethal weapons is designed for self-defense; some non-lethal weapons will better than others depending on the situation. Regardless of what non-lethal weapon you choose to use to defend yourself, you need to know how to use it; sit down and practice with it until you know how to use it. Thank you for visiting our site. Please take a look at our flashlight reviews or our flashlight buyers guides for all your flashlight needs.