Pepper spray is a great defense tool, but it’s not necessarily your best option when you have time to Prepare To Act, or if you know someone’s coming to hurt you. 

As with anything else, pepper spray is just one "tool" in your self-defense kit. It is not a magic button that will miraculously save your life or defeat the enemy, but it is a tremendous tool to give you an advantage when you are forced into self-defense mode.

PEPPER SPRAY - THE PROS

Pepper spray is small, lightweight, easily concealable, and accessible. It is easy to carry it on your person or in a purse or small bag.

Pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon that does not have lasting effects. However, it is strong enough to stop a fight and put an end to the danger without having to engage in hand-to-hand combat. 

Pepper spray is super easy to deploy. Just aim and fire. 

Pepper spray is readily available and easily transportable. It is legal to carry and possess it everywhere and by everyone.

Pepper spray is not effective on everyone. In fact, in my law enforcement career, I have had to fight against many that were completely unphased by pepper spray when it was deployed. The lack of reaction may be the result of a mental illness or altered states of mind brought on by narcotic use. Many can simply fight through the effects of pepper spray, and law enforcement officers are specifically trained to fight through its effects. 

In stressful and violent situations, pepper spray can be difficult to deploy. The target area is small (you are primarily aiming for the eyes), and the perpetrator may be wearing glasses or a mask that will interfere with or negate the pepper spray's effects.

Pepper spray carries a significant risk of contamination. When people who are not trained deploy the canister under duress, they frequently empty it. They rarely employ it in the manner of a small, controlled, targeted burst. This means that the effects are felt by everyone in the area. It may even render the deployer unconscious.

Pepper spray use carries legal ramifications. You may be questioned about your actions. Many people's "logic trains" stop short of reaching this point. They simply believe that if they are attacked or threatened, they will spray the attacker or threat with pepper spray, and everything will be fine.

ARE PEPPER BALL GUNS REALLY THAT EFFECTIVE?

With the Pepper Ball system, you have more room to maneuver and time to make a life-or-death call, since it has been tested to be effective from as far away as 150 feet. You can complete your mission safely even if you can't see your target since you have access to strong, accurate launchers and varied, highly efficient missiles.