As women, we’re constantly aware of potential dangers in our everyday lives. The unprovoked violent attacks on women just keep increasing. Just scrolling through social media, you’ll see videos of unprovoked attacks on women.
Just yesterday, when I was scrolling through TikTok my feed was filled with not one, not two but 6 different videos of women documenting unprovoked attacks on the streets of NYC. while simply walking down the street!
Why I Started Carrying A Baton
It’s a sobering reality that resonates far too deeply. As a woman, I have personally experienced this fear last year during an assault incident on a woman, to which I tried to intervene. While I’m grateful other bystanders helped before things escalated, the incident did leave me shaken and determined to never feel that helpless again.
This became the reason why I started carrying the self defense expandable baton. Although I was already researching my options for self-defense tools, this incident really catalyzed the process for me, and researching for an effective self-defense tool I landed on expandable batons.
You may ask why a collapsible baton. The reasons are pretty straightforward
- A self-defense baton assists in protecting oneself by applying non-lethal force, which can prevent the legal complications associated with using a lethal weapon against an aggressor.
- Its compact size and portability make it easy to carry in a handbag or attach to a keychain, ensuring I can have it with me at all times.
- The primary consideration was finding a tool capable of delivering significant force when needed, which the expandable baton excels at.
- It allows you to maintain a safe distance from an aggressor, reducing the risk of physical contact.
- Despite its compact size when retracted, an expandable baton can deliver a substantial impact force of more than 3 pounds, depending on the material and dimensions of the baton and how you swing it.
Since I have gotten one for myself, honestly, I feel more confident, empowered, and less scared of walking on the street alone. These retractable batons are seriously amazing, you can block an attacker’s strikes, keep a safe distance between you and the threat, and if you really need to, you can even temporarily immobilize them.
However, self-defense experts like Master Sergeant Raul Martinez, emphasize the importance of training and practice when using any self-defense tool.
She says while tools like expandable batons can provide a sense of security, they are most effective when the user is trained to use them properly. Which is true! This expanding baton self defense stick is very small and compact but they are heavy, requiring force to swing.
The impact of the hit will depend on your weight in proportion to your body weight, your stance, how hard you swing it, the material, and the weight of the baton. You will have to look for options that are made of steel rather than other lightweight materials to deliver a blow that will actually help you.
For me, I keep my baton in an easy-to-reach side pocket of my purse so I can grab it quickly if needed. When using it, I stand with my feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent for stability. I grip the baton tightly with both hands at chest level. The key is to aim for areas like the arms or legs – places where you can stop an attacker’s advances without causing really serious injuries. You want to protect yourself, not put someone in the hospital if you can avoid it.
To avoid getting yourself into a legal mess, you may need proper training before using a baton. Here’s a short guide on how to properly use a baton. This will walk you through different strike techniques using the expandable baton, including proper grip and carrying methods, as well as identifying the safest target areas for self-defense strikes while highlighting areas to avoid due to the potential for severe injury.
To be honest, I hope I never have to use my baton for why I carry it. But simply having it as part of my personal safety plan gives me reassurance and peace of mind. Its small size fits discreetly in my purse or can be attached to my keychain, always accessible when I’m out and about.
For all my fellow women seeking affordable, effective ways to boost their sense of security, I can’t recommend the collapsible baton enough. It’s a very powerful option to consider, while we are at it I want to share a list of my top 5 expandable batons for women that I personally use or recommend. The price range for these options is $100-$400.
| Product | Material | Key Features | Size and Weight | Ease of Use | Conceal-ability | Pros | Cons |
| ASP Talon Airweight | 4140 steel, 7075 grade aluminum | Disc Loc, Foam or Duratec grip, Cerakote finish | 16”, 21”, and 26”, ~ .5 -1.3 lbs. | Easy Deployment | Good | Lightweight, easy to carry | Higher cost may require training for effective use |
| Monadnock SX Expandable Straight Baton | Aluminum polycarbonate | AutoLock mechanism, black chrome finish | 14”, ~1-1.5 lb | Easy deployment | Good | Premium build, secure locking, comfortable grip | Price may higher |
| Peacekeeper RCB Expandable Baton | Steel, rubber grip | Ergonomic grip, black chrome finish | 21-26 inches, ~1.3 lbs | Easy to deploy, moderate to close | Moderate | Durable, comfortable grip | May require practice to close |
| Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Baton | 4130 Alloy Steel | Rubberized grip, reliable locking mechanism | 21”, ~1 lb | Easy deployment | Moderate | Sturdy construction, comfortable grip, reliable lock | Heavier than some options |
| Smith & Wesson Compact Baton | Compact design, easy to carry | Compact design, easy to carry | 12-16 inches, ~0.9 lbs | Easy to deploy, moderate to close | Good | Highly concealable, lightweight | Shorter reach, may require more skill to use effectively |
At the end of the day, prioritizing your personal safety is an act of self-care. Feeling empowered and prepared can go a long way in reducing anxiety about potential threats. I’m not fear-mongering here, just suggesting women be proactive about tools and skills that could prove invaluable during a worst-case scenario situation.
But keep in mind since a baton can cause serious injuries, you may not be able to carry it by law in some states.
Baton VS. Pepper Spray
When it comes to personal safety, having the right self-defense tool can make all the difference. Two popular self defense items for women are pepper spray and expandable batons. As a woman, I’ve found that while both have their merits, there’s a certain appeal to carrying a collapsible baton that pepper spray just can’t match.
Pepper spray is often touted for its convenience and ease of use. It’s small, easily fits in a purse or pocket, and can be quickly deployed at a moment’s notice. However, it has its drawbacks. For one, it’s a chemical agent, which means it can be affected by wind and weather conditions.
There’s also the risk of accidental self-contamination, especially in high-stress situations. Additionally, some attackers may be able to fight through the effects of the spray, especially if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
On the other hand, an expandable baton offers a physical means of self-defense that doesn’t rely on chemicals or environmental conditions. When collapsed, it’s compact and unobtrusive, but when extended, it provides a significant reach advantage. This allows you to keep a safe distance from an attacker while still being able to defend yourself effectively. The mere presence of a baton can also be a strong deterrent, as it signals that you’re prepared to defend yourself.
Moreover, an expandable baton provides a sense of empowerment. There’s a certain confidence that comes with carrying a physical tool that you can use to protect yourself. It’s a reminder that you have the ability to take control of a situation and defend your personal safety.
For women, this can be particularly impactful, as it challenges the narrative of vulnerability and provides a means of taking charge of one’s own security.