Which is the strongest defense spray? Mace, tear gas, or pepper spray?

Question

Which is the strongest and/or most effective?
I just want to know, i don't want to but one.

Answer 1

Don't be mislead. Mace and Pepper Spray are two VERY DIFFERENT things!

The active ingredient in Mace is a synthetic chemical agent, generally chloroacetophenone (CN). CN causes intense burning in the eyes and a feeling of being unable to breathe. CN based Mace is illegal is most states so check your local laws carefully before you buy or carry it.

The active ingredient in pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), a natural agent derived from chili peppers. OC spray varies in concentration but all types I know of work very well (I have been sprayed with, or exposed to, several types in training and real life applications). When you research OC sprays you should consider what the "carrier" is - generally the OC carrier is water, alcohol or foam.

Water based OC spray is often a stream. You can spray this directly into a person's eyes. The stream requires you to aim well for maximum effect but it minimizes the possibility that you, or other innocent people, will be subject to incidental exposure.

Alcohol based OC spray is often is high pressure mist. It will be easier to target someone effectively with this type of spray but wind can cause it to blow back into your face or into nearby people. The agency I work for uses an alcohol based spray and it is VERY effective. This type of spray also often has a shorter range than stream type sprays.

Foam OC sprays a thick foam similar to shaving cream. It can be very disabling as it sticks to the skin, eyes, etc. and can be hard to clear away. However, a quick acting attacker can actually scrape the foam off and throw it back at you, effectively using it as a weapon against you.

I have been sprayed with both chemical Mace and OC spray. I say that OC spray is much more effective and safer.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Eye drops won't work. If you are in the field and use the pepper spray you will probably get some on you. You just have to fight through the pain. You will certainly not be able to call a time out during the arrest and use your eye drops. Don't worry, after you are exposed to pepper spray a few times you won't worry too much about it. By the way, in my 5 years of police experience I found pepper spray to be the most effective less lethal weapon. It works equally well against regular people and those intoxicated. Just so you know, the preferred treatment for pepper spray used by paramedics is saline solution.

Answer 3

Most Powerful Mace

Answer 4

I use pepper spray. It is quite easy to get and works. I think mace is stronger; however, hard to get. Tear gas is not a realistic option.

Answer 5

mace, pepper spray and tear gas are being weeded out. the new stuff for chemical self defence is OC.
and depending on the heat units, it is quite devistating to those subjects being hit with it.
most law enforcement agencies use whats called SABRE BLUE. it has approx 1.5 miloin heat units, and has no odor.
SABRE RED has in excess of 2.5 milloin heat units.....

Answer 6

I can attest that O.C. is very strong. About 4 months ago I qualified with it for my department. I was tagged by Sabre Red at 10% at 1.33. It felt like a bad sun burn after a few mins. However, in MA you have to be an LEO to purchase it.

Best wishes,
Mike

Answer 7

Red Pepper

Answer 8

mace and pepper spray are the same thing.Tear gas is obviously more powerful.

Answer 9

Put some vinegar in a spray bottle. That oughta get 'em.

Answer 10

a spray of hot lead