Regular batons differ from expandable ones in one slight detail - unlike expandable batons, they cannot be expanded or retracted. Modern expandable batons are made from extra durable materials and come in various sizes like 16“ (40.6 cm), 21“ (53.3 cm) or 26“ (66 cm), today they set the standard in self-defence for both professionals (military, law enforcement, etc.) as well as civilians (private security in stores are for example considered regular civilians by the law).
Expandable batons are compact yet lethal tools for self-defence. They can be worn inside a boot, stashed in the car or in a belt holster. After that, you can just swing it open with one hand, and the other party wielding, for example, a knife, will immediately be clear that you are not a douchebag who will actively and willingly allow himself to be robbed of his hard-earned finances.
You can of course use an expandable baton without going through any training, but we definitely recommend that you get some form of professional training and know very well how to use it. Only then you will realize what an incredible spectrum of defensive and offensive techniques you can do with it in real life and what points on the body are best to attack so that the other party will back away.
Today, most of the world's modern police units use expandable batons as a standard, because they are lighter, can be used for a wider range of techniques and have a greater range than a regular baton. Expandable batons for the law enforcement normally come with a holster, which may not be the case for a civilian user, and that is why you should always purchase one together with your baton. Every expandable baton also has a non-slip handle which is easy to grip even when your hand is wet or sweaty.
A hardened baton or not?
If you bang your opponent over the head with a non-hardened baton, it will easily bend after the first use, and thus it will lose its strength and secondly, it will no longer be able to be expanded or retracted. This said, you should avoid all unbranded non-hardened horrors and limit yourself solely and exclusively to only the hardened ones - because with them you don't have to worry about even the most demanding techniques (easily many times over). You can also be sure of its more reliable safety (it fixes it in place when expanded until you close it yourself with the other hand, against your thigh, etc.).
So, today, expandable batons are made from both hardened and non-hardened steels, but you should always go for the first option: hardened!
Expandable baton is one of the best choices for non-lethal self-defence (we recommend to always combine it with your trusty pepper spray by the way!). However, where it really excels is its range - it has an advantage against practically all other contact weapons (especially noticeable against knife, which has been by far the most popular weapon among attackers since time immemorial), so it is much easier to hit a stranger's armed hand with it.
How to choose the right size of expandable baton?
When it comes to 16” batons, they are 7” in length when closed (17.8 cm) and weigh in at approx. 430 g. The 21” model measures 8.5” (21.6 cm) when retracted and weighs in at 540 g, the biggest 26” model measures 10” (25.4 cm) when retracted and weighs about 630 grams. So, you can definitely make your choice based on the weight and retracted length, or for example whether it will fit under your summer clothes / into a fanny bag.
The optimum length of an expandable baton is a very subjective thing and it is very practical to try it first with a wooden stick for example, so that way you can assess the length which will feel natural to you. However, the generally accepted opinion is that a 16" is for shorter people with smaller hands, medium models for medium-sized people, and the largest for those really tall/with large hands.
When comparing modern technologies and types of expandable batons, the situation is quite similar to the manufacturers of weapons and ammunition + their ballistics. It's pretty much the same as when people argue whether a specific .45 ammo stops an attacker better than a 9mm Luger. Therefore, one must always analyze the situation based on his experiences, plans and demands, or the situations he is likely to get into. Is the heaviest baton with the longest range really better, when it will be quite heavy for you and may be difficult for you to handle at close range? Or should you choose a shorter model, which is fast, but has less striking power, lower weight and shorter reach? Ask yourself: “Am I able to handle what I have chosen?”
Much like with the guns and other equipment, their manufacturers will 100% lecture you all day about how brilliant their product is and why you should go for it. But when you get into a situation where you need to defend yourself against someone under stress, it is obvious that each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which is why it is best to choose a model that fits you better in general (and not just in your hand) and that is comfortable for you to handle. You will be using this expandable baton, so no matter what situation you find yourself in, it will always be the same - eliminating the opponent as quickly as possible. It is highly probable that at close range situations, with the longest baton you will likely utilize jabbing techniques into the head whereas with the shortest one you will have enough space for a proper swing. Other situations that chance will prepare for you will simply require a different approach and strategy with different models, so take that into account and don't train for only one type of situation (i.e. contact versus distan
In order for your expandable baton to be really 100% useful and met all your expectations, it will be absolutely crucial and 100% necessary that you visit some self-defence classes focused on the handling of expandable batons, techniques, tactics and procedures. Only then you will understand its capabilities and limitations.
So, the final decision must be based on your size and training with other weapons (even fencing will help), because expandable baton will not help you if you just touch your target due to your inexperience or fear that you will hurt another human being. Simply put, if you do not go full force, the effect on target might not be the one you desire. On the contrary, the more experienced you are with a weapon, the clearer it is that you can use the advantages of a particular model as needed. In other words, you will be able to defend yourself with any model in any situation.
Baton holsters
If your priority is to carry your baton concealed, then of course do not be afraid to reach for the medium or smallest models. As every martial arts teacher knows, shock and unexpected quick reaction are the best tools in any dangerous situation. So, if you lack experience, you should practice both striking and blocking techniques on a daily basis to get the basics literally under your skin and would be able to use them without hesitation (when a fraction of a second makes a difference, you will not be able to call for a time out to think of your strategy...).
In such a situation you will need a baton suitable for certain types of important techniques (for example arm-bar techniques are in the end easier to perform with longer models). You can also use more than one model, with one (the smallest) being kept in the car and the other "for the wild" (both urban and natural).
By the way, an expandable baton can also be used when closed for striking the key body points and can be equipped, for example, with a flashlight as part of the available accessories.
More on self-defence here.
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