If you are looking for an expandable and legal baton for self defense this post is specifically done for you.
Batons are very easy to conceal. This makes them one of the most dependable options for non-lethal self-defense weapons. When retracted, you can conceal them on your hip, inside a bag, under your vehicle’s seat, or any other place where they can be easily accessed and deployed immediately.
Expandable batons come in a wide range of styles and lengths. They can expand from as low as 12” to 31” in length depending on the model you are using and they are also made from different materials.
Which Baton is Best for Me?
With the market offering hundreds of batons, your ideal baton will largely depend on what you intend to use it for and your preference. With so many options out there, you can choose:
- Steel Expandable Baton when you need a powerful and easy to use baton
- An Automatic Baton for instant self-defense and easy to use expandable baton
- A Compact Expandable Baton, if you need a small and ultralight baton to conceal inside your backpack, pocket or purse
- An Expandable Stun Baton if you need a self-defense baton with additional protection
- An Expandable Baton with a flashlight if you want additional protection where you stop an attacker even at a distance.
With that in mind, let us now take a look at the best batons for Self Defense
Best Baton for Self Defense-Our Top Picks
1) Police Force Tactical Batons(12,16,21,26,31”)
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These solid steel batons expand up to 31” with a flick of a wrist. They are made from solid steel which enhances strength and durability.
With the durable steel design, you can trust the baton to deliver a damaging blow to the attacker.
Furthermore, they are lightweight and portable, you can carry them all day long, and won’t weigh you down.
The ability to expand to such a long length gives you ample distance to protect yourself without getting too close to the attacker. Besides, the batons expand instantly, giving you the advantage of deploying them immediately when the need arises.
Pros
- High quality steel construction
- Lightweight design
- Small compact
- Extends from up to 31”
- Trusted and used by police offers across the globe
Cons
- May damage wood flooring
- If you hit the ground with the baton in a vertical position you may damage the expansion/retraction mechanism (always make sure you do it at an angle)
2) Monadnock Autolock Expandable Batons
This Monadnock Autolock Expandable Baton features an Autolock’s patented locking mechanism which keeps the baton locked open while performing striking, blocking, or jabbing techniques.
It has a rotating shaft to help maintain its control during use and it comes with various tips and grips so you can choose one that is most comfortable for you.
Additionally, this expendable baton is designed to open either passively or in a high-profile manner.
For added convenience, this baton is designed to close with a simple push of a button, unlike other models that require you to strike them on the ground.
Pros
- Autolock’s patented locking mechanism
- Available in a variety of grips and tips
- Closes with a push of a button
- Lifetime repair and replacement guarantee
- Rotating shaft
- Open passively or in a high-profile manner
- Made of Urethane material which removes sharp edges for injury prevention
Cons
- It May require certification in certain states
Related: What States are Collapsible Batons Legal?
3) Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Batons
This Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Baton has a lightweight design which makes it easy to carry around. You can either conceal it on your hip while on patrol or keep it under the seat of your key for protection at all times.
When collapsed, this baton measures just 10 inches. It then expands to a whole 26 inches with a simple flick of the wrist. With the long length, you will be able to keep the attackers at bay even if you are attacked. Besides, it is made with steel so it delivers a powerful blow.
Another impressive thing about this expandable baton is the uniquely designed handle. It not only provides a secure grip even when you are wearing gloves, but it is also cool to look at.
At the tail-end of this baton is a glass-breaker that you can use to break the car glass in case of an accident. Above all, the baton has a hard-wearing nylon holster with a belt loop for simple, hands-free carrying.
Pros
- Built-in glass breaker
- Lightweight design
- Non-slip grip handle
- Heavy-duty nylon holster with belt loop
- Extends from 10” to 26” with the flick of a wrist
- Built-in glass breaker at the tail
- For hands-free carrying, the baton comes with a heavy-duty nylon holster with a belt loop
- Lightweight
Cons
- Extends with a flick of a wrist, would be better with a push button
4) Rothco Solid Steel Expandable Batons
Rothco Solid Steel Expandable Baton with nylon holster features a solid steel construction which enhances both strength and durability.
The handle has a smooth foam which provides a secure, non-slip grip even when you are wearing gloves. The foam also helps prevent the formation of blisters when you hold the baton for too long.
This baton expands up to 31 inches with a simple flick of the wrist depending on the baton you choose.
It has a friction lock system that keeps it locked firmly when expanded. In terms of weight, this baton is lightweight so it is very easy to carry around.
The baton also comes with a nylon holster for simple carrying.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Solid steel construction
- Friction lock system
- Expands easily up to 31 inches
- The foam handle provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip
- Nylon holster
Cons
- No button expansion ( uses a flick of the wrist)
5) Kwik Force Expandable Solid Steel Baton
Kwik Force expandable batons provide a high level of protection that police officers, law enforcement officers, and individuals need to protect themselves from attackers.
The batons feature a solid steel construction which enhances durability and reliable performance as well.
The batons are designed to expand with a flick of the wrist. This expanded length gives you extra reach to keep a safer distance from the attacker.
Furthermore, the batons feature rubberized handles which maintain a comfortable, non-slip grip.
They also come with heavy-duty nylon holsters which you can attach to your hip with the belt loops for convenient, hands-free carrying and easy access as well.
Pros
- Expandable
- Heavy-duty nylon holster with belt loop
- Pink checker rubberized handle
- Solid steel construction
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Available up to 26”
6) Streetwise Expandable Batons
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Another high-quality expendable baton for self defense is the Streetwise Solid Steel Baton with Nylon Holster.
It is designed to extend up to 26” with a flick of the wrist. The compact length makes it easy to conceal and with the extended length, you get extra reach to keep a safer distance from the attacker.
This expandable baton is crafted from high-quality solid steel which optimizes its strength and durability. It has a lightweight design which makes it easy to carry and hold.
Additionally, it has a vibrant silver finish which makes it eye-catching, and a diamond-patterned handle which provides a tight and secure grip even in wet conditions. This baton also comes with a high-quality nylon holster.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- High-quality nylon holster.
- Extends up to 26”
- Vibrant and stylish silver finish
- High-quality steel construction
- Tight and non-slip grip
Cons
- If you hit the ground with the baton in a vertical position you may damage the expansion/retraction mechanism (always make sure you do it at an angle)
How to Choose a Baton for Self Defense
Length
The first feature you should consider is the length of the expandable baton. The longer the better. You will be able to defend yourself without getting close to the attacker. With a long baton, you can swing it in any direction and hit the attacker from any side.
Durability
Make sure that you get an expandable baton that is made with high-quality materials preferably steel. Steel batons are durable and tough. They can inflict serious pain which can paralyze the attacker and give you ample time to run for safety. They will also give you many years of service.
Ease of Use
With so many expandable batons to choose from, make sure that you pick one that is easy to use. It should expand swiftly for quick deployment and retract easily as well after use. It should also have a lightweight design so it will be easy on the hand. An expandable baton worth buying should also have a comfortable handle that provides a secure, non-slip grip even when you are wearing gloves.
Are Expandable Batons Legal to Carry?
Yes. In most states, there are no laws that ban the carrying of expandable batons. This makes them legal to own and carry. However, California is the only state whose federal laws ban the use of expandable batons.
Types of Batons
- Friction Lock Expandable Batons – The most common type of expandable baton are friction lock batons. These batons require you to hit them on a hard surface, such as concrete when retracting them.
- Lever-loc Expendable Batons- These expandable batons retract by holding the shaft firmly and twisting it anti-clockwise.
- Disc-loc Expandable Batons- These are the most modern expandable batons available on the market today. They are easy to expand and easy to retract as well. They extend with a flick of the wrist and close with a simple push of a button.
Best Baton Brands
- ASP
- Rothco
- Streetwise
- Fox Tactical
- Smith & Wesson
- Monadnock
- Police Force Tactical
- Mtech
- Safety Tech
- Galls
What are Batons Used for?
- Added Protection. Police officers carry batons alongside their firearms for added protection. They are easy to access for immediate deployment.
- Self-defense. Civilians can also use batons in an event where they need to protect themselves from robbers and assailants.
- Breaking glass. A baton can also be used to break glass in case you get into a car accident.
Advantages of a Baton for Self Defense
- Compact and easy to conceal
Unlike other self-defense weapons such as handguns which are hard to conceal, expandable batons are compact in size which makes them easier to conceal. They offer plenty of force while remaining light and compact.
- Easy to Use
You can use an expandable baton at a moment’s notice and protect yourself from attacks that happen when we least expect them.
- Effective
An expandable baton that is made with high-quality materials such as steel is highly effective when it comes to defending yourself in hand-to-hand combat. You can swing it in any direction and inflict damage to the attacker.
- Less Legal Restrictions
There are many laws that restrict where you can bring certain self-defense weapons such as stun guns and handguns. But expandable batons are different. They are legal in most states and you can carry them anywhere you go as they are easier to conceal.
What States are Collapsible Batons Legal?
Collapsible batons are legal in all states except California where they are illegal to own as well as carry. Moreover, in Massachusetts, New York, and Washington DC, all batons are legal to own for home defense use, but illegal to carry around.
Disadvantages of Expandable batons
- Not deadly. Majorly, expandable batons are less deadly. This can be a drawback in an event where robbers attack your home and it is the only self-defense weapon you have.
- Can be harmful if it hits delicate body parts such as the skull.
- Accidental deployment.
- You must have the right size for it to effective
FAQs
- What is an expandable baton?
An expandable baton is a rigid baton that has the ability to expand and retract. The baton retracts into a compact size which makes it easy to carry and conceal. It then expands to a longer length when you need to use it to defend yourself from an attacker.
- What are expandable batons used for?
Expandable batons are mainly used for self-defense in dangerous situations. They can be used to inflict pain on the attacker so you can have time to run to safety. You can also use an expandable baton to break glass if you are trapped inside a car or house.
- What situations can an expandable baton be used in?
An expandable baton can be used in any situation where your life is in danger and you need to protect yourself. There are many situations you can use an expandable baton which include a rabid dog, an aggressive assailant, and a mugger among others.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this post enlightening. Make an expandable baton your go-to self-defense weapon today by choosing any of the batons listed above. They are not only easy to use but also easy to care for. You will also be able to carry them anywhere you go as they are easy to conceal.
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