If you are currently looking for an effective way to protect yourself against an attack, you may be surprised at the vast array of products available to you. Guns, knives, pepper spray, stun guns, batons, TASER devices – how do you choose? When it comes to self defense devices, there are six questions you must ask yourself.

Is it legal?
The device you choose must be legal for you to carry in your car, your pocket, or your handbag, and for you to use if needed. Though many are perfectly legal, others, such as guns and knives, may require a permit. Be sure that the self defense methods you are considering are legal in your area before you purchase them.

Will I carry it everywhere?
Self defense devices will do no good if you always leave them at home buried in a drawer. Will you feel comfortable carrying it in your handbag? Is it small enough for you to do so easily? If not, it is of no use for you. Effective self defense devices must be with you at all times; you never know when you might be engaged in a potentially violent confrontation.

Am I confident in my ability to use it?
Some self defense devices, like guns, may require training in order to be effective. On the other hand, pepper spray is as easy to use as a canister of hair spray. Not only must the device you choose be easy for you to use under stress, but you must also be confident in your ability to use it.

Is it effective?
All self defense products are not created equal. Knives, guns, and batons require skill to be able to disable an attacker immediately. Stun guns, TASER devices, and pepper spray, meanwhile, can effectively disable any attacker within seconds. Simply aim at your attacker and press the button. When comparing the different types of self defense devices, make sure that you choose one with a good track record of use by untrained individuals.

Am I physically and emotionally prepared to use it?
Many people choose non-lethal self defense devices because they are not emotionally prepared to inflict lethal harm even against someone who is attacking them. Be honest to yourself about whether you could bring yourself to actually use your chosen self defense device. Even if you have the physical skills to use it correctly, you may not be able to accept the idea of actually using it.

Could it be used against me by an attacker?
An attacker may be able to wrestle a gun or knife away from you fairly easily. On the other hand, a stun gun when taken away from its holder will be deactivated, making your attacker unable to stun you with it.

There are many excellent options when it comes to self defense. This personal decision should be made with your own skills and comfort level in mind. Some require more skill to use effectively, while others are easy enough for anyone to use. Many will disable an attacker without causing lasting harm, while others are designed to injure. All self defense devices are not right for all people. You must be comfortable in your choice so that you can protect yourself should the need arise.