What's a defensive spray?
The classic defence sprays available are pepper spray and tear gas, also known as CS spray. But what are these substances and what is the difference?
Pepper spray
Pepper sprays contain the natural plant extract "Oleoresin Capsicum", short "OC". OC is a completely environmentally friendly, natural and non-toxic active ingredient that is extracted from the hottest peppers (genus paprika/capsicum), mostly Habanero peppers..
Pepper sprays may be purchased and used from a minimum age of 14 years. Due to its very strong effect, however, it may only be used against animals in Germany. The use of pepper spray against people in self-defence situations is however permitted.
Due to the strong effect authorities set such as police, BGS or German Federal Armed Forces on the employment of pepper spray in hot situations.
Tear gas
Tear gas, or CS gas for short (named after its two discoverers "Corson" and "Stoughton"), is a purely chemical irritant whose main component is 2-chlorobenzylidene malonic acid dinitrile.
The former CN gas (chloroacetophenone) was thus largely replaced because it had a far more toxic (side) effect. In Germany, tear gas may be purchased and used from a minimum age of 14 years, but as it is approved for personal defence, it is subject to the Weapons Act.
Due to its lower strength compared to pepper spray, it should not be used for animal defence. Tear gas must be approved by the BKA and marked with a BKA test mark. All tear gas sprays offered by us are approved and bear this mark.
The agony of choice
Both defensive substances are effective in their effect and yet very simple in their application. The pepper spray, however, is the more effective and effective repellent. That is why pepper sprays are only approved for animal defence in Germany. For this reason, we also offer tear gas (CS gas) as an effective alternative product. In self-defence situations the use against persons is naturally permitted! By the way, both types are released from the age of 14.
Explanation to the different spray variants
Fog
A Fog spray is suitable for the defense of several attackers on short distance due the mist spray. A more precise targeting is not necessary. However, the fog has the disadvantage of being very vulnerable to wind and can possibly affect the user himself. (backfire)
Jet
A Jet is suitable due to the bundled jet for defence at a greater distance (e.g. by fences) fewer attackers. Compared to Fog, it is also less vulnerable to wind. It is an advantage to practice aiming with jet spray. Therefore, we also offer training sprays without active substance in our shop.
Gel
Gel has almost the same features & benefits as a spray with jet, but is thicker.It sticks better to the affected area and is therefore more effective. In addition, it is very difficult to simply wipe off the gel as it has a very oily consistency.
Foam
Foam is ideal in closed rooms, because it does not spread like a mist in the room. As a user, you are not affected yourself. In addition, it sticks better to the skin, has a long duration of action and the affected areas are clearly visible.
Sprays with UV markers
These are commercially available defensive sprays to which a special colour has been added which can be clearly seen under UV light. It has the advantage of being able to identify a perpetrator long after the assault.
Legal basics regarding defence sprays
CS spray
In Germany, tear gas may be purchased and used from a minimum age of 14 years, but as it is permitted for personal defence, it falls under the weapons law. Because of its lower strength compared to pepper spray, it should not be used for animal defence. Tear gas must be approved by the BKA and marked with a BKA test mark. If this is not the case, the CS spray is classified as a weapon and the possession illegal. All tear gas sprays offered by us are approved and have this mark.
Peper spray
Even pepper sprays may be purchased and used from a minimum age of 14 years, but due to its very strong effect it may only be used against animals in Germany and must also be clearly marked as an animal repellent. If this is not the case, pepper spray is classified as a weapon and the possession is illegal. The use of pepper spray against humans is however permitted in self-defence situations.
If you have a pepper spray or CS spray without the above-mentioned features, it is strongly advised to hand these defense sprays over to the police as this is an illegal weapon whose possession can have serious legal consequences. If you order from the EU abroad, please inquire about the legal situation of purchase and possession of the offered defense sprays. In some countries these are classified as illegal weapons and the possession can lead under circumstances to high penalties.
Durability of sprays and how often they can be used
Durability
The shelf life of defense sprays varies, but we ensure that all sprays we sell have a shelf life of at least 18 months. If the expiration date of a spray has expired it does not mean that it suddenly has no effect. It states that the proper function can be guaranteed by the manufacturer until this time.
Of course, the effect and pressure of the spray will decrease over time, therefore it is recommended to buy a new defence spray after the expiration date in order to counteract possible risks during the next application.
Reuse
Depending on how long the spray was triggered, there may still be some of the active ingredient in the can. However, the propellant gas required for triggering the spray is available in commercially available sizes of 12 - 50 ml sprays, mostly designed for one-time use only.This can lead to the fact that with repeated use no necessary pressure is present. What can lead to the failure of a release. It is therefore strongly recommended to replace the sprays after each use to prevent failure in case of emergency.
Disposal of defensive sprays
Completely emptied containers can be disposed of without further problems in the household waste, but it is different if there is still active ingredient in the cans. These must be disposed of in the hazardous waste for harmful substances in order to avoid possible damage to third persons.