Choosing an ASP Baton
Looking for the right baton? The kind without sparkles and streamers. Wanting the perfect defensive baton to accompany you into those ‘No Guns Allowed’ zones? I’ve been looking myself and have come to the conclusion that I wouldn’t trust my life to a product that the professionals wouldn’t use. Professionals don’t skimp and get cheap Taurus handguns. NO, they go with the Glocks and S&Ws for their reliability. The same is try for batons, with the most popular brand being the ASP baton. After narrowing down the company there are still numerous options to choose from…
Shaft Type?
This was the easiest decision because I’m not going to carry something if it isn’t reasonably light weight. Even with the price increase, I’m going with ASP’s Airweight version.
Locking system: Friction Loc or Lever Loc?
The friction loc seems to have been around longer and seems stronger and more durible. The lever loc, while easy to close with a twist of the sections, just seems like it could fail at some point. The lever loc is also noticably more expensive, which is something I’m concerned with to a degree.
What Type of Handle: Foam, Duratec or Wavemaster?
Over time it seems like the foam would deteriorate and come off. Not to mention my kids would love picking it off on Saturday mornings while it sits on my nightstand and I’m fast asleep. The wavemaster seems extreme and is only a few dollars more, but I’ll have to go with the duratec handle material.
Length: 16″, 21″ or 26″
Since I’m only a citizen and will be concealing the baton, I know I’m going to get one of the smaller sizes, so it’s either a 16″ or 21″. The later gives you five more inches of reach when extended, at the price of 1.75″ when collapsed. I have yet to decide on whether I’d like that extra five inches or if I’d simply prefer the smaller 6″ package that the 16″ baton can give me.
16″ Baton = 9 oz. and is 6.?” when closed (I’ve seen various stats on the 16″)
21″ Baton = .74 lbs and is 7.75″ when closed
26″ Baton = .85 lbs and is 9.5″ when closed
As of now, I’m up in the air as to whether I should get the F21DA ($88.40) or the F16DA ($84.15) model. The only difference is the length, which also affects the weight. These were the cheapest online prices I could find and they included free shipping. It seems like a lot of money for a civilian to spend on a piece of metal, but for those times when a firearm can’t be available, it sure helps to be able to extend you reach with a solid piece of defensive equipment. I’ll keep you posted if I make a decision.
Comments (2)
I’ve been told many different things about legal ownership and carry on batons. By LEO’s, vendors, and owners alike. Here’s the most common responses:
“You can’t own one”
“You can own one, but only keep it in your house[or sometimes car]”
“You can only carry one if you have a CCW”
“There are no restrictions on owning or carrying one”
Which one is true? I’ve been very confused on this for several years.
I believe in Missouri you would have to have a CCW to carry a baton in most places. And even still, there are places where carrying one is probably not allowed.
http://goo.gl/BobvR
People are saying that they are considered ‘martial art tools’ and are allowed by non-ccw holders, but I’d be very cautious about this.
Better safe than sorry << but with that thinking we'd all have ar15 pistols under our coats
LOL