*Need opinions on ASP Keyring Defenders (OC)

magnum_force · September 2, 2001, 05:31 AM

Is the ASP Keyring Defenders (OC) worth buying? It's been redesigned to a larger size and holds more OC.

Pic:

http://store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1647_1197637

Specs:

http://store.yahoo.com/botach/aspkeyrindef.html

LBC · September 2, 2001, 08:47 AM

I've bought a few of the first two designs: the first model had horizontal grasping rings on the body, the second model had fine cut checkering.

I have never used one in self-defense, but my wife and mother-in-law have tested expired OC cannisters on cardboard at 5-7 feet and found the spray pattern to be very good and the entire unit easy to use.

Two areas of concern would SEEM TO BE keeping the OC nozzle clear of debris, and the strength of the plastic ring that you must thumb off to depress the brass plunger. But I have been carrying these for over two years and have never had one break, and have never seen the nozzle clog.

The unit is very easy to conceal in your hand while walking through a parking garage, on a street, etc. With practice (you can get inert training inserts, or just use expired inserts), it is very quick into action.

There are two other pluses: as a keychain, it tucks nicely into your waistband, and quite frankly I believe some people (inlcuding potential BG's) may see this as some time of LEO or
CO habit, and may think twice about assaulting a sheep. The other plus is that the unit doubles as a Kubotan, and you can swing your keys or the baton after spraying them in the face.

The only question in my mind is the effectiveness of the OC made for this unit. I know nothing about it. But now you say it's coming in larger saizes? That's good news.

LawDog · September 2, 2001, 05:43 PM

I highly recommend the ASP KeyDefender. The OC may not be as concentrated as the Fox Labs stuff, but it's as good as any other OC on the market.

Training refills are also available to allow you to train with the unit, and to give your loved ones training with the unit without winding up sucking down concentrated OC.

I have used the KeyDefender multiple times and I've never had a fail-to-stop on any critter who could be affected by OC.

A buddy of mine emptied his KeyDefender inside Tommy's House of Music in Wichita Falls and ran every gang-banger in the building out into the street.

LawDog

Mike in VA · September 3, 2001, 06:07 AM

I've picked up a couple for wife, SIL, neighbors. Haven't actually used it on anyone/thing yet, but have gone thru a number of the inert training cartridges for practice. I think it's very important for the user to actually work teh safety, actuate the unit, see where/how far the spray goes, etc. It's certainly easy enough to use and it points naturally. 10% OC, 2 million SHU's will do the job if you do yours. Chance favors the prepared mind.

The point I make is to have it in your hand when you're walking in a questionable area, as the BG isn't likely to wait while you call time and fumble with your purse or pocket. As with any defensive situation, alertness and mindset are the real keys, then it's yell, spray, haul @$$.

VictorLouis · September 5, 2001, 02:26 PM

Hmmm. I HAVE HAD the plastic safety ring break on my first unit. This was NOT from training in anyway, such as repetitively flicking it on and off thousands of times. It just simply failed one day after about two years of use with it as a keychain, in and out of my waist several times daily. I burned my upper thigh unknowingly(at first) by tirggering the unit while inserting it into my waistband.

I would REALLY like them to redesign it. Make it more durable, with enough of a protrusion on the tab to make it easier to find with your thumb for release.

When I did have the actual need to use it against a pair of aggressive dogs, I found several things lacking. One, the distance of the forward dispersion seemed like no more than about 6'. This is one thing for a close-in, human aggressor, but the dogs stayed just beyond it's reach. Second, the cone of the dispersion can be blown back toward you much easier than a more streamlike discharge. Until I can find somthing more convenient, or better, I guess it will have to do.

Charlie Fox · September 6, 2001, 02:19 PM

Used mine against a drunk one night. I was off-duty and this guy was being belligerent at a restaruant my wife and I frequent. The owner was trying to get him to leave and asked for my help. As we were escorting him to the back door (the local PD was on the way) he broke free and decided he wanted to fight. I hosed him from about 3 feet away - the patten hit his chest mostly, but what did get to him made him start coughing and close his eyes long enough to get him outside. Luckily there was no cross contamination into the dining areas - that would have been bad. The PD arrested him for Disordely Conduct and Criminal Tresspass. I had to write a statement, but it was ruled self defense.

If you get one also buy the practice inserts and PRACTICE!!!! I also now practice with the OC insert as it has a slightly different pattern and strength of spray.

KAM_Indianapolis · September 7, 2001, 12:40 PM

Bought two for myself and my wife. Definetly get the practice canister. Haven't had any problems with it in a year of carrying. Have also been on several flights with it.

Being a glutton for punishment and a chili head, I sprayed on my fingers so I could get a whif of it. Dang powerful stuff. Not as bad as a full Habenaro but close enough.

September 2, 2001, 05:31 AM	#1
magnum_force Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2000 Posts: 185	*Need opinions on ASP Keyring Defenders (OC) Is the ASP Keyring Defenders (OC) worth buying? It's been redesigned to a larger size and holds more OC. Pic: http://store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1647_1197637 Specs: http://store.yahoo.com/botach/aspkeyrindef.html

September 2, 2001, 05:43 PM	#3
LawDog Staff Emeritus Join Date: September 15, 1999 Location: Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket? Posts: 4,194	I highly recommend the ASP KeyDefender. The OC may not be as concentrated as the Fox Labs stuff, but it's as good as any other OC on the market. Training refills are also available to allow you to train with the unit, and to give your loved ones training with the unit without winding up sucking down concentrated OC. I have used the KeyDefender multiple times and I've never had a fail-to-stop on any critter who could be affected by OC. A buddy of mine emptied his KeyDefender inside Tommy's House of Music in Wichita Falls and ran every gang-banger in the building out into the street. LawDog __________________ "The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer." --The 13th Warrior Bona na Croin The LawDog Files

September 3, 2001, 06:07 AM	#4
Mike in VA Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 1998 Location: Santa FE, NM Posts: 2,163	I've picked up a couple for wife, SIL, neighbors. Haven't actually used it on anyone/thing yet, but have gone thru a number of the inert training cartridges for practice. I think it's very important for the user to actually work teh safety, actuate the unit, see where/how far the spray goes, etc. It's certainly easy enough to use and it points naturally. 10% OC, 2 million SHU's will do the job if you do yours. Chance favors the prepared mind. The point I make is to have it in your hand when you're walking in a questionable area, as the BG isn't likely to wait while you call time and fumble with your purse or pocket. As with any defensive situation, alertness and mindset are the real keys, then it's yell, spray, haul @$$. __________________ M2 The Second Amendment IS homeland defense!

September 7, 2001, 12:40 PM	#7
KAM_Indianapolis Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 1999 Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA Posts: 612	Bought two for myself and my wife. Definetly get the practice canister. Haven't had any problems with it in a year of carrying. Have also been on several flights with it. Being a glutton for punishment and a chili head, I sprayed on my fingers so I could get a whif of it. Dang powerful stuff. Not as bad as a full Habenaro but close enough. __________________ Peace... Keith

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September 2, 2001, 08:47 AM	#2
LBC Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2001 Posts: 385	I've bought a few of the first two designs: the first model had horizontal grasping rings on the body, the second model had fine cut checkering. I have never used one in self-defense, but my wife and mother-in-law have tested expired OC cannisters on cardboard at 5-7 feet and found the spray pattern to be very good and the entire unit easy to use. Two areas of concern would SEEM TO BE keeping the OC nozzle clear of debris, and the strength of the plastic ring that you must thumb off to depress the brass plunger. But I have been carrying these for over two years and have never had one break, and have never seen the nozzle clog. The unit is very easy to conceal in your hand while walking through a parking garage, on a street, etc. With practice (you can get inert training inserts, or just use expired inserts), it is very quick into action. There are two other pluses: as a keychain, it tucks nicely into your waistband, and quite frankly I believe some people (inlcuding potential BG's) may see this as some time of LEO or CO habit, and may think twice about assaulting a sheep. The other plus is that the unit doubles as a Kubotan, and you can swing your keys or the baton after spraying them in the face. The only question in my mind is the effectiveness of the OC made for this unit. I know nothing about it. But now you say it's coming in larger saizes? That's good news.

September 5, 2001, 02:26 PM	#5
VictorLouis Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,302	Hmmm. I HAVE HAD the plastic safety ring break on my first unit. This was NOT from training in anyway, such as repetitively flicking it on and off thousands of times. It just simply failed one day after about two years of use with it as a keychain, in and out of my waist several times daily. I burned my upper thigh unknowingly(at first) by tirggering the unit while inserting it into my waistband. I would REALLY like them to redesign it. Make it more durable, with enough of a protrusion on the tab to make it easier to find with your thumb for release. When I did have the actual need to use it against a pair of aggressive dogs, I found several things lacking. One, the distance of the forward dispersion seemed like no more than about 6'. This is one thing for a close-in, human aggressor, but the dogs stayed just beyond it's reach. Second, the cone of the dispersion can be blown back toward you much easier than a more streamlike discharge. Until I can find somthing more convenient, or better, I guess it will have to do.

September 6, 2001, 02:19 PM	#6
Charlie Fox Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Location: Summerville SC Posts: 79	Used mine against a drunk one night. I was off-duty and this guy was being belligerent at a restaruant my wife and I frequent. The owner was trying to get him to leave and asked for my help. As we were escorting him to the back door (the local PD was on the way) he broke free and decided he wanted to fight. I hosed him from about 3 feet away - the patten hit his chest mostly, but what did get to him made him start coughing and close his eyes long enough to get him outside. Luckily there was no cross contamination into the dining areas - that would have been bad. The PD arrested him for Disordely Conduct and Criminal Tresspass. I had to write a statement, but it was ruled self defense. If you get one also buy the practice inserts and PRACTICE!!!! I also now practice with the OC insert as it has a slightly different pattern and strength of spray.