Fox Labs trigger top?

[USGuns]

http://www.defensedevices.com/fox-labs-trigger-pepper-spray.html

Has anyone used a pepper spray with a trigger top?
Any thoughts/experience on the trigger top vs. the flip top?
The trigger top seems more natural and could result in a better chance of getting that first shot right where you want it?

 

[USGuns]

Expired?

Well, the trigger top 2oz Fox Labs OC spray arrived yesterday.
I like the "idea" of the trigger but unfortunately, the only thing keeping the trigger from accidentally being pressed in your pocket is a break-away tab on top that can only be removed once. Realistically you would have to remove the tab before you carry the spray otherwise when you need it you don't want to be fiddling with the break-away tab. But I'm not too comfortable with it in my pocket without the tab. Oh well, I guess I'll keep that one at home.

I have a concern though: On top of both cans is what I assumed is the expiration dates of "010407" and "022406" ... and I correct in interpreting what those dates are?
Are both of these cans already beyond their expiration dates?!?!

 

[JJE]

I also carry FOx 5.3. I don't like the look of the trigger top. I used to use flip-tops, then switched to "cop-tops" (no cover over button). I had an ND that taught me to be VERY careful when manipulating a heavy duffel bag and a can of spray with one hand - at least I learned that 5.3 seems to be very hot stuff.

That may be a manufacturing date on the cans. Typically expiration dates specify a month, but not a specific date. Anyway, my cans of Fox aren't dated (I bought them January '06), and my plan was to buy 3 at a time and replace them every year (thanks for the reminder!). I found this info about pepper spray shelf life on this site:

http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/brownbears/pepperspray/pepperspray.htm

"5. Know how old your can of bear pepper spray is and discard it when the manufacturer’s published shelf life expires. Safety in bear country is serious business so why trust your well-being to an old, out-dated can of bear spray? As I understand it, the chemicals used in bear pepper spray are stable over time (i.e., contents are good for quite a few years), but that the seals holding the pressurized contents in the can age and will eventually fail, resulting in leaks. So what is the shelf life? I recently browsed a number of bear pepper spray web sites (June 2003) and found that most did not post their product’s shelf life, although a couple did ( e.g., Frontiersman and Counter Assault have shelf lives of 4 years). If the date of manufacture is labeled on the can you are in good shape, but if not, you might do well to write the date on the bottom of the can for future reference. Occasionally I see some very old, nearly empty cans of bear pepper spray out on the trails in Alaska. My peace of mind and personal safety are worth more than that."

 

[USGuns]

Thanks Julian. I contacted Fox Labs directly and you are right, the date is the date of manufacture. For the very reason you detailed, seepage of the propellant as the OC itself doesn't lose it's effectiveness in that amount of time, they recommend replacing them every 2 years to be safe.

 

[BruiseLee]

Good Info

Thanks for the posts USGuns. I was thinking of ordering either the Cop-Top or the trigger top to see what they were like. I think I'm going to stick to the regular flip-top thanks to your review.

Oh, and now I'll also know the date of the spray's manufacture and to replace it in a couple of years. Thanks again for the research!

 

[Stretchman]

We used to use the trigger top in holsters on our duty belt. The thing is that trigger tops are made for precision aiming of the canister, and as you indicated, once used, were cycled out and replaced. That way, we could tell if the officers were using them on people or not.

Only way to get a new can was from the station. If someone complained about it being used, the officer in question had to produce his can, and show it hadn't been fired.

In a holster on your belt they are fine. If you ever get hit with it, you will know it. We were using Capstun. Man, that stuff is bad. for most defensive uses, a civilian wants a spray instead of a stream. A stream requires precise aim, and is designed to only hit the target. In order to become accurate, you have to practice, and practice canisters cost money. You do not want to practice with a live canister. Even walking around where the stuff has been sprayed and you risk getting a whiff. which is enough.

Spray will hit the intended target, and may hit bystanders as well. In most defensive situations, you should take the risk, and get yourself to safety. Only reason to use stream is to avoid hitting anyone else when deployed, and you have to be accurate.

Best way to carry is a belt holster. I would never trust it in my pocket.

Those dates are probably date of manufacture. Check their website for expiration.