Pepper spray...fog cone or stream?

[Manedwolf]

I see that some of the best-rated brands agencies are using are available in both fog-cone and stream versions?

Any experience as to which is more effective in general non-lethal-use-of-force situations, as opposed to "subduing suspects?"

The situation I'd want to use it in would be a physical threat that doesn't involve a deadly weapon, where I'm not justified in shooting them, but still don't want to get hit!

 

[shermacman]

Stream. Point the first squirt at the chest, continue up into the face.

 

[tellner]

If you're in danger of getting hurt? Neither.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

The nice thing about fog is that it is harder to miss. The bad thing about fog is that it is easier to have it blown back into your face.

Stream is easier to miss, but less chance of getting blow back.

 

[JJE]

I've been thinking about this lately. I think that LEOs tend to use streams because they are going to have to stay in the vicinity and eventually come into contact with the sprayee, so they want to minimize friendly contamination. Fog is more likely to be inhaled and go to work faster on the bad guy than a stream, but is also more likely to blow around and possibly affect people it shouldn't. A non-LEO just wants to use the spray as cover to escape - you spray and move back - maybe getting the bad guy directly, and forcing him to go through the fog to advance. The fog is more forgiving of a "miss" and when facing multiple attackers a fog allows you to put up a larger defensive barrier in a hurry - with a stream you pretty much need to hit each one in the face.

Basically, I am sold on a fog.

 

[RyanM]

Depends on how windy your area is. Fog is fine for if there's no wind, and if you can vacate the area quickly, without having to run past the person you just sprayed. I'd probably recommend Mace PepperFoam. Should be a little easier to see in flight than a regular stream, and thus easier to aim.

 

[Oldtimer]

The "stream" is best. It will give you the furthest distance AND least amount of back-spray.

For the best effectiveness, use a "Z" pattern when spraying. As soon as you have sprayed, it'd advisable for you to step back as far as possible, so that the airborne residue won't splatter on you.

That same "Z" pattern is the best to use with CN or CS gas aerosols, too.

 

[Coronach]

The main drawback of a fog is that it is VERY easily influenced by wind. If you are outside, the air is probably in motion. What are the chances that your attacker will be downwind from you?

Streams are also influenced by wind, to a much lesser extent.

Mike

 

[fjolnirsson]

I really prefer a foam. Much easier to control than a spray or fog,IME. I've spent a lot of time working inside with crowds, or in exterior patio settings, and you don't want to go hosing the crowd with OC. Foam doesn't have as much tendecy to drift on air currents. It also can blind your attacker temporarily. When the sprayee tries to wipe the foam off, he actually rubs it in, which doesn't help him any.
I prefer to minimize any chance of affecting bystanders, especially since my wife is asthmatic.

 

[shermacman]

fjolnirsson
Man, I know what you mean! Those patio cookouts can get way out of hand!