Finding the right device for personal defense these days can be tricky. Rape whistles call for help, but do nothing to stop your assailant. Pepper spray is effective, but the wind has been known to blow it off course. Cheap stun guns, however, are small but powerfully effective self defense products that will both surprise and disable your attacker.

WHAT IS A CHEAP STUN GUN?

A cheap stun gun is a small electrical device that can quickly and effectively immobilize an attacker. It is small, easy to carry and conceal, runs off of regular batteries, and are usually under $100, sometimes as little as $20. It is an excellent non-lethal self-defense weapon.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Although given a fancy, high tech name that sounds like something out of science fiction, a stun gun is a fairly simple device. It is a small, rectangular device with two electrical contacts on one end. When the two contacts are placed against a conductor (like the human body), the electrical current flows from one contact, and through the body to the other.

When pressed against an attacker, a charge of high-voltage (but low amperage) electricity is dumped into the human body at a high pulse frequency. This causes the muscles to contract and expand very quickly (but not efficiently). This rapid cycle drains the muscles of blood sugar (by converting it to lactic acid) in just a few seconds. A good analogy would be doing so many pushups you can't do any more, and your muscles are then too tired to do much else.

This is the effect a stun gun has on your attacker.  Your attacker is also left confused, off-balance, and disoriented for a few minutes because the stun gun's electrical charge disrupts the tiny neurological impulses in the body that control muscle movement. This will give you time to get away, and makes your attacker think twice about pursuing you.

IS IT SAFE?

Being hit with a stun gun is painful, disorientating, and immobilizing, but causes no permanent damage. It causes no damage to the heart or other organs, and is not lethal.

You will not be shocked; even if you are touching your attacker at the same time you are shocking them with your stun gun.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

There is a wide range of stun gun prices, depending on size, shape, power, and various features. Generally, stun guns are less than $100.

For people on tighter budgets, however, cheap stun guns are available. The Z-Force is an example.

ARE CHEAP STUN GUNS JUST AS GOOD?

'Cheap' does not mean 'poor quality'. Cheap stun guns are smaller and less powerful. You may have to keep a cheap stun gun in contact with your attacker for a few more seconds to achieve the same effect; on the other hand, however, you should always maintain stun gun contact with your assailant as long as possible for maximum effect before trying to escape. And, of course, having a cheap, lower powered stun gun is still better than having no stun gun at all.

The Talon delivers 80,000 volts, runs off a 9-volt alkaline battery, and costs $22.00. The Stun Master series puts out 300,000 volts depending on the model, and have a reputation for being durable and reliable. Selling for between $19.00 and $30.00 depending on the model, the Stun Master series delivers a winning combination of low price and high power.

Don't underestimate the value of a cheap stun gun. Click Talon Mini or Stun Master above to get more information.

How do stun guns work?