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Lightweight and compact, the best expandable baton is a great option for a self-defense tool. With its telescopic design, it is easy to surprise and fight attackers from a distance. It is not just for law enforcement but for anyone who wants to be out of harm’s way.
An expandable baton also makes a great outdoor survival tool. For instance, if an animal is attacking you, the baton can help. Not to mention, it can even double as a walking stick when you are hiking if it is long enough.
With too many options, choosing a retractable baton is overwhelming. If you need help deciding what to buy, read on! We’ll walk you through some of the top products and the features that make them incredible.
Also Read: Self Defence Tool
Best Expandable Baton Comparison Table
What Is an Expandable Baton?
An expandable baton is a retractable tool that is commonly used by law enforcers, as well as private individuals as a non-lethal form of self-defense. Its telescoping design makes it easy to fit in your pocket or in a sheath that you can carry discreetly. Once opened, its length can be up to three to five times when it is closed.
One of the best things about an expandable baton is its versatility. When it is not collapsed, you can still use it in close-contact settings. Meanwhile, when it is extended, you can use it to fight an attacker while maintaining distance, making it easier to defend yourself.
An expandable baton goes beyond being a self-defense tool. You can also use it to break glass in case of an emergency, such as a fire extinguisher enclosure. Alternatively, you can also use the baton as a lever to open doors.
The manner by which expandable batons work may differ depending on the design of a specific model. Some will have a button. With one push of the button, the baton automatically extends. Others, however, will require exerting force by flicking it on your wrist. Closing it, meanwhile, requires slamming the tip of the baton on a hard surface like a wall or floor.
Our Top Choice:
The Streetwise Expandable Stun Gun Baton is our favorite product in this review. It is not your ordinary expandable baton as it also has a built-in stun gun and flashlight. Aside from self-defense, it is a great outdoor companion when you are hiking or camping.
Our Top Picks for the Best Expandable Baton
Whether you are a law enforcer or a private individual looking for a non-lethal tool for self-defense, below are some of the top products that should be on your radar.
1. Best Overall: Streetwise Expandable Stun Gun Baton
More than just an expandable baton, this product is the ultimate outdoor companion. It is useful beyond self-defense.
One of the things that we like is how it comes with a built-in stun gun, which makes it more effective when defending yourself against attackers. The electrical arc generates up to 30,000,000 volts. It utilizes innovative Triple Stun Technology, which generates electrical arcs in three contact zones. Plus, it has safety features, which will prevent accidental discharge.
The electrical charge that the baton generates is made possible by the two built-in batteries. They are rechargeable. The package is inclusive of a wall charger.
Aside from the stun gun, another incredible feature is the built-in flashlight, which can last up to 100,000 hours. You can choose from five modes: S.O.S., strobe, low, medium, and high. The strobe mode can be used for blinding your attacker.
Key Features and Specs:
- Two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Has 30,000,000 volts of electricity and 5 milliamps of power
- 1-watt LED flashlight
- Five light modes
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Length: 16.5-inch retracted, 19-inch fully expanded
Pros:
- Has a holster for easy carrying
- Comes with a built-in rechargeable battery
- The stun gun works even if you do not deploy the baton
Cons:
- Does not come with a wrist strap
Verdict
All in all, this is a notable expandable baton because of the built-in stun gun and flashlight, making it useful beyond self-defense.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5
2. Runner-up: ASP Friction Loc Baton
This expandable baton is available in two options. If you want something lightweight and effortless to carry, go for the Airweight model. On the other hand, if you want something that will generate a stronger force, it is also available in steel.
The overall construction of the expandable baton is notable. It has foam vinyl as the grip, which is soft and comfortable to hold. This will let you have a strong grip on the stick. Plus, the main material is 4140 steel, which is also known for its corrosion resistance.
Key Features and Specs:
- Foam vinyl grip
- 4140 steel construction
- Weight: 16.3 ounces (steel), 8.9 ounces (Airweight)
- Retracted Length: 7.70 inches
- Expanded Length: 21 inches
Pros:
- Offers an adjustable friction level
- Lightweight but durable
- Comfortable foam grip
Cons:
- Can be quite a challenge to close
Verdict
From the comfortable grip to durable construction, this is another expandable baton that should be on your list.
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
3. ASP Talon Infinity Baton
Like the expandable baton from ASP mentioned above, it is also available in two categories. Airweight is for those who value portability since it weighs only 8.8 ounces. Steel, meanwhile, is double the weight, but it also means that it has a stronger attack force.
In terms of construction, the inner material is high-quality steel. It will last through the years and is not easily prone to corrosion. On the other hand, the grip is made of foam vinyl, so it will be comfortable to hold without the added weight.
It is also worth mentioning that the users have the option to add a breakaway tip. The latter improves the lifesaving features of the baton since you can use it to shatter glass.
Key Features and Specs:
- 4140 steel construction
- Retracted Length: 7.06 inches
- Expanded Length: 15.7 inches
- Weight: 8.8 ounces (Airweight), 16.3 ounces (steel)
Pros:
- Durable maintenance-free construction
- Has a smooth mechanism
- Fantastic grip
Cons:
- Some might find it too short
Verdict
With its steel construction, foam grip, and optional tip for glass shattering, this expandable baton can be a lifesaver!
Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
4. Police Force Tactical Expandable Solid Steel Baton
Whether you want to defend yourself from animals in the wild or attackers on the street, this affordable baton is another great product. Even if it is economical, it packs great features that are comparable to its higher-end competitors.
The baton is made of solid stainless steel, which is heavy enough to ensure self-protection while also being lightweight for portability. Plus, it has a textured grip, so you can grab it with enough force, minimizing the possibility that it will slip.
More so, it has a lock switch, which means that it will prevent accidental deployment. The baton expands only when you are ready to use it.
Key Features and Specs:
- Solid steel construction
- Locking safety switch
- Length: 10 to 26 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Pros:
- Comes with a holster
- Superior craftsmanship
- Comfortable textured grip
Cons:
- Can be difficult to open and close
Verdict
While it is economical, this solid steel baton is excellent because of its comfortable grip and safety switch to prevent accidental deployment.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
5. Smith & Wesson Collapsible Baton with Sheath
Made by a popular manufacturer of outdoor and tactical products, this expandable baton is made of high-quality alloy steel with incredible bending and tensile strength. Despite being tough, it is lightweight, so carrying it around won’t be a burden.
The baton comes with an alloy steel tubing and a collapsible design that stretches at a maximum of 24 inches. To deploy the baton, all that it takes is a flick of the wrist, and you are ready to defend yourself.
Another good reason to choose this expandable baton is the Basketweave pattern. The handle is made of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. It has an excellent grip in various conditions, making it easy and comfortable to hold.
Key Features and Specs:
- 4130 alloy steel construction
- Basketweave pattern
- Length: 16 to 24 inches
- Hardness Rating: HRC 46-47
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and durable
- Quick deployment with a flick of your wrist
Cons:
- The sheath is too tight
Verdict
With its alloy steel construction and textured grip, this expandable baton makes it effortless to defend yourself.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
6. ASP Agent Infinity 40 Concealable Baton
With its precision-machined construction, this baton is reflective of longevity. Thanks to the 4140 steel surface, it does not only have a powerful striking force but is also long-lasting.
Speaking of its construction, the expandable baton has Crosstec knurled grip with spiral micro-grooves. The latter was exclusively developed to offer superior grip.
Another good reason to choose this baton is its lightweight design. Not to mention, it has a low-profile grip. The lightweight design and low-profile grip ensure that it is easy to carry and discreet.
However, the biggest drawback of this expandable baton is its price. Nonetheless, the cost is justifiable because of its incredible construction and superior performance.
Key Features and Specs:
- 4140 steel striking surface
- Retracted length: 7.75 inches
- Expanded Length 15.75 inches
- Diameter: .875 inch
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
Pros:
- Lightweight construction
- Easy to conceal
- Heavy-duty striking surface
Cons:
Verdict
From its discreet design to quick deployment, this expandable baton is another product that is worth considering.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
7. Rothco Solid Steel Expandable Baton
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is the tough steel shaft. It comes with a sheath and innovative Friction Lock System. The latter allows the baton to stay locked unless you deploy it. Once ready to use, a quick flip of your wrist will automatically extend its length, eliminating the need to push any button.
The ergonomic foam grip handle is another good feature. The latter gives you better control of the baton while also ensuring the highest level of comfort.
Key Features and Specs:
- Friction lock system
- Nylon sheath
- Length: 10 to 26 inches
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
Pros:
- Durable steel shaft
- Says locked when not used
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
Verdict
With its durable steel shaft and comfortable foam grip, this expandable baton gives you complete control to defend yourself from an attacker.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
8. Galls Sentry Expandable Baton
The first thing that you will notice in this product is its price. It is more expensive than most of the products in this review, but the cost is justifiable.
Among others, it is worth every dollar because of its Japanese steel alloy construction. You can be confident of its longevity because of such material. Plus, the baton has a Santoprene handle, which is soft and easy to grip. No need to worry about your comfort! It is also textured, which will prevent slipping. It can also withstand all weather conditions.
Key Features and Specs:
- Japanese steel alloy construction
- Santoprene handle
- Retracted Length: 7.75 inches
- Expanded Length: 21 inches
- Weight: 14.7 ounces
Pros:
- Smaller than most batons when collapsed
- Has a non-slip textured grip
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons:
Verdict
The cost of this expandable baton is justifiable because of its incredible shaft and handle construction.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
How to Choose an Expandable Baton
Choosing an expandable baton is not as easy as picking the cheapest product or buying the first one you find. To help you make a well-informed decision, below are some of the most important considerations.
- Length: Consider both the retracted and expanded length of the baton. This will dictate how easy it will be to conceal and how distant you will be from the attacker during its use. You might also want to match the length of the baton with your height.
- Handle: Look at the material of the handle. The best ones have a textured non-slippery grip. Foam vinyl and elastomer are some of the most common and comfortable materials.
- Ease of Use: From deploying to retracting the baton, it must be user-friendly. Some batons will have a button while others will rely on friction, which you can activate with a flick of your wrist.
- Versatility: Consider what else you can do with the baton aside from being a self-defense tool. Others can also be used for shattering glasses. Meanwhile, some will have a built-in flashlight and sun gun.
Tips and Tricks for Using Expandable Batons
It is not enough that you use the best expandable baton. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of this self-defense tool:
- Know where to position the baton when carrying it. This will depend on which you are most comfortable with. The most important is to put it somewhere it is easy to access and quick to deploy when necessary.
- Be familiar with how your expandable baton works. Right out of the box, inspect the product. Learn how to deploy the baton so you will know what to do when the time comes that you need it. Read the manual that comes with the baton.
- Keep a firm grip. Hold the baton with as much force as you can while being flexible. The stronger your grip, the stronger is the force that you will apply when you hit the attacker with the baton.
- Learn where to strike. As an expandable baton is meant to be a non-lethal weapon, do not hit on the head. The best parts to hit are the hands, arms, and legs, which can temporarily disable the attacker as you find a safe spot.
You might also want to read our guide on improvised weapons for self-defense.
Conclusion
If we have to pick a winner, it would be Streetwise Expandable Stun Gun Baton. It has a built-in stun gun, which makes it a great tool for self-defense. Not to mention, it has a built-in flashlight with five lighting effects.
