In places devoid of self defense measures like firearms, citizens are usually forced to defend themselves with implements such as pepper spray, tasers, and flashlights. As always, someone forced to rely on a non-lethal method of self defense should know that it probably won’t stop the attacker, but will give you enough time to run away.
Out of all the non-lethal self-defense implements one could use, such as kubotans, pepper spray, tasers, or knives, flashlights have one important advantage the others do not give: distance. Most of these non-lethal devices require you to be within melee range of your attacker, except for pepper spray, which has an effective rabe of about 8 to 12 feet depending on the brand. Even so, sprays can work against you if you’re upwind of them, and a person panicking in fear of their life may accidentally spray themselves.
Not only do flashlights give you range, but a flashlight also allows you to visually identify your attacker. This is useful for the police reports you’ll eventually have to file. What’s more, this is the one non-lethal self-defense tool you can absolutely use by mistake on someone without any dangerous repercussions. Most people might hesitate before using a taser or pepper spray, thinking “am I actually about to physically harm another person?” A flashlight, however, can be shone at chest level to check for weapons or identify whether or not a person is a potential assailant. If this is indeed the case, the flashlight can simply be raised to the assailant’s eye level to give him flash blindness.
It also helps that a flashlight helps you walk about safely at night. Since most muggings occur in the dark, you have two reasons to carry your light. Between finding your way to your car in a dark parking lot and fending off an assailant, you will most likely be using your flashlight more for the former purpose than the latter, which makes it viable for everyday carry.
In the unfortunate event of an actual attack, you will not only see your assailant and blind him, but you might also be able to sidestep an attack if you’re far enough away when your attacker charges you. An aggressor who cannot see, more likely than not, will either stop in his tracks or charge you in a straight line. You have the option to slip out of the way and make your escape.
When it comes to non-lethal self-defense options, INFORCE flashlights like the TFx provide intense, concentrated beams that make them shine as self-defense flashlights. In a world where personal safety is paramount, these powerful tactical flashlights offer the critical advantages of distance, the ability to navigate in the dark, and a strobe mode purpose-built for self-defense. INFORCE flashlights are all about practical safety in a world where it matters most.