Need some advice about a collapsible baton

G

GraysonK

Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
153
Hi guys,

I would like to get one of those collapsible batons to carry in a sheath attached to my bike when I go riding. I got hassled the other day and luckily a couple of guys came along and ran the guy off. He hadn't done anything to me yet, but he was harrassing me, jumped out in front of me while I was on my bike, grabbed my handle bars, etc.
Anyway, the situation rocked me, big time, as much as I hate to admit it. I would like to get one of those collapsible batons. The ones that are about 6" to 8" long and extend to about 14" or 16" inches. I have pepper spray, but if I'd have used it that day I probably would have gotten some of it too because it was so windy. I do have some self defense training, but would feel better if I had something else.
So my question: where is a good, reputable place to purchase one? Is there any particular brand? I know that they are heavy (my dad used to have one and it saved his butt a few times) but it will be on the bike, in easy reach, not on me. I'll gladly bear the extra weight. So anyway, any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks I appreciate it. I hate, hate, hate that this is necessary but alas it's the world we live in I guess.
Thanks,
Gray
 
Check your local laws. There are many places where collapsible batons are not legal to carry and could land you in a lot of hot water. For non-lethal self-defense I would recommend bear spray instead.
 
You can Google ASP or Monadnock batons. There are several other manufacturers as well. Here in CA a person might be charged with a felony for carrying one of those. Heed the advice above and do some legal research before buying one. And don't just call the police---check the law yourself.

When I used to ride in "iffy" areas or where dogs were a problem, I'd carry my bicycle lock and chain across my handlebars. I discouraged a couple ankle biters with it. It would have been hard to question why I was carrying a bike lock & chain while biking.

DancesWithKnives
 
If you decide to go with the collabsible baton then my rec is for an ASP airweight model. The previous psters idea for bikelock/chain is also a very good one and may c ause you less legal issues.
bike safe
 
I would second checking your local laws to see if they are or not legal for you to carry. If they are, then I would suggest you get an ASP baton.
 
The ASP Airweight mentioned by edgetrip feels the best to me (26" length) because I spent a fair amount of time training with Escrima sticks. [The length and weight are similar.] However, the Monadnock Autolock does not rely on mere friction to keep it extended and, for that reason, many baton users prefer it to the ASP friction locking models.

DancesWithKnives
 
Thanks guys. I do like the bike lock idea and that would be multifunctional. :) I hate to sound stupid, but where exactly could I look that up? Concealed carry laws? Knife laws? Or just general weapon law? I'm in WV if that helps. Thanks again, Gray
 
www.romingerlegal.com. Click on your state, then click on WVA Codes. That's one way to access your state codes. There are also other access services available. Or you can just Google "West Virginia Codes" or "West Virginia Statutes" or West Virginia Laws", etc.

You could also Google something like "West Virginia weapons laws" and see what comes up.

DancesWithKnives
 
Well from what I understand, the baton would be illegal for me to carry. But that's probably a good thing. I guess I'll jsut get myself a cannister of pepper spray and hope that I never have to use it. I don't carry my knife with me when I ride because of self defense, i carry it because I've had cause to cut stuff before. I carry my breacher bar too and actually used it a couple of times. Most recently to chop up a large branch that had fallen across the trail that I couldn't move in one piece. I'm probably over reacting, but that situation really scared me the other day. Anyway, thanks for the advice and tips. If anyone else has any other suggestions I'd appreciate it. Thanks a lot, guys.
Gray
 
Wouldn't a large, multi-cell MagLite be a good investment? You never know when you might get stuck riding in the dark and need the added light. Plus, they may function as a defensive tool if needed. Not that I have ever tried it, but they look like they could fit the bill and certainly have substantial weight to them...
 
What I wish I had bought about ten years ago was a flashlight Cold Steel was then marketing. It had a very thick-walled aluminum housing and used 7 AA batteries, if I recall correctly. That made it close to the thickness of an Escrima stick and very fast for a flashlight. Unfortunately, I passed.:(

DancesWithKnives
 
GraysonK said:
Hi guys,

I would like to get one of those collapsible batons to carry in a sheath attached to my bike when I go riding. I got hassled the other day and luckily a couple of guys came along and ran the guy off. He hadn't done anything to me yet, but he was harrassing me, jumped out in front of me while I was on my bike, grabbed my handle bars, etc.
Anyway, the situation rocked me, big time, as much as I hate to admit it. I would like to get one of those collapsible batons. The ones that are about 6" to 8" long and extend to about 14" or 16" inches. I have pepper spray, but if I'd have used it that day I probably would have gotten some of it too because it was so windy. I do have some self defense training, but would feel better if I had something else.
So my question: where is a good, reputable place to purchase one? Is there any particular brand? I know that they are heavy (my dad used to have one and it saved his butt a few times) but it will be on the bike, in easy reach, not on me. I'll gladly bear the extra weight. So anyway, any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks I appreciate it. I hate, hate, hate that this is necessary but alas it's the world we live in I guess.
Thanks,
Gray
Click to expand...

I just bought a 16" ASP this week to EDC. I suggest the ASP as well. There's a neat German baton out there that's supposidly the best but they're like $200.00. ASP has always gotten the job done for me under $70.00. I paid like $62.00 for my 16". I am currently trying to find the best horizontal belt sheath for it I can. I got one of those elastic bungee type of belt rigs and it works but I fear in time it will stretch out and the ASP will fall out. I was looking at the Maxpedition 5" Tube Sheath. It says it will fit a maximum sized flashlight of 6.25 inches. That's exactly how long the 16" is closed. And I can just run my belt through the Pals Webbing on the back for horizontal carry.

Anyone know a good horizontal sheath with a closed bottom and flap closure for the 16" that is made specifically for it?
 
"I guess I'll jsut get myself a cannister of pepper spray..."


I thought you said you already had pepper spray.

Anyways, get yourself some kind of a small zippered pouch and put a bunch of change in it. Enough so it is pretty heavy and you've got yourself a sap that you can carry ANYWHERE with you-a plane, a federal building etc. The best thing about this method is you will never have to explain yourself or justify to anyone what you are carrying. Who is going to stop you when all you really have on you is a pocketful of coins. Why you carrying five pounds of quarters? "I am addicted to vending machine snacks" or "I'm going to the casino later" or better yet "none of your god damned business".

The only thing about pepper spray or saps or batons is that you will be in relatively close proximity to your attacker. A gun is preferable.
 
I don't know the law in West Va, but here in California law enforcement officers I trained with told me they have gone after fabric containers of coins under Penal Code Section 12020 (a)(1), if they are used as a weapon or appear to be carried for that purpose. Even a sock with a heavy bar of soap in it can attract LEO attention here. Of course, this state sucks worse than most and you might be OK in WVa.

DancesWithKnives
 
I am sick and tired of this crap. If your life is in danger you knock the crap out of someone with a bag of quarters and the cops had better back you. My gosh you could have died and now your worrying about what type of self defense you can use. If someone is trying to harm you --you are entitled to defend yourself. Carry a screwdriver to fix your chain with and if somebody threatens your life punch a dozen holes in them and tell the cops he tried to kill you.
 
Yes, I'm sick of it too. One reason for planning to leave CA. I don't see why law abiding people should not be able to carry an ASP and a firearm. However, when selecting your defensive weapon it's worth considering which one poses the least legal risk in your jurisdiction.

DancesWithKnives
 
I have worked extensively with the ASP and feel it leaves something to be desired. I much prefer my Wilmoth extendable baton! Heavy like a lead pipe with a nice heavy weighted end.
 
Ive had a 16" collapsible baton for years.

An easy horizontal sheath can be made using some bike tire innertube.

I'd like to point out that you really dont wanna crack someone with one of these, they are capable of serious damage.

If you are carrying it for peace of mind and the sound it makes when you snap it open.... by all means. Carrying that much metal is always reasurring. Just be aware that when you go to use it, it is go time. Considering the weight, if you are going to carry a lethal weapon, may as well go with an icepick.
 
That Wilmoth is a really sturdy unit. One drawback for someone with escrima training is that the grip is a lot thicker than we are used to. But it's hard to beat for strength.

DancesWithKnives
 
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