Friday, August 28, 2020

The Best Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation

Best Panic Button
SL Force personal alarmSL Force Alarm
  • 130 dB siren
  • Built-in flashlight
  • Keys and bag clip
  • 130 dB siren
  • Built-in flashlight
  • Keys and bag clip
Best Wearable
invisawear-smart-jewelryInvisaWear Smart Jewelry
  • Texts location to emergency contacts
  • Lasts one year without charging
  • Texts location to emergency contacts
  • Lasts one year without charging
Best Multi-tool
Atomic Bear Tactical PenThe Atomic Bear Tactical Pen
  • Convertible design
  • Military-grade aluminum
  • Glass breaker tip
  • Convertible design
  • Military-grade aluminum
  • Glass breaker tip

Use Personal Safety Gear That Fits Your Needs 

There’s no uniform look for personal safety gear, but all the best tools feel a bit James Bond. We found super loud sirens, necklaces that text your friends, and even a pen that can break glass. The best self defense gear is tough, compact, and multifunctional—and these gadgets fit the bill.

We chose the SL Force Alarm as the best personal safety equipment because it suits the most people. It’s safe for kids and adults alike. The alarm comes with multiple units, so you can share with friends, coworkers, children, and family. Once activated, the SL Force releases a blaring 130 dB alarm (imagine standing next to a jet taking off). 

Like personal safety devices, personal emergencies come in many forms. So we wanted to find products that had more than one use like flashlights that can find your keys.  

Best Personal Safety Devices

Compare Personal Safety Devices 

List Price
Requires Batteries
Requires App
Best Panic Button
Best Wearable
Best Multi-Tool
Best Self Defense Weapon
Best Portable Door Jam
SL Force Alarm Invisawear Necklace The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen VIPERTEK Stun Gun Addalock Door Jam
SL Force personal alarm invisawear-smart-jewelry Atomic Bear Tactical Pen vipertek stun gun flashlight Addalock brand door lock
$25.00 $149.00 $9.97 $11.98 $17.95
Yes

Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
No
X
Yes
No
X
No
X
No
X
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon

*Amazon.com price as of 08/28/2020 at 10:22 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our Approach 

While all the personal safety devices we chose are unique, they’re each portable, multipurpose, and effective against attackers. 

We considered factors like batteries and apps that might cause problems in an emergency. 

If an attacker strikes, the best self defense gadgets will buy you time to escape and get help. We included tools like stun guns, but they shouldn’t be your first line of defense. Learn more about how we conduct reviews like this one from our methodology page.

Personal Safety Devices Reviews

SL Force Alarm: Best Panic Button

Best Panic Button
SL Force personal alarm

The little SL Force Alarm looks like your average key fob, but has the alarm power of a jack hammer. This device has a small key built in that sounds the alarm. Just pull out the key to activate a 130 dB siren. The locked trigger is handy because it prevents false alarms. 

The fob has detachable keychain clips and a carabiner for bags, keys, purses, and belt loops. Three AA batteries are included in your purchase to power the device.

The large button on the SL Force turns on a small LED flashlight. It’s not heavy duty, but it comes in handy for night walks with your dog or finding your keys in the dark. 

The SL Force is a smart gift for new college students, friends who walk at night, or aging parents. Attackers get a surprising earful, and you get time to escape.

Pros

  • 130 dB alarm
  • Carabiner and keychain
  • Built-in flashlight

Cons

  • Annoying, but not threatening

Invisawear Necklace: Best Wearable 

Best Wearable
invisawear-smart-jewelry

Who said personal safety gear couldn’t be gorgeous? The Invisawear is a personal safety device camouflaged as a stylish necklace, bracelet, or keychain. 

Built into its gold-plated interior, the Invisawear has a Bluetooth chip that connects to your phone. When paired with the app, you can add emergency contacts or contact 911 dispatchers. 

Its battery lasts up to a year without charging, but we saw reports of up to two years. The good news is once the battery dies, you can replace it for a discounted price. But style and safety come at a steep price. Expect to pay at least $100 for jewelry like this.

Pros

  • Stylish camouflage
  • Fast, subtle access to emergency contacts
  • Fast access to 911

Cons

  • Expensive

The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen: Best Multi-Tool 

Best Multi-Tool
Atomic Bear Tactical Pen

The Atomic Bear is a convertible tactical safety device that morphs into an actual working pen and glass breaker. 

The sturdy aluminum casing protects the pen on one side and forms a hard point on the other. The tungsten glass breaker can shatter glass and defend you in an emergency. The tip is also strong enough to engrave wood, metal, and glass. It can also open boxes (you know, for gift exchange emergencies).

It comes with a carrying case that would make G.I. Joe jealous, spare ink cartridges, and access to an online self defense class. All of these features are awesome for adults of all ages, but we wouldn’t recommend this device for kids.

Pros

  • Practical and useful
  • Multipurpose tool
  • No batteries or phones required

Cons

  • Not for kids

VIPERTEK Stun Gun: Best Self-Defense Weapon 

Best Self Defense Weapon
vipertek stun gun flashlight

The VIPERTEK stun gun is only a little bigger than a magic marker, but stops attackers in their tracks with its bright light and electrical popping. If that isn’t enough, the high voltage shock from the VIPERTEK will buy you time to strike and escape. 

This rechargeable stun gun is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket and is made of tough aircraft grade aluminum. It doubles as a 350 lumen flashlight for other emergencies too. 

Stun guns aren’t a great self defense choice for everyone. They can be dangerous and shouldn’t fall into the hands of kids, so you’ll have to be careful where you hide it. 

Products like these are considered weapons in some states, so check your local laws to find out more. Hawaii, New York, and Rhode Island have banned the devices, and restrictions apply in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Mississippi.

But if you want a heavy duty, multipurpose stun gun to keep in your purse or car, the VIPERTEK flashlight is an affordable choice.

Pros

  • Serious self-defense tool
  • Doubles as flashlight
  • Rechargeable batteries

Cons

  • Not for kids
  • Not allowed everywhere

Addalock Door Jam 

Best Portable Door Jam
Addalock brand door lock

Not all personal safety gear has to be defensive, though. The Addalock door jam plays offense as a portable lock for hotels, rentals, dorms, and Airbnbs. If you travel often or live alone, having a secure lock on your door is important. 

The Addalock takes seconds to install as long as your door has a strike plate. Use it on doors without a deadbolt for extra security or take it with you if you’re staying in a hotel. 

It doesn’t work on all doors, but it’s a handy device to prevent intruders and keep unwanted visitors out.

Pros

  • Portable
  • No-tools installation

Cons

  • Not compatible with all doors

Other Personal Safety Devices Worth a Look

We found a few other personal safety devices worth your attention. 

If the Atomic Bear tactical pen isn’t what you’re looking for in a keychain device, check out Wild Kat Keychains. This cute kitty-shaped key chain has two pointy ears for warding off attackers. Simply slip your fingers through the holes and hold onto the device. 

The Elzama Pocket Scarf has a hidden pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or cash safe while traveling. It’s stylish (especially with an Invisawear bracelet) and is a good travel companion when venturing alone or abroad. We also recommend keeping a personal first aid kit in your car or bag for emergencies. You never know when you or a passenger will need assistance.

Pepper spray is another popular option. It’s compact, powerful, and locks to avoid engaging in your purse or bag. Check out our review on the best pepper sprays to see our top picks.

Final Word on Personal Safety 

Personal safety doesn’t just mean buying cool gadgets. Practicing personal safety can mean anything from buckling up to creating an emergency kit at home. The best way to prevent an emergency is using common sense. 

And while self-defense gear is cool, it should never be considered a toy. These are products we hope you never have to use. If you want something for self-defense, choose something powerful and portable that will get you out of a situation fast and on your way to help.

Personal Safety Devices FAQ 

How common are robberies?

The FBI reported over 282,061 robberies in 2018. While 280K is a big number, there’s good news. The rate for 2018 is 12% lower than 2017 and 12.6% lower than 2014. 

So while robberies do happen, the rate has dropped over the last few years. 

Even if you don’t run into threats in your own neighborhood, carrying a personal safety device can help in those unexpected emergencies. 

What should I do if someone attacks me on the street?

We hope this never happens to you, but if it does, remember to keep your cool and don’t panic. If you’re in public, make lots of noise. Yelling “No,” or “Stop” repeatedly will catch attention from anyone nearby. But if that doesn’t work, an alarm keychain like the SL Force Alarm can scare off attackers and signal for help from others. 

If you’re alone, defend yourself, get away as fast as possible, then get help. You can find self-defense videos and tutorials to help you prepare. 

What’s the best way to learn self defense?

The internet is full of self-defense classes and tutorials from trained instructors. You can also find classes from local gyms and martial arts establishments where you can learn in person.

Sources 

  1. Stun Gun Buyers Guide, “Stun Gun Laws by State

Disclaimer 

Amazon.com list price as of 08/28/2020 10:21 (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post The Best Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation appeared first on SafeWise.

No comments:

Post a Comment