Item #48 in Martial Arts

Item #48 in the top 100 in: Sports & Outdoors- Martial Arts

Expandable Spring Baton

Made by Ippon Supplies

Sales Rank on Amazon.com: 27002

Average Review: 3.5 stars

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See more items in: Sports & Outdoors: Martial Arts

Amazon.com Reviews

Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

The following review received 46 helpful votes out of 50 total votes:
Review Date: 2005-12-14
"Is that a sjambok in your pocket?"

An expandable baton is a "less than lethal" weapon which can break bones, cripple, and possibly even kill. Conversely, a "spring baton" barely meets my definition of a weapon at all, as it is nearly impossible to inflict a serious injury with one ("You'll put an eye out with that thing!"). Think of it as a "kinder, gentler expandable baton" which you can give to your pacifist girlfriend who's too inept to safely own a can of Mace. Hit someone as hard as you can with one of these toys and it'll hurt real bad -- it might very well leave welts -- but it's unlikely that your adversary will require emergency medical assistance.

I like this particular baton because it is well engineered, has a shock-absorbing / temperature-resistant grip, and a wrist lanyard to prevent it from slipping out of your sweaty mitt whilst enthusiastically whalin' away.

The 17" version is the one you probably want, as it is lightweight, compact, and fits nicely in one's jacket pocket without making it noticibly hang down on that side. The 23" version is longer and heavier, and can only be carried in a purse or beltpack (unless you don't mind having it stick outta your back pocket) -- it is excellent for engaging multiple opponents on the street, but too long to utilize effectively in a hallway, subway car, or bus.

Please note that your spring baton will not come with instructions, so I shall tell you how to use it here: 1.) Grasp the handle and draw it from pocket or parcel; 2.) Swing your wee li'l fist so it crosses in front of adverary's ugly mug -- baton should extend instantly, connecting with adverary's jaw or cheekbone; 3.) Briskly swing baton to and fro in a fanlike motion, as hard as you can, connecting with head, trunk, and limbs; 4.) Repeat step 3, as required to effect incapacitation or escape; 5.) Firmly tap weighted tip directly into hard surface, collapsing baton into handle.

This device is a pain generator rather than a bone breaker, a scourge rather than a bludgeon. Unlike the heavy lead impact zone of a blackjack, the weighted tip of a spring baton is merely a lightweight aluminum button which might chip a tooth, but certainly won't shatter a mandible. Your boots would inflict significantly more damage. However, the psychological edge of being "armed", combined with the knowledge that there is no risk of accidentally killing or crippling your adversary, allows one to deliver an effective and guilt-free a**-whuppin! Great for repelling punks, junkies, trolls, and assorted lightweight vermin who might accost you on the street after sundown. Just don't pull it on a paratrooper, biker, ex-con, or speed freak . . . it'd just piss 'em off. 4 stars

The following review received 10 helpful votes out of 13 total votes:
Review Date: 2007-01-26
"Was this for real?"

I bought this collaspsible "baton" for my wife thinking that she may find it handy warding off an unfriendly dog or somesuch on her frequent walks about town. When I opened the box upon its arrival, I was in for a rude reality slap-in-the-face. This "baton" as it turned out, is much more like a large, collapsible, spring door-stopper than a self-defence weapon. In fact, if one were actually to use this thing against something like an angry dog, not only would one end up with dog bites, one would probably get whacked a few times by one's own "baton" bouncing off the dog and springing back at one with a fury. This thing, that is, "baton," could be fairly dangerous, only not to anyone but the person wielding it. 1 star

The following review received 1 helpful votes out of 2 total votes:
Review Date: 2007-03-15
"Self-defense baton"

Realize first off that this baton is manufactured with a spring-like material, not solid metal like a large majority of baton are made of. It still perform as a baton is intended to, but in my opinion, should not be used by a person that does not have previous experience with baton class self-defense weapons. Otherwise, it is a good product with an above average price. 5 stars

The following review received 0 helpful votes out of 1 total votes:
Review Date: 2007-05-17
"Spring Batton"

The batton expands very well, even though I'm not sure if a spring batton will stop an attack or if the spring hit will just pieced off a little bit more the enemy.

If the batton is not properly expanded, it will easily retract we you need it expanded. 3 stars

The following review received 0 helpful votes out of 1 total votes:
Review Date: 2008-01-18
"Wonderful Fast Service"

Product was in flawless brand new condition. Was exactly as expecting. Great Price and Very Fast Shipping. I will recomend this seller to ALL!! A+ Rating. 5 stars