Security Advantage

Tasor or Mase? How high voltage is enough for personal safety?

I want to get something for my wife for personal safety. A knife and a gun are far to much for her, so the next step is mase or a taser. Which ones are better? I realize they can both be used against but what are the pros and cons? What are the options? The Tasers I was looking at are 200,000-900,000 Volts. Voltage isn't important, its the amps that are important so how do I decide which one to get? Opinions prefered. Thanks in advance. (I also live in PA)

Public Comments

1. There are two types of tasers, the ones with fixed probes are not anywhere near as effective. To be effective, a taser needs to cause muscular disruption. This does not happen with the fixed probes, as you need separation of the two contact points to lock up the muscles. A dedicated criminal could fight through the pain of the fixed contact taser. In fact, it may aggravate the situation. The other advantage of a taser with projectiles , and mace for that matter, is you can keep a distance between you and the bad guy. Voltage is not that big of deal, it is going to be uncomfortable no matter what. Pepper spray and mace can be effective, is cheaper, is easy to use, and it is smaller and more concealable.
2. I would say Mase is better protection for an inexperienced person. It's nasty stuff and will incapacitate a perpetrator long enough to get away. In addition it is small and can be shot from 3 - 4 feet away. Keep in mind that Mase is dated and should be replaced periodically. A Taser takes some training. Is bulky to carry, especially the ones that shoot a projectile. The smaller ones you have to come in contact with the perpetrator, which is not good for an inexperienced person.