Reminiscent of a hand phaser from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Air Taser is now available to the civilian population. This self-defense unit is legal in 43 states, nonlethal, and carries an impressive 86 percent instant incapacitation rate (versus 72 for handguns). If you're concerned about self-defense - but like to draw the line at blowing someone away - you'll want to keep one of these handy at all times.
Not considered a firearm (because its probes are propelled by compressed air instead of gunpowder), the Air Taser launches two metal probes to a range of approximately 15 feet. After piercing up to 2 inches of light clothing, they feed the target's nervous system generous portions of interruptive electric signals called T-Waves. T-Waves - Air Taser Inc.'s patented technology - act as white noise on the body's neural signals, rendering your target's neuromuscular system useless for up to 15 minutes and giving you plenty of time to leave the area or call police.
Being punctured with probes is not fondly remembered by past targets. But unlike most gun and knife wounds, these injuries are superficial and cause no long-term damage. The unit puts out only 0.4 joules per pulse of electricity - the rough equivalent of the charge from a small Christmas tree light. Furthermore, the Taser output reportedly won't harm individuals with implanted pacemakers (though I have not tested this).
As an added precaution, the company requires you to register the weapon and any disposable cartridges. When you fire off a shot, the scene is sprinkled with specially coded bits of film, giving the police a handy way of tracking down who bought the weapon and the ammo. Air Taser Inc. will replace units that are damaged or abandoned after use in self-defense.
Quite simply, Air Taser is the most advanced, humane personal-defense unit available.
Air Taser: US$250, includes weapon, two cartridges, practice target, 30-minute training video, and manual. Air Taser Inc.: (800) 978 2737, +1 (602) 991 0797.
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