Personal safety is always a concern, especially for women who find themselves alone in an unfriendly environment. They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but pepper spray could very well prove to be a girl’s second best friend, especially when her man isn’t around.
Concerned about the safety of my girlfriend (fiancée), I recommended she keep a handy bottle of pepper spray with her. She opted for a small, yet effective bottle of Ms. Whoop Ass. Ms. Whoop Ass Pepper Spray comes with a pink case, and contains 17% pepper spray, in a water based solution, delivering four million scoville heat units (this means it burns, a lot).
Ten Dollar Whoop Ass Pepper Spray
The advertisements for pepper spray usually include a statement that it will stop attackers in their tracks. Wanting to find out for myself just how effective pepper spray really is, I decided to test it out on myself while visiting my son.
For those of you that carry some form of spray for protection, my findings may surprise you.
Do not try this at home, this was conducted by trained professionals with high tolerances for pain.
Ms. Whoop Ass Pepper Spray Specifications
Cost: $10.00
% Pepper Spray: 17%
Scoville Heat Units: 4 Million
Used as a defense mechanism by law enforcement, pepper spray has proven an effective alternative for personal defense.
Pepper spray is legal to possess and carry in most states, however, check with your local law enforcement office or your states Attorney General for any regulations your perspective state may have.
Some states may also have restrictions such as size, age and amount of concentration.
The Urban Cowboy Gets Pepper Sprayed
Notice how my son looks like he his enjoying the role as defender just a little too much? I couldn’t see it, but I know he was laughing the entire time.
Nothing beats pepper for the sinuses
Nothing like pepper spray to clear the sinuses!
8 Second Ride with the Pepper
It took a good eight to ten seconds before The Urban Cowboy began to feel the effects. Of course, this window could be a lot shorter for others…or larger for those either high or inebriated, something to consider. If you are forced to resort to unleashing pepper spray on someone, I highly recommend running immediately afterwards.
The time I had before being incapacitated was enough to inflict serious to fatal injuries.
A Towel to the Rescue
Once the pepper spray’s effects took hold, I was unable to open my (burning) eyes for about 20 minutes. It took around two hours for the (intense) burning sensations to fully dissipate.
This is after dowsing my face first with a wet towel, followed by milk, then a shower.
In summary: I feel pepper spray is an effective alternative for personal protection with one caveat…run immediately after using. I personally had enough time before being incapacitated to inflict serious to fatal injuries had the person spraying me stood in one spot without running.
How many carry a form of pepper spray for personal protection? Let us know what you think the effectiveness of pepper spray is.
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{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked. I can’t believe you did this to yourself. I’m not sure if you’re insane or… no, that’s it. Insane. However, on a serious note, I carry pepper spray of a very similar variety. I had no idea it took that long for an effect. Really, really good to know. So… thank you. (Even though I still think you’re a bit nuts.)
I admit, it sounds extreme, but if this post helps someone who finds themselves in an unfortunate circumstance that forces them to rely on a similar spray, then it is well worth it.
Plus, I wanted to ensure that my FIANCÉE could see for herself the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of pepper spray.
First off, I want to say, congrats that the gf is now fiancee!! I’m glad it’s working out and you are happy.
That is just fantabulous!
Thanks for the info on the pepper spray. I never carried it before cuz I don’t live in a high crime area and I’m rarely out at night, plus I had little girls at home who could get into it, but it’s good to know in the event I ever start carrying it. I’m surprised it takes so long to take effect, I would think that would be immediate.
Congrats again!!
Thanks Raven! Like I said, the effects could be immediate or longer depending on the individual. In any case, I would run also.
Did I miss something you are engaged??? Wow that was fast…Congratulations!
I would say maybe if the attacker was closer it may work faster??? NOt sure…
I don’t carry Pepper spray…I know I should…
So this is the chick that split then…Gotcha…Good luck to ya!
Yes, that is right…not necessarily fast, as we have been together for a while, a very bumpy period of time, but all is well now.
I was about six feet away, and stood for a while to get a good blast so I don’t know.
Yes ma’am.
Congratulations, Urban Cowboy! And how awesome that you would do your own test to see how effective the spray is! Super information for anyone contemplating its effectiveness.
Hi ya Talon, and thanks!
No pepper spray. Carry a 9 with 14 loaded. But according to all the guys that have seen me shoot – they don’t want me pointing it at them…….
I myself prefer my 45, and she usually carries a 38, but there are places and circumstances where a firearm is out of the question, and that is where the pepper spray would come into play.
I wouldn’t want you pointing your 9 at me either!
I carry pepper spray and a knife. I can handle a handgun and a shotgun well also. Since my bf is a Marine most people expect no less from me.
Right on Char! Hopefully you will never have to resort to either.
Ok that was informative. Now go back and try the heavy purse beating. Of course a tazer would be interesting for all your readers too.
Is pepper spraying a couch potato legal in Illinois? I need to check on that.
I actually plan on testing a taser out in the future! As far as the couch potato…I guess if you like BBQ?
You are a very brave man. Thank you for testing this stuff. This was excellent information and I think I need to give this to all the women in my life as a Christmas gift. Great advice on the running away!
Hi Debby, I was actually expecting to be rendered helpless as soon as being sprayed, so I was surprised when I was actually able to continue for approximately ten seconds afterwards. I think it opened the eyes of the women who were present, also.
Ouch, ouch, ouch!
I had no idea that pepper spray took that long to work. Good to know!
Depending on the individual, could be shorter or longer. Either way, I would run if I had to actually resort to using it. Yea, it BURNED!
Brian, please don’t take this the wrong way but I don’t want you to get hurt again and I am concerned that you are engaged already. Are you going to share with us how this happened so fast?
I’m impressed that you were brave enough to endure pepper spray! It is scary to know it takes so long to work.
Hi Skye, thanks for your concern.
Yes, I will be posting more in the future, right now I have been getting prepared for the move to Texas and of course our relationship. I know it seems fast, but in reality we were discussing the possibility before, now that we are together again we have a renewed sense of what really is important to the both of us.
Okay, I’m officially freaked out, as I would have assumed the effect would take place immediately!
And you never told us more about your new fiancee! I know, it’s personal, but you said you would in that previous comment, and it turns out I’m quite nosy and want to hear about it!
I will probably have a whole post on it in the near future. Just been busy, getting ready to move back to Texas, and all.
I’m w/ Ramona – .357 here.
Now that is a handgun!
That was entertaining. What if she gets a taser? The kind with the prongs that stick in your skin?????????????? I’m just saying, we need to see how that works too. LOL. I dont carry pepper spray, the reason being is in Oklahoma the wind blows all the time. I was always afraid it would blow it back into my face and I have found my gun seems to work better.
Your son did seem to enjoy that just a tad.
I hear ya on the wind in Oklahoma, I worked in Lexington for almost a year.
I am actually going to test a taser in the future. Anything to make sure the ladies know exactly what to expect.
I do think my son was enjoying himself.
Immediately the song by Salt & Peppa (pun not intended) comes to mind –
What a man, what a man, what a man
What a mighty good man!!!
Why thank ya Holly {kissing hand}.
First of all, congrats on your engagement. Wish you all the best.
Second, Are you nuts?…lol Seriously though, testing that stuff was a good idea, I just don’t think that I would want to be the one to do it. Your son did seem to enjoy that.
I live in a very small town, don’t carry pepper spray
Thanks ann! It was all for a good cause, plus…who lets their son pepper spray them? I’m sure he had more fun than he will admit.
Great there goes another awesome guy off the market…
I don’t carry anything, and I probably should since I walk the back alley to work in the morning and it is scary. I asked my dad about some form of protection since I live alone, but I am not really sure if a gun is the best choice for me… I mean could I really shoot someone in the face? Would they take it from me and shoot me in the face? I fired a shotgun before and it about knocked me on my ass. Yeah, maybe I should just get the pepper spray. But do you think the attacked will wait while I try to dig it out of the bottom of my purse?
I wouldn’t recommend carrying a gun if you are inexperienced or uncomfortable with handling and shooting one.
I would recommend pepper spray, when you are in a ‘scary’ place, simply have it at the ready.
I got three words…LUN A TIC!
UP
Thank ya kindly, UP!
You’re crazy! And I love it! I think it’s cool that you did that to prove to us women how effective it works.
Congrats on the engagement (I’ve been a blogging flake lately and missed the news…haven’t tweeted with you either!) and the upcoming move! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
Hi Natalie, I have been flaking lately also, just been really busy with all the changes happening with me right now. Thank you much…{kissing cheek}
OMG. I can’t believe you did that! Although, I have to say, I am much more likely to trust the results you reported than had I seen the same information in a commercial promoting such a product.
I don’t carry anything. Too trusting, I guess.
Every individual’s needs are different. If you don’t find yourself in environments that could prove dangerous, you really don’t need anything.
Brave man you are.
I used to carry pepper spray in California. I felt like California was more of a jungle than Oregon. Lol! I guess I should carry one but never felt the need to. Not with my green belt in Judo. LOLOL! Hope you’re doing well UC.
Hi Michelle, only you know if you feel the need to carry some sort of protection.
Holy crap!! Can’t believe you did it. But honestly, thank you.
Haha Jessica…you are welcome.
Interesting… experiment. lol. I don’t carry around pepper spray, but I have taken a self defense class. I also feel safer going around campus at night because I ride a bike. Some one would have to be a damn fool to jump out and take some one on a bike. Unless they want the bike. Then they can have it.
Hi Jessica, unfortunately, there are quite a few fools around.
Like Michelle, I carried pepper spray in CA. Never had to use it. This was interesting to see pictures of you actually being the recipient of the pepper spray. And good to know how much it does hurt. I would not hesitate to use it if I had any but these days I don’t feel the need for it. Sounds like you are in the middle of much change. Best wishes with all of it.
Yes, TechnoBabe…change is in the wind.
Hahahaa…See? Can’t leave you alone for a Second, Boy! And forcing MiniBoy to become involved in this dasderdly deed!!Lolol
Think I’ll stick to my taser or 38…quicker results…Hahaaaa
Hope you are well and happy sweetie! When’s the move?
Have a Wonderful weekend!!
hughugs
Hi ya Donna! I do agree that a taser or handgun is much more effective, especially when it comes to an immediate effect. I think everyone enjoyed watching me get sprayed.
The move is around the 27th of September.
Your concern for AMTuc (almost Mrs. Tuc), is a very good sign. However, you’d best cool it on the hand kissing, etc. Didn’t know it was a time delay weapon…good info.
Dude, you were in ops so you probably know this. teach her about car keys. My son’s boxing coach (cowboy & former Ranger) said, “It’s really a matter of how far are you willing to go to protect yourself and your loved ones.” So just have your keys in your dominant hand at all times. If she’s approached from the front step INTO the perp and jab their eyes out with the keys. From behind, fall back, pivot, stomp instep with her heels and start upper cutting with those keys. Sorry. didn’t mean to linger.
cmom
Howdy CityMom, anything can become an effective weapon, whether it’s a pen, keys, lighter, etc.
However, I do not feel a woman should ever step into an attacker, unless there is absolutely no other option. Distance is a woman’s best course, that is why I like the pepper spray, you are able to use it at a distance.
Wow, you are nuts!!! However, it is great information to know. Run Fast.
Hi Cowgirl! I have been called worse…I guess.
Why in God’s name would you subject yourself to that?
I carry pepper spray when I walk, but not in pink!
Hi ya secret agent woman, I have experienced worse, and really wanted to know just how effective pepper spray would be. I am glad I did, because now she knows not to just stand in one spot if she ever has to resort to using it.
I’ve been tazed. It was instantly debilitating. I was participating in our local Citizen’s Police Academy and we were offered a chance to be tazed. We were not given the maximum “dose” but I remember getting reading for the jolt and next thing I knew, I was flat on my back. Pretty awesome really. Some of the men in my group refused so we women had to do it, of course.
Hi Paula, good for you, showing those men what boys they were! I plan on reviewing a taser in the future as well.
So effective and yet so cute in it’s little pink carrying case. Um, are you insane????? I can’t believe you did that!!!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
Yes, Alex…I am insane, not really.
Thanks for the yummy love!
Ok CLEARLY I am behind on following The Urban Cowboy- I was scrolling down to comment on how brave you were to test the effectiveness of pepper spray when I caught a comment congratulating you on your engagement?!?! Clearly I’ve missed a post or two. Before I say Congrats- I have to say that I think she is one LUCKY lady. CONGRATS!!!
Thank you kindly, Angie.
WOW CONGRATS to you …
that was quick… hope you found what your lookin for in life..
hope it works for you ..me
Thank you Dottie, wishing you the very best.
OH, AGGGH!!!
I can’t stand it but.
You are right. Sorry ladies. You should NOT STEP INTO your attacker. (oh this is painful) TUC is RIGHT (dry heaves). You should always run.
In fact, shouldn’t you run even if you’re being forced into a vehicle at gunpoint? The idea being that one has a better chance of surviving an errant gun shot wound than ever getting out of a stranger’s vehicle alive. Is that right TUC? I’ll just wait here until you tell us.
cmom
You’re right on the money!
Excellent post! Thank you I am a single mom of a toddler and I have been thinking out carrying something.
also… Congrats on the engagement! Whens the wedding?
xo
-K
Thanks Kelli!
AS much as I am thankful you did this experiment… are you INSANE??? No seriously… you’re nuts? I don’t care how high of tolerance for pain you have… you ARE CA–RAY–ZEE!!!
Just Sayin.
Why thank you kindly, shelle!
Haven’t got any pepper spray designed to stop bad guys. Think the spray I’ve got to stop bears might work?
It might!
I carry pepper spray, among other “self defense tools” of a stronger sort. I believe mace is very effective depending on the setting. I would never want to mace someone in an inclosed area with them, or when I was downwind of them so to speak. I’d rather not incapacitate myself accidentally.
You are one brave dude.
And congratulations on your engagement! All the best to you!
It’s official. You’re nuts.
So thankful you didn’t get her a gun for protection. That could have been messy
Good for you!! I’m so glad you were a guinea pig, lol! I don’t carry spray, I carry a handgun, but I’ve always been curious about the spray. I just figured I’d end up spraying myself with it, but I’m not likely to shoot myself, so I went that route. I have however, shocked myself with the dog’s shock collar, and let’s not do that again! lol
You’re always very interesting, and I love the pics. Totally made me laugh this morning!