For the month of October, we’ve been working to spotlight companies that have supported breast cancer awareness and research. With their donations reaching $100,000 in 2010, Safety Equipment Corporation became a platinum level sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. That alone would have earned them a mention this month, but they produce a variety of personal protection products that should resonate across our readership, under their SABRE Red brand of pepper sprays. (Read yesterday’s article about their Bear Attack Deterrent spray here)
Why pepper spray? Unlike a handgun, it’s non-lethal, legal to own and carry in all 50 states, and there’s minimum risk to bystanders. Although it may lack the intimidation factor of a large caliber pistol or revolver, there’s no doubt that when faced with a threat, people are more comfortable firing off some debilitating Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) into the face of a bad guy. And it doesn’t matter if they’re under the influence, or emotionally unbalanced – a shot of OC to the face will cause the eyes to swell painfully shut, providing a distraction that allows the potential victim the means to escape.
Why SABRE? With 35 years experience, they are the go-to choice for US police and sheriff departments, federal agencies, state correctional facilities, and similar agencies in more than 30 foreign countries. One of the main reasons they are so trusted is their extensive testing to ensure reliable heat specification. They can guarantee this through their in-house High Performance Liquid Chromatography Laboratory. This is not some marketing ploy. HPLC ensures that every canister delivers the goods.
SABRE offers a line of products that’s very much in line with the activities that IndustryOutsider readers are likely to enjoy. The photo below shows their Runner model (left) which has a handy adjustable strap, is good for about 35 bursts, and is designed to be easily carried in the palm of your hand. It’s available in black too, but this month is all about the ladies. The spray in the middle is their go-anywhere spray that includes a quick release key-ring and contains 25 bursts. The one on the right is their Duathlete model. It includes a reflective arm strap that ensures it’s out of the way, yet always within reach. There’s a similar option for cyclists (not shown) that attaches to a frame tube with velcro.
This is the first time we’ve ever had a lack of volunteers for product testing, so we have not personally verified the effectiveness of the sprays, but SABRE customers in the law enforcement community have done plenty of their own testing, with excellent results. We can tell you that each canister has a trigger cover or safety that positively engages and disengages for ease of use, and contains enough shots that you can test fire it a few times, as well as feel confident facing multiple threats. There are many more products in the SABRE line, including stun guns, but these should hold the most appeal to anyone that spends time outdoors and wants the peace of mind from knowing they can protect themselves against a two-legged predator.
In keeping with our goal of giving away something every week, a brand new pink canister of their Maximum Strength (the one on its side) is going to the first woman that comments with SABRE’s catchprase, which can be found at www.SabreRed.com.* While you’re there, click on the Crime Prevention 101 link, for an informative interview with David Nance of Security Equipment Corporation.
*Rules: Open to women in the US, with the exception of AK, HI, MA, or NY. Must be at least 18 years of age, and legally able to own and possess pepper spray. Please check your local laws if you’re not sure.
– Brian