Today we will discuss the use of the extendable baton also known as a telescopic baton. We will cover the advantages and disadvantages of this weapon. The expandable baton was invented as a weapon for military, police and security personnel as a non-lethal self defense weapon. It is a great self defense tool that can be used to activate pressure points, leverage while applying joint locks and separating from pinch pressures. In appearance, the extendable baton looks better on a police officer or security guard than the normal night baton.

The expandable baton is made of aluminum and is 16 to 21 inches long when fully expanded. Retracted, the cane is approximately 7 inches long with a rubberized handle. It is about 50% lighter than the traditional standard police baton, but only loses about 2% of the effectiveness of a standard police baton.

When they move downward, all three tubes fully expand. When attacked, the baton can be used to strike many areas of the body, such as the common peroneal nerve, causing the attacker’s legs to collapse. The baton can be used folded or fully expanded. It is ideal for launching into the lower abdomen to create distance between you and an attacker. The expandable baton is a very valuable self-defense tool, but should only be carried when permitted by applicable laws. Although the expandable baton was created for non-lethal self defense, it can cause permanent bodily injury or even death. It is recommended that you check with your local law enforcement agency before purchasing and carrying any self defense weapon. After you have determined that you are allowed to carry any type of weaponry, a professional instructor is advised which, in some cases, may be required by law.

I have used the extendable baton on one occasion where it was a disadvantage compared to a traditional police baton. In this situation I was sunk in the depths of the water, once I was able to get the cane out of my holster it would not expand and rendered it useless. This was a very unusual circumstance, however, if he had tried to expand the witness in a training session, he would have responded differently to the assailant. Although it was ineffective after being submerged in my situation, using it after being exposed to rain or snow will not decrease its chance of expanding properly.