EDITOR’S UPDATE TASER PULSE+

The TASER Pulse is one of my go-to non-lethal self-defense tools. When I can’t carry my firearm this is my second option. They have recently retired the original TASER Pulse and have introduced an updated version, the TASER Pulse + (plus). Upon initial review of the tool itself it still has all the same great capabilities of its predecessor with the only difference being the latest integration with the Noonlight app through your mobile device. The Noonlight app notifies law enforcement of your location (via GPS) when the trigger is pulled.

You can watch my Instagram story highlight to hear Sarah from TASER talk about the updated device.

The SMT discount code applies to this upgraded version as well. You can use code SMT15 to save 15% off (shop TASER products here).

This post is sponsored by TASER. All opinions expressed in this post are based on my honest and personal view of the product(s). You can read more about my disclosure policies here.

It should be of no surprise to you that I'm a big advocate of women being self-reliant and being able to defend themselves with whatever tool they choose. While my journey led me to gun ownership, yours may not and that's totally okay. The great thing is that there are a variety of options when it comes to self-defense tools that don't include a firearm. One of those tools is a TASER.

WHAT IS A TASER?

A TASER is a non-lethal weapon that ejects sharp probes onto an attacker. Depending on the TASER, these probes can deliver 50,000 volts that cause a "neuromuscular incapacitation." In layman's terms, the shock from the probes causes an attacker's muscles to lock-up, rendering them somewhat immobile leaving you with an opportunity to escape.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN A STUN GUN?

The main difference between a TASER and stun gun is that a stun gun requires direct contact onto the person which means you must be within arms reach. Alternatively, a TASER shoots two probes out of the cartridge and requires you to be within 15 feet. Personally, I'd much rather have that 15-foot buffer between myself and an attacker rather than getting up close and personal. This distance means that you have some added security so you can get away and protect yourself.

FEATURES OF THE TASER PULSE

The TASER Pulse comes with two cartridges, a built-in battery, a neoprene-like sleeve, and a practice target. Each cartridge contains one set of probes that deliver around 50,000 volts in a 30-second cycle. Once you press the trigger the probes eject and that cartridge is complete. Each cartridge is a single shot cartridge. However, after that initial 30-second cycle, you can depress the trigger again to release another 30-second cycle through the probes onto the attacker. Each cartridge comes encased in a plastic shell that easily pops off when you're ready to use it. They snap into the front of the TASER device with minimal effort. However, taking them out requires a little bit more force—or at least it did for me. Additionally, I love that they have printed expiration dates on the cartridges so you know when to get new ones (they have a five year shelf life).

The TASER Pulse also has an external safety, a built-in flashlight, a target laser, and sights to make aiming and firing very easy. It's definitely a very simple device that's straightforward to use. It has a built-in battery that lasts for around 50 firings—and I certainly hope you don't ever need to use it, especially that much. There is a battery level indicator that lights up green on the rear of the TASER Pulse (see below). 

A few of the features that I like about the TASER Pulse are the safety-on battery indicator on the rear of the frame, the red laser which makes getting your sights on your target easier, and the flashlight. All these items "turn-on" when the safety is off. While the flashlight portion of this light isn't the strongest and doesn't replace an actual flashlight, it does help to illuminate the area you are aiming towards.

TASER PULSE COMPARED TO MY EVERYDAY CARRY FIREARMS

As a firearms owner and concealed carrier, I wanted to show you a comparison between my two carry guns (Glock 43 and Heckler & Koch VP9SK) and the TASER Pulse in terms of frame size and grip. For me, one of the reasons I prefer the TASER Pulse is because the Pulse is shaped like a firearm. I'm already familiar with the motions of drawing, gripping, and shooting a firearm, so this model makes the most sense for me since it's designed for concealed carry.

The TASER Pulse is sized similar to a sub-compact firearm. However, it's lightweight but still feels durable. The TASER Pulse weighs only 8 oz compared to my  Glock 43 that comes in at 16 oz and my HK VP9SK at 23 oz, both unloaded. It's nice not having that extra weight around my waist. The grip is more comparable to that of my Glock 43 in terms of size. You can see from the photos below that overall the TASER Pulse is much smaller all around compared to my carry guns.

HOW TO CARRY THE TASER PULSE

The TASER Pulse is definitely a concealed carry friendly option. There are a few companies making holsters for the TASER Pulse which I think is great. The soft case sleeve that comes with the TASER Pulse isn't one I would recommend using as a holster as it doesn't allow for quick draw access. I can see it being used to store the device for traveling or at home. 

Here, I'm using the Sticky Holster which makes a holster designed specifically to fit the TASER Pulse. If you're not familiar with Sticky Holsters, they are a brand of holsters that don't require the need for a belt or clip. The outer fabric of the holster is made from a non-slip slightly tacky material that stays in place when positioned snug between two items. In order to fit the TASER Pulse into the Sticky Holster, I needed to give it a good push to make sure that the trigger was properly covered. I honestly think that the holster could come up a bit higher on the frame. But I wasn't very concerned about it accidentally going off because of the safety lever also needing to be in the ready position before firing.

I have a Sticky Holster for my Glock 43 (read about that here) and personally, I'm more comfortable carrying the TASER Pulse in this style holster than a firearm. But it's really just a matter of what you're comfortable with and how you train.  I've carried the TASER on-body and off-body in my purse. While carrying it off-body the TASER Pulse did slip out of the Sticky Holster a little from being jostled around, but it never came out completely. 

There are a few companies that make kydex style holsters for the TASER Pulse such as Blade-Tech and Crossbreed Holsters.  Additionally, I loved that the TASER Pulse fit in my Alexo Athletica leggings using their built-in holster.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I think the TASER Pulse is a great non-lethal self-defense tool to have on hand. For those days where I can't carry my firearm I like knowing that I have another self-defense tool to grab, so I'm not left completely defenseless. While its price point is more along the range of some handguns coming in at $450 (a little less from here), is there really a limit to the price you would pay to keep yourself safe? I love this as an option for women; it's great for young and elderly women as well. You know many colleges don't allow firearms and offer up rape whistles as a means of self-defense, which I think is completely ridiculous. This could provide a little bit of peace of mind to someone who has to walk across campus late at night. It's reliable and easy to use.

I encourage you to take a moment to think about what tools you have available should you end up in an unsavory situation. The reality of the world is that evil and crazy people exist and they exist everywhere, even in a "safe neighborhood." While you don't need to run off and get a firearm, consider some less-lethal self-defense tools you can carry with you so you aren't left helpless. In the firearm world, we often live by the motto, "it's better to have a gun on you and not need it, than not have one and need it." The same thought process can be applied to any self-defense tool. 

As with all lethal and non-lethal self-defense tools it's important to not let them give you a false sense of security. Just because you have a tool on you to defend yourself doesn't mean you should let your guard down and throw situational awareness out the window. Avoidance is key to not getting into a bad situation. Always be aware of your surroundings, put your phone away, and keep your head up. 

For those that are interested in purchasing a TASER product, you can do that here. Additionally, SMT readers can save 15% off by using code ‘SMT15’.