Different Pepper Spray Tops Explained - Which One is Right for You?

Pepper spray– and its sister product, pepper gel – are among the most common devices for personal self-defense. Both use a main ingredient called oleoresin capsicum (OC), a compound derived from hot peppers that causes intense burning sensations. Either one can be an effective deterrent against threats and provide protection at a distance, with SABRE products, especially, offering industry-leading OC strength.

Pepper gel significantly reduces any secondary exposure and sticks to the attacker. While pepper spray can be deployed in a stream or a cone/fog delivery, which requires less accuracy. From there, they share a number of similarities. This article provides a detailed guide for selecting the right canister top for you – such as Twist Top versus Fast Flip Top – which affects how the device is accessed and deployed. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation solution, as it ultimately comes down to use case and personal preference. Regardless of the selection, all offer quick deployment in a moment of danger.

Note: SABRE offers a free pepper spray replacement with the submission of a police report when you register for the SABRE Free Replacement Guarantee Program.

SABRE pepper spray tops:

1. Twist Lock
2. Fast Flip Top™
3. Twist Top
   
4. Cap Top
   
5. Pistol Grip
   
6. Traditional Trigger

Twist Lock

The twist lock top is one of the more traditional triggers on pepper spray and gel canisters. It is designed for quick unlock and prevents accidental discharge in a purse or bag when set to its safety lock position. This feature can be found on products like the Quick Release Pepper Spray with Keyring, Runner Pepper Gel, and Compact Pepper Spray with Attachment Clip.

This design includes an actuator positioned at a 45-degree angle. It’s quick to twist into the ON position with just a twist of the actuator from left to right with your thumb. With a little practice, this action can be done in one fluid motion. After use and when you’ve escaped to safety, simply slide the actuator to the off position, and seek immediate help. 

Fast Flip Top

The Fast Flip Top is a law-enforcement favorite for its quick deployment – but don’t worry, these devices are also approved for personal use. SABRE’s Fast Flip Top Spray is available on the Fast Flip Top Pepper Gel, 2-in-1 Pepper Spray and Personal Alarm, and other products like the PepperLight™ and Crossfire® Pepper Spray.

It’s easy to deploy: slide your thumb underneath the flip top to lift the safety guard, then press down to deploy the spray. Once you release your thumb, the fast flip top automatically resets to the original position.

Twist Top

More discreet pepper sprays, such as the Mighty Discreet™ Pepper Spray, use the twist top safety. This top functions similarly to the twist lock mechanism featured above, operating with a simple left-to-right motion; however, you must twist the cap to the right to unlock, then press down with your thumb to deploy. After use, twist the cap top back to the left to the off position, ensuring the canister is safe to carry again.

Cap Top

A cap top is often featured on smaller, easily portable pepper sprays, like the Lipstick Pepper Spray. Just as the name implies, simply uncap the device like you would a traditional lipstick or pen cap. Once the cap is removed, ensure the actuator is pointed in the right direction and press down with your thumb to deploy the spray. Place the cap back on the device to keep the canister safe for future use.

Traditional Trigger

Devices like the Home Defense Projectile Launcher are designed like a traditional firearm for easy, intuitive use. The trigger uses a unique grip safety that must be pressed to deploy the projectiles or spray. It’s an excellent option for people in search of less lethal self-defense options.

To activate the launcher, grip it with your palm pressed against the grip safety, then pull back on the trigger with your index finger to fire the pepper projectiles or spray. Once you’re back to safety, release your grip and the safety automatically engages. 

Pistol Grip

 

The Pistol Grip is used on larger sprays like the Home Defense Pepper Gel and Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Deterrent Spray. This top offers a more secure grip and greater control when handling large canisters. However, despite what the name might suggest, it doesn’t resemble a traditional pistol.

For the Home Defense Pepper Gel, there’s a yellow actuator with a first-use indicator. To deploy, pull out the safety pin and press down on the actuator with your thumb. After use, replace the safety pin, and the canister is safe to store again.

Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Spray uses a glow-in-the-dark safety wedge to prevent accidental deployment. To engage, slide the wedge back with your thumb to unlock the spray and deploy it by pressing down on the trigger. Slide the wedge back in place to lock the spray when it’s no longer needed

Which Top is Right for Me?

Selecting the right spray top – just like selecting the right self-defense device or carry method – comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. The most important consideration is your level of comfort, so it is accessible when you need it most. No matter what you select, practice is key to gaining the level of confidence for when you need it most. This is why SABRE offers multiple training resources and practice products to help you.