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

Twist Top, Twist Lock, Fast Flip Top™—there are so many to choose from. Picking the right pepper spray can be overwhelming, especially considering the variety of safety tops available. Each type of top offers unique benefits to help with quick deployment in a moment of danger. Let's break down the different kinds of pepper spray tops and explain how each one works so that you can choose the best option for yourself.

In this article:

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 most common triggers on pepper spray canisters. It's featured 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. To unlock and use the spray, twist the actuator from left to right with your thumb. With a little practice, this action can be done in one fluid motion. After use, simply push the actuator back to the left to lock it to prevent accidental deployment.




Fast Flip Top™





The Fast Flip Top™ is a law-enforcement favorite for its quick deployment. It's found on products like the Fast Flip Top™ Pepper Gel, 2-in-1 Pepper Spray and Personal Alarm, and other products like the PepperLight™ and Crossfire® Pepper Spray.




To use it, 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 flip top automatically resets to the original locked position, making it easy to secure after each use.




Twist Top





More discreet pepper sprays like the Mighty Discreet™ Pepper Spray feature the Twist Top safety. The twist top operates in a simple left-to-right motion: turn it to the right to unlock the spray and press down with your thumb to activate it. Once you've deployed the spray, twist the top back to the left to lock it in place and ensure the canister is safe to carry again.




Cap Top





The Cap Top is featured on smaller, easily portable pepper sprays like the Lipstick Pepper Spray. To use it, remove the cap, ensure the actuator is pointed in the right direction, and press down using your thumb to deploy the spray. Once you're done, place the cap back on to keep the canister safe for future use.




Traditional Trigger





The Home Defense Projectile Launcher trigger is designed like a traditional firearm for easy, intuitive use. The trigger uses a rear grip safety that must be pressed to deploy the spray. Grip the pepper launcher with your palm pressed against the grip safety, then pull back on the trigger with your index finger to fire the spray. Once you're finished using the projectile launcher, release your grip, and the safety is automatically engaged.




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.




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 uses a glow-in-the-dark safety wedge. Slide the wedge back with your thumb to unlock the spray and press down on the trigger to deploy. Afterward, slide the wedge back in place to lock the spray.




Which Top is Right for You?




Determining which pepper spray is right for you depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Ultimately, you want to choose a spray you’re comfortable with in case you ever need to use it. Whichever you choose, practice is key to ensure you're prepared to use your pepper spray effectively when you need it most.