Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) — the resin of ground red pepper — revolutionized the less-lethal self-defense market. Introduced in the late 1980s, OC became the top choice as a less-lethal weapon option for law enforcement and civilian use due to its effectiveness and easy cleanup, as it’s a naturally occurring substance. Before OC, the standard self-defense spray of law enforcement was Chloroacetophenone, CN “tear gas.” Commonly known as Mace, this option was effective but also caused discomfort for officers during suspect transport. Lingering microscopic CN crystals from an offender’s skin and clothing continued to be released into the air.
I experienced the game-changing power of OC spray firsthand during my early days as a police officer. A suspect resisting arrest assumed I was armed with traditional Mace. A single mist of OC spray to his face brought him to the ground, where he apologized profusely. The incident appeared to have a lasting impression, as we never had another problem with him.
Fox Labs OC Sprays
In 1993, Fox Labs introduced 2 million Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) aerosol defense sprays to the market. SHUs determine the intensity of the OC as opposed to the percentage of OC in a spray. When I tested various OC sprays on police academy cadets, Fox Labs products continuously came out on top. At the time, they offered a foam form to occlude vision and a cone fog delivery system for more rapid takedown. Both options worked better than the typical stream system. Fox Labs products also included a spring-loaded safety cap that kept the activation button covered. This allowed the defensive spray to be carried in a pants pocket and ensured the canister was only discharged when pointed away from the user.
In May of 2022, Byrna Technologies acquired Fox Labs International, building upon its already strong market position. Byrna has its own line of OC spray called Bad Guy Repellant, featuring a mixture of OC, tear gas and UV dye. Fox Labs brings over three new product formulations.
- Fox Labs One Point Four
Carried by police, correctional officers and the U.S. military, this legacy formula uses 5.3 million SHUs and doubles the pepper content, bringing the Major Capsaicinoids to almost blistering levels. The One Point Four also includes invisible UV marking dye for suspect identification. It is available as a cone fog spray with an 8-foot range or a stream spray with a 16-foot range in 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 16-ounce canisters. - Fox Labs Five Point Three
This line contains the Fox Labs 2% formula using 5.3 million SHUs. It is Fox Labs’ most-carried formula by law enforcement worldwide. The Five Point Three includes invisible UV marking dye for suspect identification. It is available as a cone fog spray with an 8-foot range or a stream spray with a 16-foot range in 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 12- and 16-ounce canisters. - Fox Labs Mean Green
The Mean Green formula contains 3 million SHUs and is so purified, that it is nearly clear before dye is added. The green staining dye is distinctive from all other formulas on the market and makes assailant identification much easier. It is available as a cone fog spray with an 8-foot range or a stream spray with a 16-foot range in 0.5-, 1.5- and 3-ounce canisters.
Aiming and Firing the Fox Lab’s Flip Top Canisters
Canisters ranging from 1.5 to 4 ounces are what I classify as personal defense sprays, designed to deal with a limited number of attackers and be carried discreetly. A 12- or 16-ounce canister would be best for crowd dispersion or bear defense while hiking. Two ounces is a standard law enforcement belt carry size. I purchased the One Point Four formula in a 2-ounce cone fog canister for testing. The cone fog’s wider spray swath ensures you hit your target, while the size allows it to easily fit in a vest, waist pack or jeans pocket. The One Point Four formulation is in high demand by law enforcement and has the highest heat delivery on target.
In my experience, the best way to accurately fire the flip-top canister of Fox Labs pepper spray is to wrap your fingers tightly around the canister, holding it in a “fist grip.” Make sure your index finger is resting below the nozzle so the spray isn’t blocked when you fire it. From that position, slide your thumb straight forward under the flip top spring lid, which will move up automatically. This position keeps your wrist and hand aligned forward at the intended target. This grip allows for more control of the canister than a “hairspray grip,” which uses the index finger to spray. Aiming with the index finger also points the self-defense spray down and away from a target’s head.
Fox Labs products are made in the U.S. and have been used by cops and civilians for more than 30 years. These self-defense sprays are better than any pepper spray you can pick up in the checkout line of a big box store. After 25 years of testing various OC sprays, I can comfortably assert Fox Labs are the best I have used. The Fox Labs One Point Four 2-ounce spray canister retails for $22.99.
Sources
Byrna: Byrna.com
Fox Labs: FoxLabs.com
