What is the best size ASP Baton to have for protection?

Question

i want to be able to carry it in my pocket, but i want it to be long enough also.

Answer 1

22 auto mag. Small and hits harder than a .38

Answer 2

Keep in mind that the ASP, or any compact baton, is an "illegal weapon" and it's a felony to carry in many states, California being one of them.

I have the 29" and it does what it needs to.

Answer 3

one that is attached to a .45

Answer 4

What fits best in the pocket you are going to use?  Can you get the ASP out of the pocket quickly and smoothly while under stress? That is your answer.

Answer 5

Smart fellow, choosing a baton over a knife (which stink for protection if you ask me).  And some of us live in places where gun permits are NEVER given.

I've obsessed over the best baton to carry for while, so I'll share some pointers I have learned:

Comfortable concealment is dependent on the season and your clothing at the time.  Summer is the hardest time.  You either need a baggy shirt, or need to carry the baton inside or under something like a backpack or f***y pack.  The good news is, the profile of a baton is not obviously a weapon (it's just a cylinder after all) so their shape does not attract much attention.

One trick I found that really works is to stick the baton in your waistband near your hip bone, with the tip pointed at your crotch.  It is practically invisible and can be pulled very fast.  Just wrap something around the pommel end so it does not slide down your pant leg.

Keep in mind, these things are heavy and they can get uncomfortable if you just drop them in a pocket.

I generally prefer the short, 16-17" batons if I carry in a pants or jeans pocket.  Any bigger than that, and it sticks out the top, and tends to drag my pants down by its weight.

If you are wearing a coat, a belt pouch or holster carry is better, or if you have a big coat pocket.  Then you can carry larger ones up to 22".  Larger than 22" is basically a "riot stick" which is not very useful to civilians.  They're so long that you can have trouble swinging them fast enough, they are hard to use in confined spaces, and they become very hard to use when your attacker gets right up in your face.

One other thing is, smaller batons, because they are less of a burden, are more likely to be carried.  The one time you get attacked is going to be the time you decided not to bring it.

I prefer the Monadnock Autolocks over ASPs now that I'm a civie, because you can extend then quietly with your fingers, and collapse them by just pushing a button.  However, they are heavier (hits harder, but also harder to carry) and more expensive, so work within your budget.