Everyone deserves to feel safe and I’m thankful that in America, we have the right to defend ourselves! On the Elegant & Armed blog, I often talk about concealed carry as an option for self-protection, but I recognize that not everyone wants to (or can) carry a firearm. Because of that, I think it’s important to share other options as well. I truly believe there’s always something you can do to be a little safer.

Which leads me to introduce, TASER Self-Defense, a company that makes self-defense devices that are small, lightweight and easy to use. When they offered to send their Pulse + in exchange for an honest review, I was totally on board! Not only because I was curious about the product, but I also respect their values. They believe, every person should feel comfortable and prepared to maximize their safety and keep their loved ones safe. That’s exactly what they’re helping people do.

What is the Pulse +?

The Pulse + is a stun gun that launches two prongs up to a distance of 15 feet. Unlike other stun guns that rely on pain to stop a threat, the Pulse + creates a nervous system override. In other words, the attacker will temporarily be unable to move. The duration of this non-lethal “freeze” is 30 seconds, giving you time to lay the device on the ground (to avoids interrupting the electrical circuit) and run to safety!

Package comes with the stun gun, 2 cartridges, and a practice target.

Features

Replacement Cartridge- Load the cartridge here. When the trigger is pulled without a cartridge, an electric arc is formed. This can be pressed up against an assailant, but should only be used as backup, since it would require closer proximity to the threat.

Battery Indicator Light- This light lets you know the health of the battery. Never get caught with a low charge!

Safety- When the safety switch is on, you can carry the Pulse + in confidence that the prongs wont’ pop out unexpectedly. What I like most about this feature is that it’s obvious when the tool is ready to fire. When the safety is turned off, the battery indicator light, flashlight and the laser will all light up.

High Visibility Flashlight- This makes the threat easy to see and could be used to disorient an attacker.

Targeting Laser- Makes it easy to deliver an accurate shot.

Emergency Dispatch- The Pulse + is specifically designed to connect to an app on your smart phone called Noonlight. With the Noonlight membership, emergency personnel will be sent to your location immediately, whenever you fire the Pulse +. (Don’t worry, if you fire it by mistake you can cancel the request).

Sights- The stun gun includes notches at the top that can be lined up for shot accuracy. However, in a stressful moment I think people are more likely to use the laser.

Size- dimensions: 4.5” x 5” | Weight: 8oz | It’s small, light, and can fit inside my winter coat pocket.

Textured Handle for better grip.

Simple Set Up:

Connect Batteries

Connecting the battery pack was a little tedious, but the technique pictured above (which I found on Youtube), worked well! I trapped the connector to the inside wall of the device. Then I was able to use my other hand to connect the battery pack.

Once the batteries are in, turn the safety switch off and three things should light up- the Battery Status Indicator should light up, the flashlight, and targeting laser. At this point, pulling the trigger will create a loud noise and a small arc of sparks!

Load the Cartridge

Turn the safety on before loading. Remove the plastic protective covering from cartridge. Keeping the cartridge pointed in a safe direction, load into the barrel of the Pulse +. You can push it in the rest of the way with your finger, or use a hard surface like a table.

My Experience / Practice Shots

The Pulse + really was easy to set up. Honestly, the hardest part about taking the first test shot was getting over my jitters. After reading all the warnings in the pamphlet, I was admittedly nervous about pulling the trigger; but once I did, I realized there was no reason to be scared.

I recommend taking a practice shot before carrying the Pulse + as a defense tool. Part of being confident in your ability to protect yourself, is understanding the tool you’re using. Nothing gives understanding like experience! TASER Self-Defense also provides training videos on their website, which are very helpful.

Safety Precautions

The company recommends always carrying the Pulse + in a holster. They offer quite a variety of different holsters to satisfy your preference.

If taking a practice shot, make sure to wear protective eyewear.

As I would with any self-protection tool, I recommend always using the Pulse + with caution. Personally, I’ve decided to adapt the following rules (similar to the rules of firearm safety).

• Treat the Pulse + as if it’s always loaded

• Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.

• Keep the Pulse + and cartridges pointed in a safe direction.

Carrying the Pulse +

So far I’ve carried the Pulse + in my coat pocket and a purse. It’s small enough to fit in some of my concealed carry purse holsters, but not all of them. TASER Self-Defense sells a variety of holsters designed specifically for the Plus. I’d like to try one of these out in the future to see what it’s like to carry the tool on my body.

Questions that arose

While learning about the product, the following questions came to mind. Here are questions I asked the company, and their answers…

• Do I need to wear hearing protection?

No, the Pulse + makes a stunning sound, but not loud enough to damage hearing.

• Is it safe to practice hitting the target with the live cartridge?

Yes, it is safe to hit the target with the live cartridge. Make sure the Target is backed with a piece of plywood, cardboard or Styrofoam backing.

• Could the buttons on each side of the cartridge expel the prongs when pushed?

No, the buttons on the side of the cartridge do not activate the prongs. You should grip the buttons to correctly and safely remove the cartridge, whether it is a spent or unused cartridge.

• The safety pamphlet says you should not turn the TASER device on around electronics, including cell phones. How likely is it that a phone would set one off?

The TASER Pulse+ is designed to be integrated with your smartphone. Using the phone near the device would not cause it to deploy.

• Do all the holsters have a cover over the prong doors?

All holsters we sell have been tested to stop the probes from being expelled from the device when its in one of our approved holsters. Some have the cartridge doors completely covered, some – like the bladetech – are not completely covered, but are designed to stop the probes from being expelled.

Price

TASER Pulse + (comes with two cartridges) $449.99

Noonlight Membership Free for the first month, then $9.99/ month

While the Pulse + is on the pricey end, I’d consider this an investment in the safety of myself and my family. Plus, with the holidays coming soon it makes a creative, practical and proactive gift!

Conclusion

Overall, I do recommend the TASER Pulse + as a less lethal self-protection option! I like that it’s simple to use and can be integrated with the Noonlight app to get help quickly.

It’s important to be able to protect yourself AND feel comfortable with the tool you use. The Pulse + is a great option to consider, especially if firearms aren’t your thing.

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Need gift Ideas for the holidays? The TASER Pulse + makes a creative, practical, and proactive gift!

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