Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP®) is legendary in the law enforcement community. Established to design and provide innovative use-of-force tools and training, ASP has become a trusted name in the industry. The company’s products are covered by more than 150 patents, reflecting its commitment to cutting-edge technology and design. ASP is also dedicated to training, investing millions to offer tuition-free training programs to law enforcement officers worldwide. However, ASP also caters to the civilian market with less-lethal tools like its Sport Defender pepper spray family.

ASP Sport Defender Family

The ASP Defender pepper spray family is unique in both form and function. Engineered for horizontal use with a patented dispensing mechanism, its innovative low-profile design makes it an ideal, less-lethal option for personal safety. The Sport Defender is the newest member of this family.

The Sport Defenders are built on the proven design of the ASP Palm and Key Defenders (now known as Metro Defenders). They’re made of a tough polymer material, reducing weight while maintaining durability and strength. Likewise, they are molded with a faceted surface for a secure grip.

They feature a solid brass actuator with a keyring hole and split ring, a quick thumb-release safety, an O-ring-sealed dispersal port, and a robust, forged steel pocket clip.

There are two versions of the Sport Defender: the D1 and the D2. The D1 is 4.22 inches long, weighs 1.2 ounces, and has an approximate capacity of six half-second bursts. The D2 is 5.6 inches long, weighs 1.7 ounces, and has an approximate capacity of twelve half-second bursts.

Both disperse a cloud of OC out to around five feet between you and an aggressor (more on this later)—wind- and weather-dependent.

Unlike other self-defense sprays, Defenders are designed for horizontal use. This ensures the spray is directed accurately and reduces the chance of spraying in the wrong direction. The design also complements the “Defender Forward” stance taught in ASP’s Be Your Own Defender (BYOD) training classes.

The unique aerosol canister and valve system, known as the “Insert,” allows for this functionality.

Sport Defender Inserts

The Insert is replaceable, so when it’s used or reaches its recommended change date (indicated on the valve), you can simply replace the Insert without discarding the entire pepper spray device.

The standard ASP Defender “Heat” Insert, which comes with the Defender, contains the same OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) irritant used by law enforcement. It has a 10% concentration of 1.4% major capsaicinoids (MC). The Heat Inserts also contain UV dye for law enforcement identification, visible only under blacklight (UV-A).

For practice or safe function testing, inert “Test” spray Inserts are also available. The Test Inserts duplicate the delivery system of the active product but contain a harmless aerosol.

OC is an oil-based extract derived from chili peppers. Potency is determined by the percentage of MC, which is determined by lab testing, typically using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Higher MC concentrations result in a more effective spray, causing severe irritation and intense pain to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. As a result, it provides a critical window for escape. A 1.33% to 1.4% MC concentration is considered a high potency level for pepper sprays. This is the generally accepted standard for law enforcement due to its ability to quickly incapacitate.

Deploying the Spray

ASP employs a proprietary carrier formulation, ensuring that the active ingredients are evenly distributed and effective. The carrier also acts as a stabilizer, preventing the active ingredients from degrading over time, thus maintaining the potency and effectiveness of the spray. They’re non-flammable and non-carcinogenic.

The spray is delivered in a consistent and wide mist-like cone spray pattern. ASP calls it the “OC shield,” which is effective for multiple attackers or situations where precision aiming isn’t crucial.

It covers a larger area and allows for quick deployment, providing a defensive barrier that the aggressor has to move through, buying you time and opportunity to get away. However, it requires closer proximity to the threat, which can be a disadvantage in some situations.

Most criminal assaults occur at close range with little warning. So, having a self-defense tool effective at short distances is crucial. The wide dispersal can help compensate for the lack of precision in high-stress situations. This increases the likelihood of incapacitating the attacker and giving you a critical window to escape.

The dispersal pattern does pose an increased risk of cross-contamination, which is the unintended exposure of people or areas to the spray beyond the intended target. This can happen in several ways.

Outdoors, wind can blow the spray back towards the person deploying it or towards bystanders. Indoors, the spray can affect others in the vicinity, as the particles can linger in the air and spread. In a crowded area, it can easily affect multiple people, not just the intended target.

Using the Sport Defenders

The Defenders are designed to be held in an ice pick grip and aimed like a flashlight. Your thumb naturally falls on the wrap-around safety. Simply push the left side of the safety to flip it up and release it. Depress the actuator to fire, similar to the momentary tailcap switch on a flashlight. To re-engage the safety, pull back on the actuator and flip the safety back down.

Spray in short half-second bursts. After spraying, take several steps back and move laterally out of the line of attack to create distance and reduce the likelihood of the assailant reaching you. This lateral movement also minimizes the risk of the spray being blown back in your direction.

Always have a plan B. Although OC is very effective, always assume it may not work and plan accordingly. Individuals who are heavily intoxicated, drugged, or mentally unstable may be resistant or immune to its effects.

The Defenders can also serve as an impact weapon or pressure point tool, with the D2 being more effective due to its size, which is similar to a traditional Kubotan. The D1, while compact and convenient, is too short to be as effective in this role.

A hit to the face is more effective than a strike with an open hand or fist. This capability is useful if the assailant continues to press the attack after being sprayed.

ASP Be Your Own Defender

The Be Your Own Defender (BYOD) program by ASP is a civilian personal defense training initiative. Developed by ASP’s international law enforcement team, it empowers citizens with self-defense skills using the ASP Defender device.

The standard 2 to 3-hour course includes classroom instruction and physical drills, suitable for almost any age and ability. Participants receive a nine-piece training kit, including a Sport Defender. An 8-hour Defender Instructor course is also available.

Final Thoughts

Most self-defense situations don’t justify the use of a firearm, so it’s important to have a less-lethal option. The ASP Sport Defender series is a top-tier choice for personal safety, offering innovative design, professional-grade potency, and user-friendly features.

Both the D1 and D2 models are reliable and effective, with a compact size, durable construction, and easy-to-replace Inserts. Building on the proven Key Defenders/Metro Defenders design with lightweight polymer materials, ASP has created a versatile and dependable self-defense tool for peace of mind and security.

The MSRP for the Sport Defender D1 is $25, while the Sport Defender D2 is priced at $27.

For more information, please visit ASP-USA.com and BYODefender.com.