Best Expandable Batons | Tested & Reviewed
An expandable baton is an excellent self-defense tool due to its compact size, ease of use, and effectiveness against attackers. The best expandable batons give us reach and are extremely reliable in situations where you need them most.
I’ve been testing batons for our reviews for a few years now, but I am familiar with them from my time in the military. For this review, I strike-tested, measured, and disassembled them to separate the impostors from the proven.
My top recommendation is for the ASP Friction Airweight, which balances weight and performance at a respectable value.
If you want something less expensive to get started with, the Cold Steel 26 punches well over its price point. I also suggest an EDC option that conceals easily and is lightweight.
Contents (Jump to a Section)
Our latest update clarifies California’s law changes, adds more testing data, and adjusts prices for accuracy. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure»
Best Expandable Baton
ASP Friction Airweight
Durable, Lightweight, with Exceptional Quality
The best baton on the market is a fine-tuned masterpiece from the leading brand.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
ASP (Armament Systems and Procedures) is a well-known supplier of restraints (handcuffs), but it is the premier brand when it comes to batons. They offer a wide range of baton models, and each comes in several length options. Their most popular model is the quick-deploying Friction, and it’s easy to see why.
Specifications
- Materials: Steel 4140 handle and tip, 7075 T6 aluminum middle shaft
- Expanded Length: 26″
- Closed Length: 9.5″
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
Out of the Friction models, we settled on the 26″ Airweight, which weighs half as much as the steel 26″ but is equally strong. Flick deployment and a silky smooth action make it dependable and intimidating. We’ll go over our length selection in the Analysis & Test Results section, but it offers excellent reach and mechanical advantage.
If you are looking for the best of the best, get the ASP Friction Airweight Baton.
Best Starter Baton
Cold Steel 26
Strong, Long, and Quality Made
An intimidating value for a quality-made beat stick that will handle any punishment.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Cold Steel should be a name you recognize from knives, along with plenty of other self-defense weapon options. They take good designs and mass-produce them to drive costs down. You’ll always find their knives towards the low end of your price expectations, even with specialty steel. You would think that this means poor quality, too, but it doesn’t.
Specifications
- Materials: Steel handle and extension
- Closed Length: 10″
- Expanded Length: 26″
- Weight: 19.4 ounces
Big and beefy is the best way to describe Cold Steel products, but while they take the cake against all budget batons, they are still outclassed by the more expensive, well-known brands that bring higher-quality steel in thicker tube extensions. This means that the Cold Steel baton is great for light or occasional use, but it will bend if you use it excessively with force, keeping it from fully collapsing.
The price point keeps this from being a deal-breaker, since it still outclasses every baton under the $100 price range.
There is also a 12″ Cold Steel baton option, but it is a completely different construction rather than just a sizing change. We don’t recommend it.
With a great price and a solid build, it’s easy to see why the Cold Steel 26 Expandable Baton is the best for beginners on a budget.
Best EDC Baton
ASP Agent Infinity
Compact, Concealable, and Trusted
A discrete solution that still holds up despite its compact diameter.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Another ASP hits the pick list with this EDC option that’ll improve your everyday loadout or car kit. Despite its smaller size, it has some heft in the thick extension tubes that prevent it from bending. You can get the air weight model to shave several ounces off the weight, which is always important for EDC. We have found that the balance and striking quickness of the 11-13 ounce range work well for our testing group, but weight and size are still personal preferences for striking weapons.
Specifications
- Materials: 4140 steel handle and extension
- Expanded Length: 16″ (also available in 12″, 20″)
- Closed Length: 7.75″
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
The Agent series is just the Talon series optimized for concealment and EDC use with smaller diameter extension rods. They all sport the ‘Infinity’ engraving, which touts the best warranty available on batons- a forever no-questions repair/replace warranty. It’s built beefy to support this- even the internal moving parts of the button quick-release are smartly designed, where impact is not an issue.
Besides the included clip, you can also get a few accessories like additional laser engraving or swap the tip for the glass-breaking BreakAway tip if you want extra versatility around vehicles.
If you are looking for an EDC solution, the ASP Agent Infinity Baton is what you need.
Comparison Table
| Expanding Baton | Recommendation | Price* | Expanded Length | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASP Friction Airweight | Overall Best | $142 | 26″ | Friction | 11.2 oz |
| Cold Steel 26 | Beginner | $30 | 26″ | Friction | 19.4 oz |
| ASP Agent Infinity | EDC | $219 | 16″ | Quick Release | 13.1 oz |
| PSA Baton | $18 | 26″ | Friction | 21.6 oz | |
| Police Force Tactical | $27 | 26″ | Friction | 21.6 oz | |
| Stealth Angel Pro | $40 | 26″ | Spring | 22.6 oz | |
| Smith & Wesson HT | $80 | 26″ | Friction | 19.8 oz | |
| NEX Steel Push Button | $149 | 26″ | Quick Release | 25.1 oz | |
| Peacekeeper RCB 26 | $166 | 26″ | Friction | 26.0 oz | |
| Bonowi Steel EKA | $220 | 26″ | Quick Release | 26.0 oz | |
| Monadnock Autolock | $223 | 26″ | Autolock | 24.2 oz | |
| ASP Talon Infinity | $239 | 20″ | Quick Release | 18.5 oz |
How I Tested
Batons are meant to be swung, so practical testing started with swinging them. I purchased several batons to measure, disassemble, swing, and more.
Here is how I tested for this review:
- Swing & Strike: I swung the batons without hitting a target, and hit a wood fence post target padded with 2″ of foam. Batons that bent on impact or were unwieldy just with swings were noted.
- Balance Point: I found the balance point from the tip of the expanded batons to determine force transfer (similar to baseball bats).
- Measurement: I measured the batons with a yardstick, digital calipers, and a digital scale to compare against manufacturing specs. My measurements are listed as there were deviations.
- Disassembly: I took apart the batons and inspected them using my industrial engineering experience. I found manufacturing defects, intelligent designs, and more.
I also collated the manufacturing data into a table for easy comparisons across different brands and models.
Why Trust TruePrepper
Expanding batons are a versatile non-lethal weapon that gives you reach and plenty of options beyond self-defense. But, because they can be used for self-defense, the reliability of their performance is non-negotiable.
I’m Sean Gold, and I’ve been reviewing expandable batons for several years now. As a military veteran and as a manufacturing engineer, I have the background to approach the comparison, review, and testing of batons from a uniquely broad perspective. I also appreciate how a tool that you may rely on to protect yourself or your loved ones needs to be reliable and perform above expectations.
This is why I dig into the details, like finding the balance point for the optimal swing, and discovering manufacturing defects by taking the batons apart. Beyond practical testing with swings and strikes of the batons, I collate manufacturing specs and get hard data by measuring the batons myself. All of this helps me give the most informed review of batons you’ll find.
Analysis & Test Results
The best expandable batons have several important features to look for:
- Value
- Quality
- Handle Type
- Length
- Weight
When you get the right blend of these, you can find a retractable baton that you can rely on for self-defense and critical situations. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the batons that truly set themselves apart.
Many batons come with sheaths included, but that didn’t weigh our picks heavily.
What is the Best Value?
The amount of money you spend on something like a baton shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. There are some great but high-priced batons out there that may not be a great choice if you aren’t keeping them close. Follow your budget and get what makes the most sense for you.
You never want to spend too much money on one thing when it comes to weapons. It’s better to diversify your self-defense gear to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios.
*Price at the time of the latest update.
We exclusively used quality as our metric to compare against cost, since the remaining features can be preferential, like length and handle type.
Quality
The design, materials, manufacturing quality, and brand service all make up the baton’s quality as a product. Included accessories like sheaths and clips can point to a baton’s quality (low-quality batons typically come with terrible sheaths). Besides using the batons, we also disassembled them to check their design, materials, and manufacturing quality.
Design
The design of a baton covers everything that makes it work, from the expandable rods to the springs, catches, and accessories. Push-button catches require even more moving parts, which can be a convenience but also another failure point if they are not made precisely. ASP keeps it simple in their design by adding a spring-loaded cam to the center extension with a steel pin to reach it from the end cap.
The baton pictured above also shows an optional screw-in accessory attachment under the tip- a glass window breaker. Smart accessories as part of the design can make a baton even more versatile, especially for EDC use.
We also tested some designs with springs that were not serviceable again once opened. This isn’t ideal for maintenance or troubleshooting.
Materials
Traditional non-extending batons are typically made of wood or PVC, but that’s not going to fly when you need strength, especially at expansion joints.
We encountered steel and aluminum in our testing, and the full aluminum couldn’t keep up. That doesn’t completely narrow it down, as ‘steel’ is a very broad term for various carbon content in iron (with or without other metals added)- as the knife collectors out there know all too well.
There are also various treatments and coatings that different grade steels can get before they’re put into service on an expandable baton.
The thickness of the various materials on the extension rods can be a drawback in terms of weight, but it correlates to the price point for the most part. Thicker, higher-quality steel and aluminum extensions were much harder to bend, keeping the baton serviceable beyond a single encounter.
Manufacturing Quality
When an engineer draws up specifications, it is still up to the factory to follow them with quality tolerances. Even if the design is perfect, the product will be of poor quality if the factory can’t or won’t make it to tolerance. I should know- I used to be a product engineer and design specifications myself. Manufacturing quality systems were essential, and if low-quality gear made it into the customer’s hands, it was always indicative of much more widespread quality issues.
Expanding batons are no exception to the rule, and we found some poor quality indicators that made it into our hands before we even started testing. Given the nature of how batons are used for self-defense and need to literally ‘take a beating,’- shipped defects were a disqualification.
Service and Warranty
The warranty provided and how issues are resolved can speak loudly for a company that hangs its hat on being dependable in a worst-case situation. Reputable companies all offer limited lifetime warranties for the most part. This involves stating that you only used the baton for its intended purpose (ie: didn’t try to bend it on purpose), and you’ll have to send pictures of the product and a receipt showing you bought it from an approved dealer. You might have to foot the return shipping bill yourself.
Handle Type
With the small profile of expanding batons, the handle is important for grip as you are swinging it. You want to maintain control of the baton as you strike and as you deploy the extension, whether it is a push button or kinetic.
Handles will either come knurled or with grippy foam. Knurled can be more durable, but the foam provides better grip in poor weather, so there are benefits to both. If you get a model with a foam grip, you will want to take care of it more proactively to prevent the foam from deteriorating. Rubber grip models are also available and hit a sweet middle ground between foam and a knurled grip.
Length
Many extending baton users with lengths under 21″ will try to swap theirs in for longer batons. 21″ to 26″ is not only the consensus best length for those who use them every day, but it makes sense mechanically as well.
When you get a longer baton, you aren’t just getting reach, but you’re getting mechanical advantage as well. Whether you are swinging with your shoulder, elbow, or wrist, the velocity is magnified to the tip of the baton where you are attempting to make a point impact with the assailant.
If the baton is too long, it becomes useless in tight spaces, clumsier to maneuver, and harder to aim. If the baton is too short, you lose leverage from the swing and become similarly effective as a strike from your hand or traditional baton.
Some batons are preferred to be smaller when they are used for concealed EDC, or in tight spaces, like in cars and trucks. Length comes down to a preference- where everyday users (like LEOs) prefer longer and concealed/EDC users prefer shorter (and lighter).
Weight
Baseball kinematics can teach us a bit about how weight affects a baton. With the mechanical advantage of the swing, weight balance is important as it affects the control you have, as well as the impact force.
For survival kits, we’re always looking to reduce weight. A traditional extendable baton easily weighs over a pound for durability, balance, and impact. But our EDC pick lightens the center of the baton with aluminum, which makes it much better for kits without compromising those key factors.
Are Expanding Batons Legal in the US?
Expandable batons are legal to carry in most states, with these exceptions:
- California: Expandable batons are no longer illegal to own and carry (2024 change).
- Massachusetts: Batons are legal to own but illegal to carry open or concealed.
- New York: Batons are legal to own but illegal to carry open or concealed.
- Washington: Batons are legal to own but illegal to carry open or concealed.
- Washington D.C.: Batons are legal to own but illegal to carry open or concealed.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers and are sharing what we discovered during our research. We are not providing legal advice, as you should check your local laws and regulations before purchasing a baton or any weapon.
Using a baton on an unarmed person could get you in some legal trouble as well, since it is considered a weapon, even if it is for self-defense. Know your local laws and stand-your-ground rules to be best prepared for home and self-defense.
What Expandable Batons Do Police Use?
Most US military and law enforcement personnel use ASP batons, which come in a range of sizes and are well-known for their durability.
In a few states, they have restrictions on their sale and require additional documentation to prove your affiliation with law enforcement, military, or security sectors.
The most popular model is the ASP Friction, with a variety of lengths, a few weight options, a steel button deployment, and a cam lockout. They run about $180, but GSA and other government agencies negotiate bulk pricing.
Who Needs a Baton?
Batons are a standard issue for most law enforcement and security personnel. Many military members also rotate through security details where they can be issued a baton, even if they are not Security Forces or MPs by trade.
Expanding batons are excellent, collapsible weapon options for anyone looking for a compact, non-lethal solution.
While we don’t explicitly recommend them for any of our major kits, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a place in yours. Plenty of preppers stow expanding batons in their:
Expanding batons are lightweight, compact, and much more effective than improvised weapons. When it’s inappropriate to step up to lethal force, a baton can keep you safe and ‘legal’ at the same time.
Sources & References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best expandable baton is useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical survival experience:
Armstrong, E. (2005). Distinctive Patterned Injuries Caused by an Expandable Baton. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. Volume 26. Issue 2. Pages 186 – 188. (Source)
Gervais, P., et al. (1998). Comparative Analysis Between Police Batons. Forensic Science International. Volume 91. Issue 1. Pages 7 – 17. (Source)
Button, P. (2001). Less-Lethal Force Technology. US DOJ Office of Justice Programs. (Source)
Conclusion
Expanding batons aren’t extremely versatile, but they can get the job done with a very low profile. Their lightweight and small length make them storable in a variety of kits.
Here are a few other reads our subscribers have also found helpful:
- The 10 Best Collapsible Weapons
- Best Survival Gloves | Reviews & Buying Guide
- Bug Out Bag List | 44 Essentials
When you pick up a baton from our suggestions, be sure to use it. Proper swinging form and practice make a baton much more effective for self-defense.
See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.
Prepping Your Way
No judgement and no imperatives. Prepare the way you want to with the trusted source millions of modern preppers have relied on.Our newsletter fires out every Monday where you can expect:
- Practical prepping guides and tips
- Thorough survival gear reviews
- Noticeably absent spam and popups
- < 0.4% of people unsubscribe
Hello, many police agencies including mine switched from ASP to Peacekeepers RCB baton because of its effectiveness when striking. It all has to do with weight distribution in the strike tube(the end section). Reports have found asp baton strikes can be ineffective sometimes, requiring more strikes, due to the weight distribution. More strikes equal more negative press.
Hi…
From what I have read, expandable batons are no longer illegal in California.
As this is the case, will there be any problems if I try to place an order?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Hi Flint, you are correct. California reversed its ban- I’ll update the map to reflect that on the next update. Every manufacturer and dealer that I’ve seen is shipping to CA now, including ASP and BladeHQ.