If you are looking for a collapsible baton for yourself or possibly a friend or loved one, there's a bit of sticker shock if you walk into a LE shop or tactical supply store. Some models are close to $100 at their lowest length, and you would be looking at closer to $180-200 for a reasonable length baton of quality.

Smith & Wesson produces a few different length collapsible batons in their "Professional Quality Tools" product line. The longest baton available is 26 inches, coming in right at a $49.99 pricetag. There are 21 and 16 inch versions as well, with lower prices respectively.

This last Christmas I picked up a Smith & Wesson Collapsible Baton in the 21 inch length. I had originally intended to gift it to a relative who frequently jogs in less than safe neighborhoods, however when I discovered they live in a county that outlaws concealable bats, batons, clubs, etc I decided to keep the baton for myself. Who would have thought a county would outlaw less than lethal self defense tools, yet allow permitted concealed carry of a pistol?

The Smith & Wesson baton is made of heat treated 4130 Stainless Alloy Steel tubing. The handle features a rubberized grip with a basket-weave pattern with raised treads. The endcap of the baton is flat, with the iconic S&W logo. The baton also comes packaged with a nylon sheath that interfaces with MOLLE strap systems, as well as a standard belt.

When deploying the baton to its fully extent, you really have to do so with authority. If you flick your wrist with lesser force, the tube sections of the baton will not have the lockup and friction required to stay extended with use. Thats no bueno, and the more expensive batons I've tried seem less prone to deploying without enough force needed to lockup solid. The tensile strength of the baton seems hard enough to be efficient in a self defense scenario. I haven't struck much with it, so my judgement of its durability comes from how hard I have to strike the tip on the ground to collapse the baton.

In order to collapse the batons sections, you really have to strike a hard surface with the baton very much perpendicular to the ground. If you stab downward at an angle, you rise either scuffing the surface (your wife's hardwood floors) or chipping the tip of the baton. Even on concrete garage floors, I've had to give it a really hard rap a few times to get it to collapse. However that is how good quality collapsible batons are supposed to work: easy and fast to deploy, slower to disengage when the threat is over.

While I wouldn't carry this baton for law enforcement or security, I would feel confident having this in a bugout bag or glovebox where it's within reach if needed. Then again, I'll keep my Glock 19 closer.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Easier to use and less conspicuous than a bulky night stick, Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible batons provide an easy-to-use threat deterrent with the flick of a wrist

Target Market: Civilians (where legal) and LEO/Security, anyone concerned with self defense.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Handle Grip
Tensile Strength 6638.78 lbf
Bending Strength: 4055.84 lbf
4130 Seamless Alloy Steel Tubing
HRC46-47 Hardness

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Only, available in 16, 21 or 26 inch length

What others are saying?:

"Vulgar display of awesome. Advantages: Ease of use, Durability, Performs well, Value for money, Quality. These are very well made, grip is perfect, weight is hefty, action is solid. These are not for your halloween costume, unless you plan on being attacked. I guarantee this will deter just about any attack, or put said attacker in touch with reality. First thing I did was flick it all the way out, very satisfying, very. " BassPro Shops Customer Review

"Okay for the price, the baton fits way too tight in the sheath for any kind of quick draw. After about 2 months of service the seam on the belt loop of the sheath busted off on the job so I had to carry the baton in a pocket. Not much later while closing the baton (like usual striking perpendicular to the ground) the tip busted right off. For all intents and purposes it is still servicable but if I could do it all over again I would have spent the extra money for a quality built reliable piece of gear from ASP. " LA Police Gear Customer Review

Price point:

Retail = $39.99 @ 16" and $44.99 @ 21" at BassPro Shops

I need it now! Availability: BassPro Shops, MidwayUSA, Cabelas, and most local gun shops or outdoor stores.

Our Rating:

Pros:

Weight and diameter are less than other LEO grade batons
Grip texture is very tacky even when whet
Included sheath features MOLLE strap
When extended properly, its very solid

Cons:

Aggressive rubber texture on handle adds friction to retention making unsheathing difficult
No lanyard
Doesn't stay extended if not deployed hard enough

Score: 7.0 Good