Customer Reviews

Comtech Stinger James Keating Re-designed Self Defense

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Stinger has been around a long time.. not spoken about much. Guys who work in security know about it. Light, concealable, easily deployed. Really can't say anything bad about this thing. There are a few knock-off models out there, one with an LED light in it which is cool, but the material isn't as strong and the shape/finish isn't nearly as ergonomic.

To the reviewer who says the base is too thin, try wrapping it with some athletic tape. I have rather large hands although not very meaty, and the Stinger fits just fine. Striking through boards, into cinder blocks, other things I'd never want to strike with a bare fist, and it isn't too bad at all. The power delivery at the business end is worth any minor discomfort in the palm.

To the reviewer who says it would only be good for a strike to the face or eyes, then run away.. well, if that's your best option to get out of a situation then yes, the Stinger would certainly do the job for you. But you can really strike somebody in a number of places and have devastating effects with this impact device. Pressure points all up and down the body, joints, etc. In fact, I'd be very hesitant to strike somebody in the head with the Stinger unless I felt justified to deploy lethal force. A good crack to the skull, temple, or other sensitive spot with the Stinger could put somebody in the hospital, and possibly put you in prison.

They keychain ring is okay, but I prefer the old version without it. On my new version I cut it out with a Dremel. I don't want nor need it on my keys, although I can see the benefit for it. Example, a female who has this device in her purse would be able to locate and deploy the device much quicker if it was attached to keys or a lanyard. And, it could be done as part of her movement to get her wallet out, etc.

If you own one of these (or any tactical impact device), don't think you can just have it and will be ready to use it whenever the need arises. For one, when people are faced with a threatening situation, our fine motor skills are degraded. The only way to preserve these skills is through training. Likewise, when you strike something, that something puts up resistance. Practice and dilligence ensure that you are prepared to utilize a tool such as this only when appropriate, and in a responsible way that protects you both during and after an attack.

This is a potentially lifesaving, amazing little piece of indestructible high-density plastic. Fitting in the palm of one's hand with only its tip protruding between the fingers, the Stinger works as a force multiplier, concentrating all the power of a punch in a small point. You don't really need to hit with full strength to see the incredible effectiveness of the Stinger. With a little training, a quick and firm jab with moderate strength will break the bones in an attacker's hand, ribs or jaws, or cause great pain wherever it hits. And with no risk at all of hurting yourself or breaking any bones in YOUR hand. I guess a really strong punch in the temple or skull could even kill someone, so use extreme care in avoiding those areas unless the situation warrants the use of lethal force.

This device was designed by James Keating, an expert in knives, hand-to-hand combat and self defense. It was inspired by the design of a push dagger, which is a vicious knife for close quarters combat but illegal in many places. Unlike a knife, the Stinger doesn't draw blood, doesn't require any maintenance, never needs to be sharpened and is undetectable in one's pocket.

Since it doesn't come with any instructions, some people hold the Stinger incorrectly. It is meant to be held between the second and third fingers, with the key ring hole down towards the middle of the palm.

Some reviewers complain about discomfort in the hand when hitting. I would suggest training some punches with this device, aiming at a padded surface. I've noticed that there is a conditioning effect on the hand - in the first few days I felt some minor discomfort due to the impact, which quickly disappeared.

The big advantage of this small device is that you can carry it anywhere, and quickly put it in your hand if you are in a suspicious environment. Ideally, you would already have it in your hand before an attacker openly comes at you. Since it fits firmly in the palm, your fingers are free to hold a bag, purse or coat, helping to conceal the Stinger.

At the time of this review, Amazon only sells the black Stinger, even though it is made in different solid and translucent colors, and a clear version. I purchased both the black and the clear models directly from James Keating's website (great customer service, btw). I have to agree with the other reviewers about the recommendation to go with the clear model if you want discretion. It is nearly invisible in one's hand, and looks much less like a weapon than the black version. (I prefer the black Stinger only when using black gloves - it is the perfect self defense companion to my pair of Damascus MX50Q Viper cut resistant gloves.)

I carry mine everywhere. Highly recommended!

Thanks for reading - hope this helps!

Wow...that "wow" is for the two reviewers who think the stinger is not absolutely effective and reliable. First let me start by saying that the stinger fits perfectly in your hands and you receive no damage when nailing an assailant at full force. You can strike ANYWHERE on a persons body with frightening results. Whenever I show someone the kind of force this thing can putout I start by first very softly tapping their arm with my bare fist..then I repeat the same tap with the stinger, looks of amazement and horror are usually what ensue. I am a bouncer and carry this thing with me at all time. I have used it many times, and I assure you I'am too afraid of the damage I can cause, so I never strike anyone in the face with it. They are relatively cheap (you won't mind losing it much from a financial perspective), small (they do fit in your pocket easily), and can be attached to keys.

Bottom line: this can turn ANYONE into a heavy hitter. Great for self defense, way more effective, practical, and less suspicious than brass knux. Buy one...buy two just in case.

I would buy this from Amazon if it was available in CLEAR.

BLACK makes it look like a weapon, so you're just borrowing trouble. Clear makes it unrecognizable just long enough to be effective.

Offer it in clear, and I'll buy a dozen of these.

I got one of these for my girlfriend and one for myself. This thing will take the fight out of an attacker with a quickness. This should be a last line of defense. If someone gets close enough to you that you have to use this though its YOUR fault. The best defense is avoiding a bad situation in the first place by paying attention to your surroundings at all times.

Same principle as a knuckle punch, but without the risk of damaging yourself. The Stinger allows all of your generated force to be focused onto your striked target, from a small point of impact. Just like a bullet does.

Positives: The Stinger is lightweight, easily concealable and highly effective. It can also be used to administer great force to pressure points if needed. It can be attached to your keys, by ring (not provided). It's not an easy weapon to be disarmed from, as long as you maintain your grip of it. I would highly recommend this to someone that may be needing the extra backup to either detain or pulverize an assailant.

Disadvantages: Your still going to have to be up close & personal to use it. It's not the most ergonomic defensive tool I've handled. This is due to the space between where the fingers would rest and where the base of it sits on your lower palm. This space just seemed a little to distant for me to totally close my grip comfortably.

All in all, its a good buy. The force of impact this generates and its lightweight/ concealability makes me very happy with it.

This will do serious damage. Don't leave home without this. Used on wood, did serious damage. Would'nt want to be on recieving end!!

The Comtech Stinger is a little ripper,small concealable ,non metillic ,it goes anywhere. Yet if confronted ,the attacked gets a quick jab to vital points and gives the owner the chance for a quick getaway.The hand curls naturally around ,and gives the right grip instinctively. Well worth the price

I have never been one to start fights, for most of my life, I literally ran from them or talked my way out of them. If you work in a "shady" environment or have to walk through areas where there are "undisirables" within a ten foot radius of you, this device will prevent them from taking any second attempts at harrassing you. I have used my stinger once, in a situation that I prefer not to describe exactly;but the attacker STILL is unable to use his right hand without wincing in agony and this is from trying to punch me ! His jab met mine-poor guy never saw the polymer brick wall the stinger provided. GET ONE NOW!

Will get the job done, but would be nice if they had two sizes depending on your hand size. My hands are freakishly big (can palm a basketball) and this product still works but is a bit awkward.