Self-Defense Sprays: Our Honest Review After Field Testing

Pepper spray might be illegal in the UK, but there are sprays on the market that claim to be “legal”, non-toxic, and completely safe. Their goal? To deter, distract, or mark an attacker without causing real harm. Sounds ideal, right? But how effective are they in real life? We decided to find out.

We tested two sprays:

1. FARB-GEL-SPRAY with Criminal ID Dye – 20ml, bright red gel.

2. SABRE Criminal ID Formula with UV & Purple Marking Dye – 19ml, more of a misty spray.

Round 1: 2 Meters

Both sprays performed well at a close range. The target was clearly marked, and the Farb red gel had more substance thanks to its gel consistency, while the Sabre spray produced a finer, misty effect.

Round 2: Longer Range Tests

1. Here’s where things got interesting. The Farb gel was tested at 4 meters (its advertised range) – but barely sprayed anything. The wind even carried it off course. The Sabre spray, tested at 3 meters, also underperformed.

   Why? Turns out both sprays were nearly empty after the first round, which drastically reduced their effectiveness.

TAKE AWAYS

1. If you’re considering a legal self-defence spray, here’s what we learned:

   • Test it first! Never rely on a brand-new spray without knowing how it actually performs.

   • Small volumes = small impact. These 19–20ml sprays might be empty after one use, meaning a “second round” could be weak.

   • Aim for caution, not overconfidence. These sprays can deter or mark someone, but they’re not a magic solution.

   
   

2. In short, legal sprays can help, but you should not rely on them and have a backup plan (like a quick sprint).

   Check out our video below for the full spray test and see the results for yourself!

   ( and let us know what you think in the comments)