I understand that these items are illegal under HRS, and that carrying one constitutes a misdemeanor.  This thread is for research purposes only.

So, recent circumstances have driven home how useful something like an expanding baton could be.  What does one look for when choosing one?  How does one go about obtaining one?

Length is a factor. For a female possibly a longer one so not to get to close to the creep. I know they have them in like 20. 24, 26 inches.  They also have different designed tips. Hard rubber or metal.  Most from what I have seen are 3 piece.
I know once upon a time Walmart had some for sale. Don't k.ow the quality though and that was back when they had the buck knife sets that they dont carry anymore. Razor concepts pearlrisge also has some. Dunno the quality though.
I would recommend ordering through a catalog though. Possibly one that sells security equipment.

I think ASP is the gold standard in batons as far as I can tell. There are a ton of places online that sell them and a place like Security Equipment would probably sell them to LEOs.

From personal experience I would suggest some type of "end cap" that screws onto the end and provides a "ridge" or "nub" that will prevent the baton from flying out of your hand as you attemt to open it. I have seen them in many different locations.

Tom - talk to me Sunday....