Product Review - Z-Force ST 300,000 Volt Stun Gun

The Z-Force ST, model ZF-ST, is a 300,000 volt stun gun styled in a ridged grip design with a slightly rounded edge profile. This is in contrast to the hard flat rectangular design of most stun guns. The black case measures 7" tall from bottom to the electrode tips, 1 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" deep. The unit operates on a 9 volt battery. Even though the instructions designate a 9 volt rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, a name brand alkaline is also perfectly acceptable. We strongly recommend a 9 volt Energizer cell for optimum performance.

There are only two switches on the Korean made unit, an on-off safety switch on one side and a toggle style "fire" switch on the other. The slim design enables one handed operation of both controls. The safety switch avoids an unintended firing.

Activating the fire switch produces a visible charge across the two electrodes along with a noticeable sizzling sound. The instructions say that a short 1/4 second application will startle the attacker and cause minor muscle contractions. A moderate length blast of 1 to 4 seconds, it says, can cause an attacker to fall to the ground and result in some mental confusion. A full 5 seconds can immobilize an attacker and cause disorientation, loss of balance and can leave the perpetrator weak and dazed on the ground for some minutes. Suffice it to say that the longer the contact, the stronger the stun effect.

The instructions say that the unit will have an effect anywhere on the body but maximum effect is felt on the upper shoulders, below the rib cage and the upper hip. Stun guns cause a neurological loss of muscle control so an attacker cannot will himself to override the effect.

The ridged grip and slim design makes this a particularly easy unit to handle. Although it's made of hardened plastic, the case feels sturdy and up to the task. The stun gun comes with an attached black nylon wrist loop for security.

Stun guns are popular self defense items. Although very high in voltage, the amperage is quite low. So the units are categorized as non-lethal repellents and are effective in most situations. Assailants have been known to flee after just seeing and hearing the firing electrodes. Unlike pepper spray, stun guns require on person contact to work. On the positive side, the unit will be used when it must be used i.e., when an assailant is making an attack on your person.

The Z-Force ST stun gun is also available in a smaller 100,000 volt version. The ZF-ST 300,000 volt model carries a retail price of $35.00 although it can be found for less on the internet. Both carry a limited lifetime warranty.