FAQ
Q: What is Pepper Spray?
A: Pepper Spray is a non-lethal chemical compound made from oleoresin capsicum (OC_ - a natural extract from hot peppers. It’s chemically engineered to cause intense burning, involuntary eye closure, coughing and respiratory distress, giving you a critical window to escape.
Bestie Defense offers three formulas:
The Holy Grail – A potent blend of:
OC (oleoresin capsicum) – the active pepper compound that causes burning and inflammation, with the highest concentration legally allowed
CS (chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) – a tear gas chemical that amplifies pain,disorientation, and coughing
UV dye – a forensic marker visible under UV] light to help identify the attacker later.
This formidable combination, also known as “Freeze + P” is what hundreds of thousands of deputies and offers worldwide, and Bestie’s founder, trust and carry.
Hero – containing the highest concentration of OC legally allowed, plus UV dye for traceability - no CS gas, but still packing the heat.
Nationally Notorious – a powerful, OC-only formula with a 0.66% concentration, the legal, maximum concentration allowed for any state that allows pepper spray - no CS gas or UV dye, just pure firepower, and travel with assured confidence.
Laws vary state by state, so always check your local regulations regarding which formulas you may or may not be able to carry or if you’re eligible to carry Pepper Spray.
And remember: effects may take a few seconds to kick in, especially if someone is under the influence. That’s why Bestie also includes a striking impactor and 105 dB alarm- so you’re never relying on only one tool alone.
Q: Why is Bestie more expensive than other Pepper Sprays?
A: Because it's not built for bulk orders- it’s built for real life threats.
Bestie combines high-potency pepper spray, a 105 dB personal alarm & a striking impactor in one sleek, intuitive, device. It’s made with premium materials, backed by multiple patents & formula’s are always third party tested. When it comes to safety, we don’t cut corners.
Don’t be fooled by its size. Bestie contains several seconds of pepper spray formula, and is designed to defend against multiple threats with optimized pressure, range and potency.
You’re not just buying another pepper spray that you’ll forget to carry and throw in a drawer. You’re carrying an ergonomically engineered, powerful defensive device that is so beautiful you’ll want to carry it everywhere.
Q: Why does Bestie have multiple functions?
A: Because pepper spray alone isn’t always enough - and it's not always the right answer.
During a real threat, you don't have time to fumble for separate tools, or second-guess which device to use or carry. Other devices also have cluttered and confusing buttons, and they don't allow you to properly practice how to operate their puzzling pepper spray device. That confusion and lack of practice causes anyone to lose critical seconds when time is precious.
Bestie is different.
It was designed for instinctive use under pressure—just one button activates the spray and the 105 dB alarm at the same time, while the striking impactor is built into the base for close-range defense.
The modularity of your Bestie allows you to use inert canisters so you can properly practice carrying and deploying the exact same device you'll have if the need arises.
You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your level of preparation. Bestie is built to meet you there.
Q: Why Pepper Spray and not Pepper Gel?
Based on tests & experience, Bestie’s founder determined a stream-style spray was the most appropriate delivery method.
Stream sprays are tight to reduce blowback, yet still splashes on impact, giving you more coverage area.
CS gas, included in The Holy Grail formula, is better dispersed using this method
Spray delivers a faster onset of formula effects
Spray is more effective against someone wearing a mask or facial covering
Q: Will the spray blow back at me or linger in the air?
Yes—pepper spray does go into the air, and blowback is possible. We won’t pretend otherwise.
Bestie uses a stream-style spray pattern that reduces misting and blowback compared to traditional wide sprays—but anytime you deploy a chemical agent, some particles will be in the air.
Here’s how to reduce your risk:
if possible, Position yourself away from where the wind is blowing
Spray, then escape in the opposite direction
Don’t wait to watch—move
And if you do get a little blowback? It’s uncomfortable—but it’s nothing like taking a direct hit. A full face of Bestie’s pepper spray formulas is truly debilitating, but experiencing blowback will be simply unpleasant in comparison- like getting soap in your eye.
Here’s the bigger truth: When facing a real threat, there’s an unfortunate chance you may get hurt in some manner, and that’s the harsh reality no one wants to mention. However still, the minor discomfort from blowback is still a million times better than severe injuries you could potentially sustain from an attack- or worse…
Bestie is here to shift the odds in your favor. No one, or self defense tool can guarantee a clean escape from a threat, but Bestie gives you a three in one device that increases those odds significantly.
Q: How far does Bestie’s pepper spray reach?
A: Bestie’s maximum effective range is approximately 12 feet- which is ideal since most real world pepper spray incidents happen between 7-10 feet. It’s engineered for optimal range and accuracy without wasting product or increasing blowback risk
Q: How many uses do I get per-canister?
A: Each canister provides about 6-8 full second bursts (or can be used as one continuous stream)- enough to handle multiple threats if needed.
After deploying the canister once, you need to replace your canister immediately.
Q: Is Bestie reusable?
A: Yes. Bestie is made to last. You can replace the canister and the batteries- check out the step by step instructions HERE
Q: How do I replace the canister and or batteries?
A: We include a QR code with every purchase linking a quick how-to video. You can also check it out HERE or you can follow the written instructions HERE
Q: What is the shelf life?
A: Each canister can last up to three (3) years, but we highly recommend replacing it annually for maximum effectiveness. Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures can compromise the potency, the propellant, and shelf life. We offer a canister replacement subscription service, so you'll receive a new canister and feel renewed confidence.
Q: Can I travel with Bestie?
A: Yes, with a few pre-cautions. Bestie can become TSA Friendly* Make sure to check airline policies and the laws of where you are traveling to.
If you want to bring Bestie with you in your carry-on, you will need to remove the canister and leave it behind or put it in your checked luggage. Should you put it in your checked luggage, make sure to use the included safety to ensure the canister cannot deploy. Always keep it in an airtight container like a sealed ziplock bag in the event of accidental deployment.
Checking Bestie is also an option, but you will need to remove the batteries and take them with you in your carry-on.
Upon arrival at your destination, you can re-assemble your bestie or continue to use it without batteries and/or pepper spray.
Q: Is Bestie legal in my state?
A: Pepper Spray is legal in all 50 U.S. States, but some states have different age and formula strength restrictions. Our Nationally Notorious formula is compliant in all states. You must be 18+ to carry and cannot be a convicted felon. Make sure to check the laws of the city and state of where you reside as well as where you are traveling to if Bestie is coming with you.
Q: Will Bestie go off or damage my handbag?
A: Nope! The safety mechanism prevents accidental deployment, but we don’t recommend carrying Bestie buried in your bag- keep it in an intentionally, accessible place. If you can’t reach it quickly, it won't help you.
Bestie was designed with your accessories in mind. The impactor is not a blade, and it won’t tear or shred your bag unless you apply pressure to the impactor (like if you accidentally graze your keys on soft leather). That said, don’t store it in a loose pouch—this is a tool, not a keychain.
Q: Do you offer a subscription?
A: Yes, we are the first to offer a subscription for pepper spray and batteries. We send the canister & batteries out annually to ensure your Bestie’s formula is always fresh & alarm stays loud.
Use of any battery not supplied by Bestie constitutes tampering, may result in malfunction, or overheating and will void all warranties & liability protections.
Q: What testing does Bestie go through?
All Bestie formulas are independently third-party tested for potency, accuracy, and consistency. Each canister goes through a water bath leak test to ensure it’s sealed and ready. No in-house shortcuts. Just real testing done by the professionals... We also conduct rigorous drop tests & durability striking tests to make sure Bestie holds up in extreme situations.