OC gel review

[Condo Guard]

We recently were certified for OC gel spray. We've used it with drug vagrants with mental issues that have attacked or attempted to attack us. We are restricted to gel because of environment and tactical considerations (lots of bystanders in any given area and confined spaces that would need decontamination).

The gel has definite limitations. It is strictly short range (4 feet or under to get an accurate shot off), and if the subject is quick enough, they can dodge it (and they have). Practice with training spray is a must in order to be accurate.

If you carry the gel version of OC spray, what are your impressions / recommendations?

[DeputyChief04]

I don't like gel/foam. It has a place, in very limited circumstances, such as in a jail when an inmate is in a shower. But it is too easy for someone who knows it, and who has been through the system, to fling it back at you (seen it happen!).

If you are in cramped conditions, I recommend stream, 10 times out of 10.

[zm88]

When I was still on the private side at my last job, I had my department carrying the gel. Part of the complex was healthcare (multiple medical clinics) as well as office spaces, a hotel and restaurants. The gel offered less of a contamination issue in close spaces and I decided for my officers to carry that. Now that I’m in LE, our department has us carry the stream. I prefer the gel personally, but they both have their place.

not a fan of the foam, have seen it spider maned back a few times over the years.

[SpecialAgentKC]

I carry a gel projecting platform, with primer-fed expression. Good for animals as well as two-legged attackers.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=05QHpwC-g5M

[DetJohnShaft]

Late to the game, but I absolutely live by Sabre Red Maximum Strength Pepper Gel. It’s the most effective OC I’ve ever carried. Police officers even ask what did you use? Yeah, I can’t use anything else.

[Condo Guard]

I appreciate the input. SpecialAgentKC's recommendation solves the accuracy problem, but we couldn't carry a device like that - Seattle's special snowflakes would be all over us for carrying "guns." DetJohnShaft, - thanks for the recommendation. If you have to carry gel, carry the most effective type - you're only going to get one shot.

My only other comment (having used my OC again recently) is if you are downwind, you might still get some blow back with the gel. Not enough to negatively impact you, but you might have to wash your uniform.

[The Night Rider]

I've heard several SMEs (Annette Evans, Chuck Haggard, Sarah Cade Hauptman) say that GEL (as opposed to spray) takes too long to take effect.

[Condo Guard]

Just an update on the gel - I wouldn't carry it if I wasn't required. We're getting more and more drug vagrants causing problems. The last few times we've had to use our OC, it had no effect.

It may be a combination of factors (and if anybody knows, please chime in) - 1) possibly degrades depending upon how old it is. None of our canisters are close to their expiration date, but they are about a year to two years old. 2) Drugs - we've noted that suspects that are clearly high seem to be immune, whether it is heroin or fentanyl. 3) Repeat exposure - I suppose if you've been sprayed so many times by security officers or LE, you'll be able to deal with any effects and keep being a problem until you get handcuffed or run away.

[Soper]

Yes to all the above.
And Gel is garbage.

[PhantomX0990]

Not gel, but interesting.

My hospital recently took away our OC. Instead I heard they are trying to implement this stuff called REPULS. I haven't heard of it before. Apparently it's supposed to be water soluble, as in wipe away and it's gone. https://www.crotega.com/public-safety-chemical-spray/

Training vid I found on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urkpwioPXUg

[The Night Rider]

Just an update on the gel - I wouldn't carry it if I wasn't required. We're getting more and more drug vagrants causing problems. The last few times we've had to use our OC, it had no effect.

It may be a combination of factors (and if anybody knows, please chime in) - 1) possibly degrades depending upon how old it is. None of our canisters are close to their expiration date, but they are about a year to two years old. 2) Drugs - we've noted that suspects that are clearly high seem to be immune, whether it is heroin or fentanyl. 3) Repeat exposure - I suppose if you've been sprayed so many times by security officers or LE, you'll be able to deal with any effects and keep being a problem until you get handcuffed or run away.

I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV but I do know that heroin and Fentanyl are sedatives so I could see that lessening the effect of OC.

ALl that said, my opinion of OC gels has not changed since the last time I posted in this discussion. Will your employer permit impact weapons?

[The Night Rider]

.Apparently it's supposed to be water soluble, as in wipe away and it's gone

That presents its own problems

[The Night Rider]

Yes to all the above.
And Gel is garbage.

What are you basing that assessment on please?

[Soper]

What are you basing that assessment on please?

40 years of using chemical agents. For real, not play…

[The Night Rider]

40 years of using chemical agents. For real, not play…

Serious question Bro, Why are such an Ass?