Air Weight Baton [Archive]

USBP / K-9

08-09-2007, 21:02

Air Weight Baton

I am a Border Patrol Agent and we do a lot of walking and having light equipment such as an Air Weight Baton helps. We were issued this baton yesterday. It was given to us to try it (duty carry). My question is to who ever used both batons, the regular steel and the Air Weight. Do both batons have the same effectiveness? Do you guys recommend this baton for duty carry? Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

H. Schoolboy

08-10-2007, 00:00

Air Weight Baton

I am a Border Patrol Agent and we do a lot of walking and having light equipment such as an Air Weight Baton helps. We were issued this baton yesterday. It was given to us to try it (duty carry). My question is to who ever used both batons, the regular steel and the Air Weight. Do both batons have the same effectiveness? Do you guys recommend this baton for duty carry? Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

K-9, Do you mean the ASP airweight? I was issued that baton at the academy. I have since used it in the field and it is no longer in one piece. I was given a new one, but have been looking into getting a true steel one.

FedRich

08-10-2007, 07:20

This might be a bad analogy: the Airweight baton to a steel baton is like a whiffle ball bat to an aluminum baseball bat. ASP says it retains 98% striking effect, but you can definitely tell the difference when striking training bags.

Last time I went through ASP instructor they were recommending it for detectives/plainclothes vice uniformed duty use. I have one but never use it, opting instead for the electroless 21".

CBPIFIJFK

08-10-2007, 17:53

I'm a Lead IFI with CBP and I can't stand these batons ! They are (in my honest opinion) garbage. I have seen them bent, cracked and shattered. I remember something about a recall notice on the ASP Airweights a little while ago. I also read that they are for plainclothes type details and NOT for regular LE carry. I am glad I still have my Ft. Benning issued Monadnock Steel CSB ! :D

bkc2a

08-13-2007, 14:53

I am a CBPO and I was issued both. I love to carry the light weight ASP, but the steel is stronger.

nsedet

08-13-2007, 17:20

The Airweight is a great baton for plainclothes because you can carry it in a pocket without feeling the extra weight and it is better than not having a baton available. If it's a choice between carrying an Airweight or leaving your baton at home, then the Airweight is the better choice. For uniform carry where you have a duty belt on anyway, I would stick with a standard steel baton.