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Batons
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Baton Materials and Styles
Today's batons are available in a variety of styles, lengths, finishes and materials, such as polycarbonate, resin composites, wood, plastic, and steel. Officers in coastal locales will find models made of materials especially formulated to withstand the corrosive environment of salt-laden air. Undercover officers requiring portable, concealable styles will find lightweight models designed to meet their needs. Whatever your requirements, there's a style and material to satisfy those requirements.
In times past, you could have any style and material of baton you wanted - as long as it was straight, rigid and made of wood!
Now the choices and combinations are almost infinite. Here's a rundown on the various materials along with a listing of unique characteristics and advantages, followed by a summary of styles:
Baton Materials
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Wood
- For use in any locale, but prone to warping, cracking and splintering
- Made of highest grade hardwood for good durability
- Provides ample torque
- Rigid styles only
- Very affordable: priced around $20-$30
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Steel
- Great for use anywhere, but may rust in humid or wet regions
- Strong, durable construction
- Provides greater torque than wood batons
- Available in expandable styles
- Prices vary depending on style and function; range from $40-$100
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Nickel Plated Steel
- Rust resistant, making it ideal for use by coastal departments
- Same durability and reliability as regular steel baton
- Available in expandable styles
- Comparably priced to regular steel, depending on style and function; $55-$120
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Lightweight Steel
- Great for undercover or detective use
- Durable and dependable
- Considerably lighter than regular steel or wood batons
- Available in expandable styles
- Prices vary depending on style and function; $45-$110
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ABS Plastic
- Usable anywhere
- Strong, durable; warp, dent and splinter-proof
- Steel-like weight provides ample torque
- Rigid styles only
- Very affordable; $25-$35
For an up-close, personal encounter with an ABS plastic baton, click here.
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Polycarbonate
- Ideal for riot and crowd control situations
- Super strong, virtually indestructible; warp, dent and splinter-proof
- Greater torque than wood batons
- Rigid styles only
- Prices vary; $40-$70
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Resin Composite
- Excellent for use by bike patrol, marine patrols and university police
- Rust-resistant, extremely lightweight yet durable
- Ample torque provided with optional steel tip
- Available in expandable styles
- Prices vary with function and style; $55-$65
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Baton Styles

Rigid Straight
- Commonly used in riot situations where visibility and the threat of use aids in maintaining control
- Designed to be highly visible
- Constructed of wood or polycarbonate
- Solid construction eliminates possibility of warping or denting
- Choose from a padded foam grip or other textured grip styles

Side Handle
- One-piece, super-strong unit
- Can be used as throwing device
- Side design is effective for executing a variety of both offensive and defensive maneuvers
- Constructed of ABS plastic or polycarbonate
- Sturdy handle provides sure grip

Expandable
- Easy to carry and conceal: great for vehicle patrol officers (see Carrying Your Baton)
- Compact style : smallest sizes fit into a pocket
- Flick of wrist opens it to full size in seconds for faster response
- Constructed of steel, alloys or resin composites
- Distinctive metallic sound made by opening expandable baton provides a strong psychological advantage in the critical first seconds of encounter
- Padded foam handles offer secure grip while opening, closing or engaging the weapon

Expandable Side Handle
- Convenience and portability of expandable, retractable baton, with the sure grip of side handle
- Close with a push button or by tapping on a hard surface
- Opens in seconds with flick of the wrist
- Constructed of polycarbonate or ABS plastic
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Learn even more about Batons. Continue on or click any of the links below to go directly to that topic.
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Learn More About Batons
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