Product Review: Monadnock PR-24 Exp. Control Baton

Batons are, and probably always will be, a controversial subject. Use them, not use them, show them when you wear’em or hide them somewhere at the cost of speed when you need it. Whatever your position on the subject, here’s the view from our test subject, who has used the Monadnock PR-24 expandable control baton for a year, on duty.

 Let’s start like we always do; the specs (Just to be clear; we’re reviewing the so-called “Control Device 24).

• Conceived out of Monadnock’s commitment to the “Protect and Restrain” option, these batons are excellent in defensive techniques
• Gain control of a subject without excessive use of force
• Two-stage positive lock baton
• Trumble stop side handle fastened to a 1″ diameter aluminum frame
• Black anodized finish
• Expanding epoxy reinforced shaft is positively locked into position, ensuring that the baton will not inadvertently close
• Baton’s smaller dimensions enhance subject control and makes baton even more comfortable to wear
• Shaft: Epoxy shaft
• Length Opened: 24″
• Length Closed: 14″
• Weight: 18 ounces
• Short Handle: Monpac
• Handle Type: Trumbull stop handle
• Short Portion: SuperGrip
• Quality Control Program:
  • In-process inspection at every operation plus 100% inspect and testing prior to shipment
  • In-process inspection consistent with US Department of Defense MIL-STD-105E and United Kingdom Defense Ministry Specification DEF-131-A
• Warranty: All Monadnock expandable police batons have a lifetime repair or replacement guarantee, under normal field use, against breaking, bending, torn grip, and if rust or corrosion prevents the baton from functioning
• Litigation Support: Monadnock has provided expert testimony on behalf of police officers and agencies for more than 25 years
• Frame:
  • Material: 6061-T6 aluminum tube; 1″ outside diameter (0.125″ wall thickness)A.S.T.M.-B-429
  • Length: 12.375″
  • Coating: Black anodized finish (MIL-A-8625 type III)
• Shaft:
  • Material: ¾” diameter epoxy reinforced shaft
  • Length: 13.25″
  • Coating: Black
• End Cap:
  • Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Coating: Black anodized finish

The Monadnock PR-24 Control Device is a nice little gadget, handy because of its closed size (14 inches) and very effective due to its length when expanded (24 inches). The handle fits nicely in your hand, and due to the fact that it’s a “control device”, the PR-24 is effective in more situations than a simple baton. Let’s get this clear – this isn’t something you have just to bash in someone’s head – the PR-24 is a serious tool for law enforcement officers to safely control subjects that are aggressive or otherwise out of control.

Material choices for the PR-24 are good, aluminium, epoxy and rubbers that can withstand weather and blows, scrapes and regular wear and tear. There’s not much more to say about that – it’s materials are solid and feels sturdy during use and in situations where they’re being put to the test.

There are a few draw-backs to this “Control Device”, however.

• The fact that it’s expandable necessitates some mechanics and movable parts, which makes the PR-24 less tolerant of dirt and sand. In environments with these elements, it would perhaps be wise to choose a rigid control device.
• The rubber o-ring and plastic seal that holds the PR-24 together is worn quickly, especially if you’re in an environment with a lot of dirt/dust/sand.
• The PR-24‘s black coating is prone to bubbling and flaking off if used in very cold weather, as well as in combination with moisture. E.g. wearing the baton outside, and subjecting it to violent temperature changes.
• When the plastic ring that keeps the expandable portion of the PR-24 sliding smoothly breaks, it’s not with any clear warning or visible signs – it will simply make sure that the PR-24 will not expand, making it essentially useless in a situation where you might depend on it to work properly.

Using the PR-24 effectively also demands a lot of training, and refresher courses if it’s not regularly used. This might take a toll on your training budget, but this is not restricted to the expandable PR-24 – it goes for any “control device”.

The PR-24 is a good choice if your workplace demands discretion, but has strict security requirements and elevated risk. It is not suitable for extended outdoors duty, and it is not suited for environments that is dominated by dust, sand and dirt. Although the PR-24 has its limitations, demands regular maintenance and checks, it can not be doubted that it is a very versatile and useful tool for any security professional.

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