FAQ

• What is the difference between a Friction Loc and Talon Baton?
  The Friction Loc is an impact-closing weapon, meaning it must be collapsed by striking it on a hard surface. The Talon closes by depressing the button or end cap and pressing the tip into your hand or into an ASP scabbard. Talon batons should never be closed by striking on a hard surface—this may damage the precision components inside, and void the warranty.
• Is an Airweight baton as effective as a Steel model?
  Airweight batons offer 45% weight reduction with 98% of the striking potential of steel.
• What kind of baton training is available?
  ASP offers instructor certification programs at no charge, as a service to the law enforcement community. For a list of upcoming ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) programs, visit the AIC Class Schedule page.
• Can I buy a baton?
  If you are not in the military police, law enforcement or licensed security, possession or use of an ASP Baton may be regulated or prohibited by law in some jurisdictions. If there is any question, check with your local police department. Buyers are responsible for knowing and adhering to all laws that may apply to the products purchased.
• How do I know if a baton attachment is compatible with my baton?
  All attachments include either “F-Series” or “T-Series” in the description. F-Series attachments are compatible with Friction Loc Batons. T-Series attachments are compatible with Talon Batons. Attachments are not compatible with concealable batons such as the Protector or Agent.
• What do I do if my Friction Loc Baton opens too easily or will not stay closed?
  The retaining clip regulates the force required to extend the shafts of your ASP military Baton. Each clip is set at the factory to prevent unintentional opening.
  To allow the baton to open more easily, unscrew the baton cap from the handle and remove the retaining clip. Squeeze the sides of the clip closer together. Apply a light coating of oil to the inside of the smallest shaft. Reassemble the baton. If the baton opens too easily, reshape the clip so its sides are wider apart.
• How do I retract my ASP Baton?
  If you have a Friction Loc Baton, strike the tip of the baton sharply downward on a hard surface. Impact on a soft surface such as carpet or wooden floors may not release the shafts.
  If you have a Talon Baton, depress the release button or cap. Apply positive pressure on the tip until the baton is fully retracted. Do not strike the tip of the baton to close it. Placing the tip against a hand, leg or inside a scabbard provides sufficient resistance to retract the baton.
• What do I do if my baton is stuck open?
  Start by making sure the retaining clip is not broken. If your Friction Loc Baton is stuck open, hold the baton at an angle and tap the sides of the tip on a hard surface. This will usually help to release the shafts. Then close the baton straight up and down. Do not close the baton at an angle.
  If your Talon Baton will not close, apply oil to the O-ring guides. (see next FAQ)
• What maintenance is required on a Talon Baton?
  To maintain your Talon Baton, you need to keep the O-ring guides well lubricated. Expand the Talon and hold the tip upward. Place a generous amount of lubricant (such as Break Free) into the joints between the end tube and middle tube as well as the middle tube and handle tube. Extend and close the baton several times to make sure the tubes are well lubricated. Wipe off the excess oil.
• What do I do if my ASP scabbard holds the baton too loosely or too tightly?
  ASP scabbards can be adjusted to increase or decrease baton retention. To adjust the retention bar, rotate the back plate to access the hex key. Use the hex key to remove the screws from the back panel of the scabbard. Remove the retention bar. To create additional retention pressure on the baton, bend the retention bar to create more of a bow inside the body of the case. To reduce the retention pressure on the baton, flatten the bar to reduce contact inside the body of the case. Reassemble the back plate. Secure the panel using the back plate hex screws.

• What makes ASP Ultra Cuffs so strong?
  Ultra Cuffs are the first forged aluminum, rigid frame restraint. The frame is forged from 7075 T6 ordnance grade aluminum and permanently joined by 4140 heat treated spiral locking pins.
• What makes ASP handcuffs different from others on the market?
  ASP handcuffs were designed with an extraordinary level of input from the field. ASP Trainers surveyed Instructors and officers throughout the world, and incorporated the most desirable and demanded handcuff features into the design. Features like dual keyways, ensuring that a keyhole will always be facing the officer, no matter which way the cuffs are applied. And other features like one-direction unlock, high visibility double lock indicator, replaceable/interchangeable lock sets, and more.
• What is the difference between a one pawl, two pawl and three pawl handcuff?
  All ASP lock sets are modular and replaceable, to allow rapid servicing and repair of worn handcuffs. Lock sets are color-coded in red (training), yellow (one pawl), blue (two pawl) or green (three pawl). Red training cuffs can be opened by rotating the subject’s wrists. One pawl cuffs are shim resistant. Two pawl restraints have a stainless steel center dividing plate, which makes picking of the cuffs virtually impossible (a special key is required to open these high-security cuffs). The key included with these restraints will also open all standard police handcuffs. Three pawl (European) lock sets are also resistant to shimming and picking.
• How do you double lock ASP restraints?
  The double lock is engaged by using the pin of the handcuff key to slide the colored double lock bar into position. When the colored indicator is no longer visible, you know the cuff has been double locked.
• How do I maintain my ASP restraints?
  ASP restraints should be inspected frequently to ensure proper function. They should be carried in a protective case to keep them free from dirt and debris. Should the handcuffs become contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, use appropriate bleach solution or autoclave sterilization techniques. Avoid temperatures above 300°F (148.9°C). After sterilization, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the pivot pins, and wipe off excess.
• What kind of handcuff training is available?
  ASP offers instructor certification programs at no charge, as a service to the law enforcement community. For a list of upcoming ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) programs, visit the AIC Class Schedule page.
• What do I do if my handcuff will not unlock?
  If your handcuffs will not unlock, start by checking the color of the lock set. If the lock set is blue, it requires a special high security handcuff key. Make sure the key you are using is correct. If the lock set is yellow or green and will not unlock with a standard handcuff key, please contact us.

• Are ASP flashlights waterproof?
  ASP flashlights are O-ring sealed for a high level of water and weather-resistance, but they are not waterproof or intended for immersion/submersion.
• What does the charging indicator light mean on my rechargeable light?
  When the light is attached to power and charging, it will blink red. It will turn a solid green once fully charged.
• What are the ANSI FL1 Standards and all those icons about?
  The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) FL1 Standards are the criteria for measuring performance of portable lighting. The ASP website, packaging and flashlight information materials feature icons that indicate the lumens (total light output), run time, impact resistance and water resistance.
• Is there a performance difference between the two “Dual Fuel” power sources?
  ASP rechargeable lights come with 18650 batteries, but can also be powered by two CR123A batteries (sold separately). CR batteries will produce greater lumen output, but shorter run time.
• What kind of light training is available?
  ASP offers instructor certification programs at no charge, as a service to the law enforcement community. For a list of upcoming ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) programs, visit the AIC Class Schedule page.
• My light doesn’t turn on, what should I do?
  Most ASP flashlights returned to us for repair need nothing more than fresh batteries. Before returning your light, check that the batteries are fresh and make sure they are installed correctly (positive terminals towards bezel). For USB models, make sure you are using an ASP 18650 battery, and that it is fully charged and installed correctly. Also ensure all connections are tight. If you have checked all of these things and your light still doesn’t work, please return the light to us with a description of the problem, your contact information and return address.
• I lost/broke the pocket clip for my flashlight.
  Please contact us for a replacement.

• What type of batteries are recommended for my ASP flashlight?
  ASP flashlights are designed to run on Lithium batteries, for maximum performance and shelf life. ASP produces high-performance CR123A Lithium primary. Our USB-rechargeable lights run on ASP Lithium-Ion 18650 rechargeable cells (included) or on CR123A batteries (sold separately).
• What is a PTC protection circuit and why should I care?
  Lithium batteries are stable in a wide range of temperatures. However, when used in devices such as high energy flashlights with a high rate of discharge, internal cell heat can build up. In inferior batteries without protection circuits, this can result in explosive conditions. ASP batteries incorporate a Positive Thermal Coefficient (PTC) device and pressure relief vent. If an ASP battery short circuits or discharges at currents above its design limit, the PTC causes the cell’s internal resistance to increase, limiting the amount of current that can be drawn and keeping the internal cell temperature within safe limits.
• Can I use an ASP 18650 rechargeable battery in other brands of flashlights?
  No. The ASP 18650 features a safety system that prevents the battery charging circuit from working with any other battery. Therefore, our 18650 will not work with non-ASP lights.
• Can I use a non-ASP 18650 rechargeable battery in an ASP flashlight?
  No. See previous FAQ regarding our safety system.
• Can I use any micro USB charger with my rechargeable ASP flashlight?
  Yes. ASP rechargeable lights use a standard, widely available micro USB charger
• What happens if I plug a USB charger into my dual fuel flashlight with CR123A batteries inside?
  The safety circuit will prevent charging any batteries other than the proper ASP 18650 rechargeable, so the flashlight will not be damaged or present an improper charging danger.

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