The Stinger Whip to Fist Pro tool is a unique device that can help you escape when trapped in a vehicle and protect yourself from dangerous people out to do you harm.
The Stinger (TheStingerTools.com) offers an untraditional design that allows it to transform from a defensive whip to a devastating mace-like weapon in seconds. It also includes a discreet glass-breaker and solid pommel for blunt striking.
With all these amenities packed within its small footprint, I wondered if it was novelty over substance. I found my answer, however, when I put it through some intense tests. What I discovered was a definite eye-opener.
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Out-of-the-Box Impressions
My sample arrived in a flat, nondescript box. There was noticeable weight when I handled it. The Stinger Whip to Fist Pro was packed tightly within the box, with the whip segment rolled and its tip secured within the metal hanging loop. Upon inspecting the unit, as mentioned, the weight of the tool was considerable when compared to its overall size. To me, that’s an absolute plus right out of the gate. I wouldn’t trust a lightweight or flimsy tool to save my life in any capacity.
The Stinger had heft and solidness. The whip portion was also impressive. It reminded me of the curly metal cable bicycle locks I used in the past, but with an even thicker diameter. The Stinger’s handle was large, which checked off another of my must-have boxes for my large hand. Many defense and safety tools I’ve used had handles far too small for my hand to hold comfortably or to use them effectively. The Stinger didn’t have this problem.
Examining the Stinger’s Features
The entire tool/weapon was just over two feet in length, with a seven-inch handle, and the remaining eighteen-inch length was the entire steel cable whip. Right out of the box, the Stinger Whip to Fist Pro was in its “whip” mode. In this form, I could use it for protection (more on this later), in which I would strike the cable whip at an opponent for either defense or for offensive use. I then converted the tool to its “Fist” mode. With a simple twist at the butt-end of the handle, the solid pommel disconnected.
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I then pulled the cable through the handle for it to become a blunt force weapon, similar to a Monkey Fist (as it’s so named) or a modern-day mace. The unit also features non-weapon accessories, including a razor-sharp belt cutter (which I’ll put to the test) and a hardened steel glass breaker; both are applicable for rapid vehicle escapes after an accident or when your car submerges in a body of water.
The glass breaker is exposed at the base of the pommel and is always accessible, unlike the belt cutter, which is only exposed when you twist the pommel counterclockwise. Naturally, this is a safety feature to protect from accidental cuts while holding the handle. As for the handle itself, it is constructed of ultra-tough aluminum alloy with an ergonomic grip.
Even with using this tool for only a few minutes, my grip was both firm and comfortable, which is essential for optimal control of the weapon for self-defense purposes.
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Tearing through Seatbelts
Seat belts are made from ultra-tough material. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any seat belt straps to cut through for the testing. Instead, I opted for backpack straps made of a somewhat similar material. With a quick twist of the pommel, the cutter was exposed and ready for use.’
I simulated the seatbelt being in use as it would when a person was secured in their vehicle seat by tying off both ends tautly. I placed the razor-like blade on the belt, and instantly it severed through it. It took no excess power or force on my part to cut through. The blade did the work and did it exceptionally well.
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Testing the Lightning-fast Whip
As mentioned, the whip portion of this product was ??? in length and was constructed of steel cable encased within a plastic sheath. It had a steel cap covering its tip. Testing this part of the Whip to Fist Pro involved two different scenarios. One, I would pit it against various materials to test its durability; two, in a mock self-defense situation, I would judge its speed and ability to keep an attacker at bay.
I used heavy cardboard, wood planks, and fallen tree trunks for the durability test. If it could withstand these materials, it could withstand repeated self-defense strikes. I used powerful strikes, and there was no noticeable damage to the steel tip, the plastic, or the inside cable.
It looked brand new, even after dozens of high-energy hits. I next simulated striking a human target (naturally, keeping my partner at a safe distance), and the speed of the whip was incredible to say the least.
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Even if my partner wanted to advance, the whip would surely keep him at bay, or risk him being hurt by the solid, high-velocity cable. I also had my partner hold a knife and swing it around a few times in a threatening manner towards me. The whip’s speed and length kept a solid two plus or more between him and me. It was also a good bet that with some regular practice, I could strike my attacker’s weapon hand and hopefully release his grip on the knife.
The Effectiveness of the Monkey Fist
Compared to the whip, the monkey fist was all-around slower to swing yet produced more lasting damage. This is both positive and negative, depending upon how you look at it. First, being heavier and more cumbersome, I couldn’t swing the mace-like weapon anywhere near as fast as the whip. This could allow your attacker to dodge or parry it much more easily than the whip.
Also, resetting my own body and arm to swing the weapon again took precious time, possibly allowing the assailant to deflect or counter. However, being that the solid “ball” can inflict more lasting pain and perhaps debilitating injuries if struck at the attacker’s knee, arm, or head, then you honestly wouldn’t need a great number of strikes. I would highly recommend that if you want to go the monkey fist route, then you should practice regularly to become proficient and efficient with your strikes.
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Concealability & Ease of Carry
It may be argued whether this product is primarily a weapon or an escape tool. However, its ability to be concealed may hold the answer. Being both lengthy and heavy, the Stinger Whip to Fist Pro is not easily hidden on the body for on-the-spot self-defense purposes. It can’t be stuffed into a pants or jacket pocket, at least without appearing highly odd and conspicuous.
Just carrying it in your hand, unlike a knife or baton, can’t be hidden from an assailant due to its long whip attachment and its limited semi-flexible nature. Due to these issues, the Whip to Fist Pro is not a universal self-defense weapon. However, with that being said, it can undoubtedly be stored within your vehicle (where it was intended due to its life-saving attributes) and can be accessed quickly when a threat comes your way.
I toyed with various locations within my vehicle to find the best access. The glove compartment was one location, but it was a hassle to reach when I was strapped with my seatbelt. This would render my seatbelt ineffective in an emergency. The center console between the two front seats was a great location for quick access, yet it was too small to hold the Whip to Fist Pro unit. I would have had to forcibly jam the handle and the coiled steel whip inside to contain it, and I doubted my ability to pull it out when needed smoothly.
I finally found the perfect placement for the weapon/tool. I was able to lay it down to the left of the driver’s seat in its fully extended form. It was in an ideal location for vehicle emergencies and unexpected physical confrontations.
Wrapping up the Stinger
The Whip to Fist Pro was a unique item to explore in both its design and practical application. At first sight, it appeared as no more than a novelty, but upon deeper examination, that notion entirely disappeared, and I was all-in on its effectiveness.
I greatly liked its dual use as both a vehicle safety device and a self-defense weapon. I am confident that it would excel in both these categories if a vehicle accident occurred or when faced with an aggressive foe. With a cost of $64.99, you get the best of both worlds and peace of mind at a reasonable price.
