BattlBox is a subscription service delivering survival and tactical gear every month. Each month has a theme based on a different experience with a focus on preparedness and survival.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is for the Pro Plus box ($149.99 a month).
The Subscription Box: BattlBox
The Cost: $24.99 plus shipping for Basic, $49.99 plus shipping for Advanced, $99.99 plus shipping for Pro, and $149.99 plus shipping for Pro Plus.
The Products: A variety of tactical, survival and EDC gear
Ships to: U.S.
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Each month’s box is themed as a Mission and includes a detailed list of products and their values in all the different level options. This month’s theme is Self Defense and features several items to help protect yourself in day to day life.
There is a nice introduction to the box itself that discusses the best option to defend one’s self - get away from the thread as soon as possible - but for the times when you may have to defend yourself, there are tools at your disposal. Each item has its own detailed description as per usual.
Here are the items included in the Basic level ($24.99 cost / $54.95 value):
ABKT Punch Dagger - Retail Value $9.99
We’re gonna get right into this month with this tiny, wearable dagger from ABKT. This thing is super sharp and pointy and fits perfectly between your fingers. It’s super light and comes with an equally light molded sheath. The blade locks in well with a nice snap sound, but is easy to remove at a moment’s notice. I could see this being a normal carry for someone who walks alone often and wants an extra sense of security.
Sabre Personal Defense Spray - Retail Value $10.99
Next up we have this intense defense spray from Sabre - a universally trusted brand when it comes to self-defense. This 3-in-1 defense spray incorporates pepper spray, military-grade tear gas, AND UV marking spray, all but ensuring your attacker will be rendered useless. This spray is good for up to 10 feet and has a powerful stream to help during windy conditions, and it comes with a pocket clip in case you don’t want to keep it on a keychain. It also comes packed with up to 35 bursts, which should be more than enough to keep even the worst attackers at bay. The design of the trigger also should help prevent accidental sprays towards yourself. I’m loving how small and light this thing is! While I don’t find myself in many situations where I’d need this, I am happy to have it around.
Sabre Personal Key Ring Alarm - Retail Value $9.99
Next, we have another item from Sabre - a personal key ring alarm! This handy little alarm packs a serious punch. 120 decibels of whirring/pulsing alarms will emanate from this little keychain if you pull out the pin at the bottom. That level of sound can be heard up to 600 feet away and will definitely attract attention, and may be enough to scare off some attackers. It’s incredibly loud, to the point of pain, and prolonged exposure can actually cause hearing loss. It’s powered by 4 small included batteries that Sabre recommends replacing every year. This particular model benefits RAINN with a portion of each alarm sale being donated to that organization. It’s small and light, and would probably be best attached to a bag within arm’s reach for quick access to the pin.
Vipertek VTS-989 Stun Gun - Retail Value $23.98
Some subscribers may receive a hand-to-hand combat book and tactical notebook if they live in a state that doesn’t allow a stun gun to be shipped.
This stun gun is serious business. It is very loud when the trigger is pushed. Think loud snaps and cracks, not like buzzing/humming electricity. If the sound doesn’t scare someone off, the shock will put them on the ground. It’s got two prongs on the end that are semi-sharp and should easily penetrate most clothing. If the assailant tries to grab it from you, it has metal strips that attach to the electrodes, ensuring they will get shocked even if they avoid the top. There’s a super bright flashlight at the center too, which will help with disorienting the assailant. I love that it’s rechargeable instead of needing batteries, and it only takes about an hour to charge it up. They recommend doing this once a month even if you don’t use it. The carrying case is nice but I feel like it could be a hindrance if you needed this immediately.
In addition to the items included in the Basic box, here are the items included at the Advanced level: ($49.99 cost / $140.93 value)
ReadyMan Wraith Fixed Blade Belt Knife - Retail Value $55.99
This is the first fixed blade knife in a BattlBox since February, unless you count the dagger from July’s box. This knife is super light and fairly small, and the horizontal mount sheath allows you to pull it out and be prepared to defend yourself slightly faster than a vertically mounted sheath. The handle is very grippy and has considerable texture to it. There’s a thumb rest at the top of the blade too, giving you more grip and control over the blade. The sheath also has holes at one end allowing you to wear it as a neck knife if you run some paracord through there.
BattlTac Kubotan - Retail Value $29.99
Up next we have this kubotan from BattlTac, which I believe is Battlbox’s in-house brand. The kubotan is crazy light, it feels like there’s hardly anything in your hand, but the tip is plenty sharp to puncture skin and cause an assailant some serious pain. There’s a finger or thumb hole at one end to give you some leverage, and a removable pocket clip on one side. This could be a good self-defense item to carry with you at places that may turn you away if you’re carrying a knife since it basically looks like a pen.
In addition to the items included in the Basic and Advanced boxes, here are the items included at the Pro level: ($99.99 cost / $240.92 value)
Mantis BK2A Bottleneck Knife - Retail Value $40
Up first at the Pro level is this butterfly-style knife from Mantis. The BK2A is a small, double-folding, dual-tipped knife with a pocket clip and built-in bottle opener. The knife can be attached to a keychain and is a little larger than a standard car keyfob. The locking mechanism is a little weak, I feel like it would be easy to open accidentally. It’s very light, and the blade is very short. It could be carried open covertly if you felt you were in danger while walking.
Bastion Gear Self Defense Belt Tool - Retail Value $59.99 (Currently on sale for $29.99)
This EDC item is a self-defense tool with some bonus features! Bastion comes up with some very interesting items (some of which have been featured in past Battlboxes) and this is no exception. This tool can just sit on your belt and doesn’t look like a weapon, but can also help you in a few different situations. It has a removable glass breaker tip on one end and a bottle opener tucked away on the inside. If you put your finger through the center hole, it’s like having a single brass knuckle. It is heavier than most of the other items in this box, but the extra weight feels good in your hand.
In addition to the items included in the Basic, Advanced and Pro boxes, here are the items included at the ProPlus level: ($149.99 cost / $360.91 value)
BattlTac Double-Lock Karambit - Retail Value $119.99
Finally this month, we get this double-locking Karambit from BattlTac! Two items this month from BattlBox’s in-house brand, and both are pretty great. Looking forward to seeing what else they come up with! Karambits are normally fixed blade, so seeing a folding one is really cool. It’s got 2 locks (hence double-locking) ensuring it will never come back on your fingers. The main lock is similar to other folding knives where you put pressure on the back of the handle to loosen, and the secondary lock is a small clip on the sides that locks the blade further into place. The secondary lock could also be engaged while in a pocket to ensure no accidental openings while the knife is being carried. At the base of the knife, there is a finger hole to give you added leverage. This is a really handsome looking knife - I’m not usually into a karambit style but I like the folding design and the double locking mechanisms.
Verdict: Another expertly curated box from BattlBox. Each item this month perfectly fits the self-defense theme. The wide array of items allows you to control your comfort level - an important factor when considering self-defense. The October box tops out at $360.91 (listed as $364.87) in value, which again is over double the price. As was the case with last month’s box, I’m hoping I never have to use a good deal of these items, but I do feel more prepared having them around.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You won’t get this box as a subscriber if you sign up today, but you can buy past boxes in the BattlBox store.
Coupon – Use coupon code MYSUBTEN to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $149.99 for the ProPlus box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item: 360.91
- Dagger: $4.15
- Spray: $4.57
- Alarm: $4.15
- Stun gun: $9.97
- Belt knife: $23.27
- Kubotan: $12.46
- Bottleneck knife: $16.62
- Belt tool: $24.93
- Karambit: $49.87
What do you think about this month’s BattlBox?
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