I wish I could say that my experience with this baton was as good as everyone else's. The solid construction is great, but I cannot get it closed. I've followed the directions, and have hammered it down many times onto several hard surfaces. It worked the first few times, but now it seems to be stuck open for good. Judging by the other reviews, I'm guessing maybe I just got a defective one. Bummer.

Had mine for just over year. My wife is sick & frail, I walk my dog at all times of day and night, I am a senior citizen w/o a gun. I have to protect all who depend on me. I chose this baton & spray mace for that purpose. I can not run, so if the spray doesn't stop them, the baton will. I choose not to carry a bat, as that would give away my surprise. It works with just a flick of the wrist to open and just a tap or poke to their midsection with this baton (the Smith & Wesson 26") will back them off, or the hurt with a full swing to the side of the knee will give me the time I need to walk away while they see the stars. Too much danger in the world.

Like the other reviews listed, I agree that this is a worth while purchase. The construction is solid and once it is extended fully, it is ready to do its job with extreme prejudice. It has some added weight that you don't get with the cheaper types but that is an added bonus when it comes to your swing and follow through. Great tool for less than lethal tech and for when you need a bit more bite in your C.Q.C.

A few days ago my baton came to me. It is exactly how I thought it would be. Better than any other batons on this site. I bought this baton for person protection since where I live it so not desirable due to a recent amount of break ins and etc. I now feel somewhat safer. If you want a good baton buy this brand you will not disappoint you.

This baton is awesome, very well made and solid lockup on this. I do a lot of late night walking from work and i feel very safe with this on me. A must get for self-defense.

If you want a high quality expandable baton but do not want to pay the price of an ASP baton then I recommend this baton. Very high quality and excellent lock-up.

Bought S&W 26 inch Baton on 6/16 received it 6/21 I was worried about spending more for the Smith & Wesson 26in Baton and have it end up bending or breaking like some I've bought it local stores, but this Item Has far exceeded my expectation. I'm a big guy so when I swing, it causes alot of force, but even soda can after soda can, 2x4 after 2x4, still no damage to end or middle of baton. Really Impressed

This S&W baton is head and shoulders above the competition. Ive Bent other less quality batons on 1" wood before and this S&W 26" smashed right through the wood that bent my first baton. By the way, that baton was a 21" This one is 26" and took the hits the 21" cheapo couldn't. Im a bludgeon enthusiast and I would recommend this baton to law enforcement or other professionals in place of the ASP, Monodnok, or even Camlock batons that they seem to prefer. Good price on Bud K also.

I bought 2 other brand batons one will not retract. I purchased 2 Smith & Wesson batons and I love them! Trust me spend a little more it is well worth it!

Greatness all around. No issues, owned for about a month now. Phenomenal construction.