Product Review: The Streetwise SW1000 1 Million Volt Stun Gun
The Streetwise 1000K stun gun model is one of the strongest on the market. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of handling a load of 1,000,000 volts. To keep the unit non-lethal, the amperage is quite low by design. It is quite a tall unit as it contains three 9 volt batteries. (Less powerful stun guns usually require a battery.) Measures 8 1/4 inches tall, 2 1/4 inches wide, and 1 1/8 inches thick. The unit housing is matte black plastic, as are all stun guns of this nature. It has a main on / off switch and a trigger rocker switch. This switch must be held to fire the weapon. Once you lift your finger off the switch, the shooting stops. Also included is a 130db alarm.
The Streetwise SW1000 features a looped deactivation pin that attaches to the bottom of the unit. You put the loop around your wrist. If an attacker snatches the weapon, the pin will pop out of the unit and be completely deactivated. That way, the attacker won’t be able to use the weapon against you.
Perhaps “pistol” is a misnomer because this tall rectangular device looks nothing like a pistol. Would stun guns be less controversial if they weren’t called stun guns? Maybe. It should be noted that stun guns like this one don’t fire anything through the air (except a spark between their two electrodes). It is not a TASER. The unit must be attached to the assailant’s skin or clothing to be effective. The effects are temporary and non-lethal unlike a firearm.
As befits a high voltage unit, this device has two 3/17-inch diameter electrodes considerably wider than the smaller units. The click when activated is louder with a stronger visible spark. The intimidation factor is high. Some assailants are known to flee immediately when faced with the threatening sound and the site of the arc electrodes.
This device includes a 130db alarm which is unusual for a traditional stun gun. The alarm button is just below the power / fire switch for easy access. It is suggested to test the alarm first in a real encounter, as this may be enough to scare your enemy.
In short, the Streetwise SW1000 stun gun is an impressive high-voltage unit. The case is sturdy and comes with a nylon holster with a belt loop. Installing three 9-volt batteries requires some arrangement to fit inside the unit, but once inside, they stay put. The manufacturer recommends the use of brand name alkaline batteries for reliable performance.
TO UPDATE
Streetwise has now upgraded the SW1000 to the SWT5000R Toucdown rechargeable model. It features the same high profile but has a lot more power and a built-in LED flashlight.