Let's get right to it.

Are you thinking about getting yourself a self-defense cane? If you are, you've probably been watching youtube videos trying to find the best ones with good reviews. I know that's always my first step when buying a new self defense tool. But let me tell you, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what to look for in a self-defense cane. Of course this makes it hard to figure out what's true and what's not. Here are the top five myths about these canes. Hopefully this will help you make a smart choice.

Myth #1: Any old cane will do the trick

The number one biggest myth about self-defense canes is that you can just pick up any cheap cane and it'll do just as good a job as one specifically made for self defense. But trust me, this is far from the truth. Cheap canes, like the ones you find on eBay or at your local CVS, are made from materials that aren't suitable for real self defense moves. They won't hold up if you use it to deliver a serious hit. If you use it to block an actual weapon like a baseball bat or crowbar it will crumble.

Do you follow me so far?

We tested this ourselves by buying a light wood cane off of eBay. The thing basically snapped after just one hit from a heavy weapon. The adjustable metal cane from the drugstore didn't do any better - it just bent in half after one whack.

Consider this…

A cheap cane might make you feel safe, but when it comes down to it, you need something that can actually withstand a strong hits from weapons like a baseball bat.

Myth #2: Heavier is better

Myth 2 is that the heavier the cane, the better. But a heavier cane doesn't necessarily mean you will generate more power when swinging it. In fact, a heavy cane can actually make you slower and not as effective when you need it. You're better off going for something that's both light and comfortable to hold. You want something that's easy to move around with.

Myth #3: Metal canes are the strongest

Most people think that a metal canes are naturally stronger and therefore better. However, this isn't always true. While some metal canes are strong, they are also be hefty and awkward to use in fighting. Most metal canes are made of vey thin metal to keep the weight down. These thin metal canes will fold in half when used to block an incoming strike.

Myth #4: I don't need training.

Some folks think that they don't need training because they are athletic. These folks believe that they can just pick up a self-defense cane and are an automatic expert. But that's not how reality works. Self-defense canes require you to know pretty specific techniques and skills. It doesn't matter how often you go on the treadmill at the gym. You should definitely take the time to enroll in a cane specific class to learn how to use it properly

Myth #5: Medical canes can be used

Finally, some people want to use a medical cane repurposed for self-defense. But, this is a non-starter. Medical canes are almost always made from cheap materials and aren't designed to be used for self-defense. They also  often have small hooks attached to them that makes them hard to spin or maneuver. These are ineffective for protection.

Bottom line is…

You're going to want to invest in a high-quality wooden cane if you're after a reliable self-defense cane. Hardwood canes are sturdy, comfortable to handle, and great for self-defense. Don't be fooled by the all of the misconceptions out there. Instead, choose a real cane that is practical, comfortable, and tough enough to potentially save your life.