TASERŪ X26C (X26 Civilian)
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TASER X26C Overview|
The TASER X26C is an electronic control device (ECD) that utilizes a replaceable cartridge to fire two barbed darts, which remain connected to the TASER by insulated conductive wires. In order for a TASER to be effective, both darts must impact the target and create a circuit. Electrical impulses are then transmitted from the TASER through the wires and into the target, which results in loss of neuromuscular control. This electrical stimulation effectively prohibits the body's ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse. A TASER may also be used as a contact stun weapon, with or without the cartridge installed. When the TASER is turned off, no further stimulation is delivered, and the body is then able to function normally.
Unlike conventional weapons, TASER devices are effective with a hit anywhere on the body, making them easier to use, and more reliable under stress than any other use-of-force option. To be effective for self-defense, bullets must strike the head, or other vital organs, and the risk of lethal consequences is greater. Similarly, chemical or pepper sprays must hit an assailant in the face - a much less reliable alternative in fast moving confrontations, and in a windy environment, sprays can be blown back onto the user. TASER devices have been field proven - up to 95% effective in actual police use, and is the only device that can truly incapacitate people under the influence of PCP and other dangerous drugs.
TASER devices are not risk free, and may cause injuries, primarily from falls or physical exertion. Use of any TASER brand device should not be undertaken lightly. When lawfully used as directed, TASER ECDs are designed (in probe-deployment mode) to temporarily incapacitate a person from a safer distance than other force options, while reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury. Any use of force, physical exertion, capture, control, restraint, or incapacitation involves risks that a person may get hurt or die. These safety warnings are for your protection, as well as the safety of others. Disregarding this information may result in serious injury or death.
TASER devices are illegal in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, & Wisconsin. Additional cities, counties, and towns may have restrictions regarding the possession of TASER devices, so be sure to check all applicable laws and regulations carefully before purchasing or carrying any electronic control device.
TASER X26C - Advanced Features
A. Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI)
The key to disable even the most aggressive subjects, NMI temporarily overrides the command and control systems of the body to impair muscular control. The human nervous system communicates with simple electrical impulses. The command center (brain and spinal cord) processes information and makes decisions. The peripheral nervous system includes the sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain (temperature, touch, etc.). The motor nerves carry commands from the brain to the muscles to control movement. TASER technology uses similar electrical impulses to cause stimulation of the sensory and motor nerves. Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) occurs when a device is able to cause involuntary stimulation of both the sensory nerves and the motor nerves. These pulses are not dependent on pain, and are effective on subjects with a high level of tolerance.
Previous generations of stun guns could primarily affect only the sensory nerves, resulting in pain compliance. A subject with a very high tolerance to pain (e.g., a drug abuser, or a trained, focused fighter) might be able to fight through the pain of a traditional stun gun.
B. Shaped Pulse Technology
The Shaped Pulse generator is the technology revolution that made the X26 and C2 possible. Previous generation conducted energy weapons use a simple high-energy, "blunt" pulse to penetrate through the skin and clothing barriers that serve as protective armor around the body. Over 90% of the energy is lost in the process of barrier penetration. For this reason, high power levels (up to 26 watts) are required to generate NMI (Neuro Musclular Incapacitation), which requires large batteries that add weight and size to the device (18 ounces for the M26).
Shaped Pulse is comprised of two phases. The first phase, called the "Arc Phase", generates a very short high-voltage arc to penetrate clothing, skin, or other barriers. Once the arc is created, the air within the arc is ionized, and becomes a low impedance electrical conductor that allows the second pulse phase to flow into the target. The second phase of the Shaped Pulse, called the "Stim Phase", only has to flow across the highly conductive area created by the Arc Phase. Hence, the Stim Phase is optimized to provide maximum incapacitation for a human target while operating at super-efficient power levels. This results in a high-performance system with an incapacitating effect greater than the M26, in a unit that is 60% smaller, 60% lighter, and consumes 1/5th the power.
C. Digital Pulse Controller (DPC)
The DPC is an internal circuit, which includes the microprocessor of the X26, and various support hardware. When the X26 is fired, the DPC measures the time between each shaped pulse discharged from the device, and then regulates the power throughout the pulse generator to maintain a constant pulse rate. In previous generation pulse energy weapons, such as the M18/M26, the pulse rate of the weapon could vary greatly depending on battery conditions. Particularly in colder weather, the pulse rate would slow dramatically as battery performance decreased. The DPC in the X26 adjusts power consumption to compensate for changes in environmental conditions, in order to maintain a constant pulse rate. This ensures consistent incapacitation performance across broad temperature ranges (-4°F to 122°F).
D. Digital Power Magazine (DPM)
The Digital Power Magazine contains two 3-volt lithium energy cells, as well as an onboard memory chip that maintains a record of the remaining power. The X26's DPC keeps track of how the various features of the weapon are affecting the energy cell life, and updates the memory in the DPM accordingly. The DPM has enough power to cycle the X26C for approximately 150 ten-second firings (depending on temperature and other factors). The XDPM (shown below to right) has all the same features as the DPM, plus a holder for a spare air cartridge.
E. Air Cartridge - AFID System
A replaceable module that allows for the engagement of targets up to 15 feet away, the air cartridge integrates a nitrogen propulsion system, high voltage insulated TASER wire, bi-metal probes, and the AFID (Anti-Felon ID) system. The AFID system was designed to deter misuse through enhanced accountability. Every time a TASER Cartridge is deployed, at least 24 small confetti-like tags are ejected. Each tag is printed with the serial number of the cartridge deployed, allowing law enforcement to determine which cartridge was fired. This system was originally developed to prevent misuse of TASER devices by private citizen users and was introduced with the AIR TASER 34000 in 1994. With over 12 years in the field, AFID has proven very effective in deterring misuse of TASER devices. In law enforcement applications, it provides another layer of accountabiity in documenting which officers deployed a TASER cartridge in any given incident.
F. TASER CAM
The TASER CAM is an optional upgrade - compatible for use with any TASER X26. It does not change any of the existing functions of the TASER device, but with its microphone and camera, every potential TASER X26 deployment can be documented. The CAM features full audio and video - even in zero light conditions. It's also rechargeable, and powers the entire TASER unit. The CAM comes with software that stores & downloads deployment records and audio/video, and includes a storage bay for a spare air cartridgefiles.
X26C vs. X26 (Law Enforcement Model)
The TASER X26C was modeled after the law enforcement TASER X26, and utilizes the same proven technology. One trigger pull of the X26C initiates a 10-second cycle, while the LE model runs for 5 seconds. Moreover, the X26C trigger can be pulled several times to create a 30-second cycle. The user can then deploy the X26C, quickly squeeze the trigger 2 additional times to create a 30-second cycle (3 x 10 second cycle = 30 seconds), place the X26C on the ground, and depart the scene while the X26C safely disables the assailant. Cycle times on both models may be interrupted by placing the safey lever in the "safe" position. Per second, the X26E (law enforcement) delivers 19 pulses of electricity into the target. Since the X26C is capable of delivering a much longer cycle, these pulses range from 19 per second for the first 5 seconds, then drop down to 10 for any remaining time. In addition, civilians may only purchase air cartridges with a 15-foot range, while law enforcement agencies have access to cartridges with ranges up to 35'. Finally, only the X26E model is capable of recording & downloading device deployment data. This feature helps protect law enforcement agencies from claims of excessive use-of-force, and also provides management a powerful tool to track usage patterns and prevent misuse. The firing data on the X26C is not recorded, and cannot be downloaded.
Note: the TASER X26 and C2 systems disperse lower current than the M series. Technology since the ADVANCED TASER M26 debuted in 1999 has improved substantially, and each new TASER generation increases the efficiency of using smaller sources of battery power. For example, the TASER M26 requires eight AA batteries, while the TASER X26 & C2 only require two lithium CR123 batteries.