HERO Defense Systems LLC designs and manufactures less-lethal, self-defense products for the consumer and the professional. A mission based company, HERO® saves lives and promotes personal safety through a combination of training, situational awareness, and quality defense products you can rely on.
Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
About HERO®
Are HERO® products made in America?
HERO® products are designed, built, and supported in the U.S.A. Every product purchase supports American workers. HERO® currently employs individuals across the country, including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Michigan.
How do I get support?
Customers can contact support Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM:
- Chat: Look for the Chat icon at the bottom right of the screen
-
Email: support@heroselfdefense.com
- Phone: 1-833-437-6669
General Questions
Why should I use less-lethal?
There are many reasons to use less-lethal defense tools:
- Stop an attacker without taking a life
- Avoid legal consequences of injuring or killing someone (fees, fines, imprisonment, etc)
- Can carry where firearms are prohibited
- Does not require license to conceal or open carry
- An effective alternative for those unable or unwilling to use firearms
What is PAVA, the irritant is used in HERO® products?
PAVA is a synthetic form of capsaicin, known for its intense heat and irritation properties. Since PAVA is created in the lab, it's efficacy is more consistent than the traditional pepper spray.
PAVA binds to the receptors that send pain and heat signals to the brain, causing targets to experience intense burning on the skin (as if exposed to scalding heat), temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and extreme discomfort for up to an hour. There are no long term effects.
Projectiles remain potent up to 2 years from their manufacture date. PAVA is widely trusted and used by police, security professionals, and military around the world.
Does PAVA work on drugged or drunk individuals?
Regardless of intoxication by drugs or alcohol, PAVA creates rapid inflammation in the capillaries. This physical reaction causes temporary blindness, nausea, coughing, difficulty breathing, and intense burning sensations.
What do I do if exposed to PAVA
Rinse eyes thoroughly with water and blink rapidly to help clear irritant. Wash affected skin with water and soap. Do not use creams, salves, or oils. Baby shampoo can be used around sensitive areas. Note: Touching affected areas will transfer irritant to the hands and any subsequent areas touched. If symptoms persist, or shortness of breath continues, seek medical assistance.
Are HERO® Products Considered Firearms?
No, HERO® devices are not considered firearms. While state laws vary, most define a firearm as a weapon the expels a projectile via explosive, such as gun powder. Since HERO® products utilize compressed Nitrogen gas to fire their payload, they are not legally defined as firearms.
Are HERO® products legal in my state?
Check our State Restrictions for information on your specific state.
Can I use your products on animals like bears?
Our products are not developed or tested for use against animals. You should never attempt to use bear spray or pepper spray interchangeably. Read More
Is there any training for my product available?
We encourage every customer to take training seriously. Visit our online training portal for user manuals, resources, and online training videos for every product.
Are there options or accessories for your products?
Yes, we offer accessories, training materials, and HERO® branded gear. Visit the store to view all our products.
Do products come with a warranty?
Our warranty covers manufacturer defects for 1 year. You can read more about our warranty in our Terms and Conditions.
Can I Return My Product?
You may return products within 30 days of purchase. Refer to our return policy and instructions for instructions and a breakdown of requirements and fees.
Can I take your products on an airplane?
You should be able to pack HERO® products in checked baggage. The TSA provides guidelines for checking both firearms and pepper spray, but each airline can have their own rules as well so be sure to check with them.
HERO® 2020
What is HERO® 2020?
HERO® 2020 is an award-winning less-lethal defense tool. It offers multi-format defense, allowing users to choose the type of cartridge that works best for their environment and situation, including trainer rounds, kinetic rounds, and irritant rounds that burst into a cloud. HERO® 2020 is available with stun light, laser sight, and rechargeable battery. View specs, features, and learn more.
How much is HERO® 2020?
You can see the current price of HERO® 2020 bundles and kits on our shop page.
How do cartridges work?
Each cartridge contains 2 shots and can easily be swapped at any time. Cartridges come in active and trainer varieties. Trainer cartridges do not contain PAVA, and are used to practice. Additional cartridges can be ordered via the online store.
Can I refill cartridges?
No, do not attempt to refill or disassemble. Additional cartridges can be purchased to refill your device.
Does wind impact performance?
Projectiles disperse a 3-6 foot cloud of irritant at the site of impact. Firing from the recommended distance of 12-15 feet, and following our training to retreat after firing, ensures the user can avoid exposure.
Does HERO® 2020 use C02 or Nitrogen?
HERO® 2020 cartridges utilize compressed Nitrogen to fire their payload. Nitrogen is more temperature stable than C02.
AIIRO®
What is AIIRO®?
AIIRO® is a small less-lethal defense tool that launches powerful blasts of sticky and debilitating chemical irritant gel. Effects last up to an hour, giving you plenty of time to get to safety and find help. Quick and easy to reload, each cartridge holds two payloads and has a shelf life of 2 years. AIIRO® is available with with a 120dB alarm. View specs, features, and learn more.
How much is AIIRO®?
You can view current prices and bundles on our shop page.
How do cartridges work?
Each cartridge contains 2 shots and can easily be swapped at any time. Cartridges come in active and trainer varieties. Trainer cartridges do not contain PAVA, and are used to practice. Additional cartridges can be ordered via the online store.
Can I refill cartridges?
No, do not attempt to refill or disassemble cartridges. Additional cartridges can be purchased to refill your device.
Does wind impact performance?
The gel fired by AIIRO® is much heavier than traditional spray aerosols. Fired from the recommended distance of 12-15 feet, the gel used in AIIRO® is both heavy enough, and fired fast enough, to be minimally impacted by wind.
Does the Gel Stain?
Both active and trainer cartridges contain dye. While training, quickly rinse the target with water after firing to avoid stains.
Does AIIRO® use C02 or Nitrogen?
AIIRO® cartridges utilize compressed Nitrogen to fire their payload. Nitrogen is more temperature stable than C02.
Ordering and Returns
How do I order?
Orders can be placed on our online store or via authorized resellers.
How does shipping work?
We do our best to process all orders within 24 hours. Please be aware outside circumstances may add extra assembly time to your order. Once your order is prepared and packaged, it's handed off to our shipping provider, UPS. Packages are sent via UPS Ground and generally arrive within 3-5 days.
A tracking number will be provided via email and SMS when your order has shipped. All shipments containing irritant require a signature from an adult for delivery to be completed. Be sure someone is available to sign for your package on the day of delivery.
Do you have any discounts?
We offer limited time coupons from time to time. You can sign up for email alerts or follow our social accounts (@BringAHero) to hear about available discounts.
Can I get a discount for bulk purchases?
Discounts are available and based on options, add-ons, and number of units. Please contact us for a quote.
I have an issue with a product, what do I do?
Contact support as soon as possible and describe your issue. We’ll do our best to make it right!
How do I return my product?
Review our Return Policy and Instructions, then follow the appropriate link to obtain an RMA number.
Reseller Information
Can I become a reseller?
Contact us about becoming a reseller by visiting our reseller page.