+1 - I think they're a lot more likely to get you into trouble then out of it (and the numbers bear this out). I know my own temperament, and there are situations that ended with some bruised egos that would have been a lot worse had I carried. That pepper spray is interesting, and it's something I've thought of before. In the end, I don't really want to carry it around...and you can get in trouble with pepper spray as well.

To my understanding, some guys get hopped up on certain things that can lead to spray having minimal effect...and I'd be worried about it being used against me. I think the best weapon is common sense mixed with a touch of cowardice.