Friction Baton 16 Inch vs Talon 40cm: Which to Choose?
By Training Videos | UsingASPBatons | asp-usa.com | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Comparisons
Compare the ASP Friction Baton 16" and Talon 40cm expandable batons. Learn the key differences in deployment, size, and intended duty use to pick the right compact baton for your needs.
Quick answer
Choose the Friction Baton 16" for a proven, budget-friendly expandable baton that opens with a sharp flick. Choose the Talon 40cm if you need a slightly longer reach and the option for quiet, fingertip deployment.
Size and reach differences
The Friction Baton 16" extends to a 16-inch length, making it a very compact duty option ideal for close-quarters or plainclothes carry. The Talon 40cm extends to approximately 15.7 inches (40 cm), offering nearly identical closed length but with a slightly different balance and grip feel.
While both are compact, the Talon's 40cm length provides a marginal reach advantage. The real difference lies in how they deploy, not just how long they are.
Deployment mechanism trade-off
The Friction Baton uses a classic friction-lock design: a sharp upward or downward flick extends and locks the shafts. This is fast and reliable but requires a deliberate motion and can be audible.
The Talon 40cm (part of the Infinity family) opens with a quick flick or quietly with fingertip extension, then closes directly into the scabbard or hand via a push of the end cap or button. This gives you a stealth deployment option that the friction baton does not offer.
Price and value
The Friction Baton 16" is priced at $137.64 (compared to $186.00), making it a more budget-friendly entry point for a trusted ASP expandable baton. The Talon 40cm is $164.56 (compared to $242.00), reflecting its more advanced deployment system and slightly higher cost.
Both represent significant savings versus catalog prices, but the friction baton is the more economical choice if you don't need the Talon's quiet deployment feature.
Friction vs Talon: Key trade-offs
- Deployment speed vs stealth: The Friction Baton 16" deploys only via a sharp flick—fast but audible. The Talon 40cm offers both a flick and a quiet fingertip extension, giving you a stealth option at the cost of a slightly more complex mechanism.
- Price vs advanced features: The Friction Baton 16" is $137.64, while the Talon 40cm is $164.56. The Talon costs more but adds quiet deployment and a push-button close. If you rarely need stealth, the friction baton saves money.
- Length and carry: Both are compact: 16 inches vs 40 cm (~15.7 in). The Talon's slightly longer reach is negligible for most users. Choose based on deployment preference, not length. Check your agency's authorized baton length before purchasing.
Product facts
- Friction Baton, 16": Friction Batons expand by sharply flicking the baton straight up or straight down to extend the inner shafts. This means deployment is fast and simple but always requires a visible, audible motion—no quiet option.
Friction Baton, 16" - Talon Baton, 40cm: The Talon opens decisively with a quick upward or downward flick—or quietly, with fingertip extension—and closes directly into the scabbard or hand, with a push of the end cap or button. You get two deployment modes: a standard flick for speed or a silent fingertip extension for covert situations.
Talon Baton, 40cm
Which baton fits your role?
Best for
- Officers who want a proven, budget-friendly compact baton with simple flick deployment
- Plainclothes or off-duty use where a 16-inch baton is sufficient and cost matters
Not ideal for
- Users who need a quiet deployment option for covert or low-profile operations
- Those who prefer a push-button close mechanism over friction-lock retraction
