Outdoors & Fitness · Head-to-head
Counter Assault 10.2 oz Bear Spray vs SABRE Frontiersman MAX 7.9 oz Bear Spray with Belt Holster
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Bear Spray: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
Counter Assault gives the most range and spray time here, which buys time in a charge. Frontiersman MAX delivers a strong EPA-registered can with a holster for less.
Counter Assault 10.2 oz Bear Spray
Buy itA large bear spray with a 44 foot range and 10 seconds of spray time.
- Counter Assault rates it at a 44 foot distance and 10 second spray duration.
- 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, which Counter Assault notes is the maximum allowed by law.
- The extra spray time gives you more bursts if a bear returns or wind interferes.
- The largest and heaviest can here to carry on a belt or chest.
- Costs the most in this comparison.
- Sold with and without a holster; you need one to carry it where you can reach it quickly.
SABRE Frontiersman MAX 7.9 oz Bear Spray with Belt Holster
Buy itAn EPA-registered 7.9 oz bear spray with a 40 foot range, sold with a belt holster.
- EPA registered, with 2.0% major capsaicinoids, the maximum strength allowed by the EPA according to SABRE.
- A 6 foot wide fog with a range of up to 40 feet and 6 to 7 seconds of continuous spray.
- Comes with a belt holster so it is ready to carry.
- Shorter spray time than the 10.2 oz Counter Assault.
- A 7.9 oz can leaves less margin for multiple bursts; the guidelines suggest considering two cans.
- The holster style suits belts more than chest rigs.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Counter Assault 10.2 oz Bear Spray Our pick | SABRE Frontiersman MAX 7.9 oz Bear Spray with Belt Holster | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Backcountry travelers in grizzly country who want maximum range and spray time. | Day hikers and campers who want a proper bear spray and holster for less. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Type | EPA-registered bear spray | EPA-registered bear spray |
| Can size | 10.2 oz | 7.9 oz |
| Range | 44 feet | Up to 40 feet |
| Spray time | 10 seconds | 6 to 7 seconds |
| Strength | 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids | 2.0% major capsaicinoids |
| Holster | Sold with or without | Belt holster included |
| Meets bear spray guidelines | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Grizzly country | Hikers on a budget |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Counter Assault 10.2 oz Bear Spray if
backcountry travelers in grizzly country who want maximum range and spray time.
Know before buying: the largest and heaviest can here to carry on a belt or chest.
Pick the SABRE Frontiersman MAX 7.9 oz Bear Spray with Belt Holster if
day hikers and campers who want a proper bear spray and holster for less.
Know before buying: shorter spray time than the 10.2 oz Counter Assault.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Counter Assault 10.2 oz Bear Spray - A large bear spray with a 44 foot range and 10 seconds of spray time. Choose the SABRE Frontiersman MAX 7.9 oz Bear Spray with Belt Holster instead if day hikers and campers who want a proper bear spray and holster for less.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Bear Spray: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).