Every superhero has a piece of them that makes them who they are. Iron Man has his arc reactor, Wonder Woman has her magical lasso, and Captain America has his shield. Batman has so much more than the rest, he carries an entire arsenal of cool weapons and gadgets.
With so many options, he will always have the right tool for the job. Whether he’s stopping the Joker from terrorizing the city or sparring with Cat Woman on a roof, there’s a tool to help him through it. Here are 20 of Batman’s most iconic pieces of gear.
Utility Belt
Who would Batman be without his trusty utility belt? Without this perfect carrying option, it’s not likely that Batman could amaze us with his well-timed retrieval of the perfect gadget. This belt has been depicted with many different types of openings and storage, as well as occasionally having items attached to the exterior of it.
The function of the utility belt goes even further by keeping Batman’s treasures safe from outside forces. Though the protection of the utility belt comes in different flavors; sometimes a shock to the villain trying to open it up, others a specific opening mechanism that nobody but Batman knows; it is always a staple of Batman’s costume. Want a cool toy utility belt? Find it here on Amazon.
Batarangs
Batarangs are an awesome hybrid of boomerang and shuriken. They can be thrown on an arc, coming back around to Batman and have sharp edges to deal damage on the way. There are several types of Batarang, as they have evolved through the ages. Want one? Check this one out here on Amazon.
Explosive Batarangs
The explosive Batarang is as mobile as the original but allows the Batarang to cause a precise explosion. They are not remote detonated, but rather explode upon impact, meaning there is no downtime from impact to explosion.
Electric Batarangs
Batarangs can have an electric property, making them flying stun guns or tasers. These specific Batarangs are good for more than just hamstringing enemies, though, as they can also put electronic devices out of order. They will deliver a strong shock to whatever they hit, making them a versatile gadget.
Remote Controlled Batarangs
The Caped Crusader is good with his tools, no question, but even a master marksman can only hit so many targets. When the targets end up around corners or down dark hallways, a new type of tool is needed, and Batman always has that tool. By making Batarangs remote-controlled, he is sure to hit his target, no matter where he is in proximity to it.
Batclaw
Even though the name makes it sound as though it is some kind of Wolverine-esque set of brass knuckles, the Batclaw is so much more useful than that. Firing a multi-pronged dart with a rope attached, Batman can use this tool to pull things closer to himself. In some iterations, the Batclaw becomes the Ultra Batclaw and fires multiple lines at a time.
Cryptographic Sequencer
In a more technological time, the cryptographic sequencer has given Batman an extra edge. This tool functions as a universal remote of sorts, given our hero access to power grids and radio frequencies. Using this tool, Batman is able to keep track of enemies, listen to broadcast information, and power off obstacles.
This is apparatus functions differently than the EMP style items that Batman uses to shut down systems in that he is able to leave things functioning while bypassing the inconvenient pieces of the system. Having this mechanism turns the Dark Knight into the ultimate hacker.
Bat Grenades
There are a few different types of Bat Grenades out there, much like there are several types of Batarangs. Each one has a specific use case and is pretty ingenious when you look at what it’s designed to do.
Flash-Bang Grenades
Flash-bang grenades are not used solely by Batman, but they are an important tool in his arsenal. The function of a flash-bang is to incapacitate an adversary without doing lethal damage. With the firm “no-kill” rule employed by Batman, this tool is essential to maintaining order.
The name “flash-bang” is perfect for this tool. It emits a loud sound as well as a blinding flash of light when detonated, disabling the foe’s sense of vision and sound in one go. While in this limited state, Batman can easily wrap up the enemy without dealing lasting damage.
EMP Grenades
Another grenade employed by Batman that shows up in other pop culture is the EMP (electromagnetic pulse) grenade. These small grenades emit an electric pulse upon detonation that shuts down all nearby electronic systems. Causing a tech blackout while storming an evil lair is just the kind of action expected from the ever prepared Batman.
Pellet Grenades
Pellet grenades are often used in destroying walls and obstacles. These explosives are filled with tiny pellets that spray out when the grenade explodes, plowing down anything that gets in their way. They can even be combined with light and sound elements to create a multi-sense attack.
Freeze Grenades
Not all of Batman’s gadgets and weapons are created for or by the Bat. Some tools he uses are created by the very enemies he hopes to take down. Freeze grenades are one such item.
Created by using Mr. Freeze’s research, freeze grenades burst in the form of ice rather than the typical fiery explosion. Their ability to hamstring opponents makes them very useful, but they are capable of helping in less confrontational ways as well. Being able to freeze water in their blast radius, Batman is able to strategically place ice blocks in rivers and other bodies of water that he encounters.
Bat-Sword
The Caped Crusader is known for having the coolest weapons, and the Bat-Sword does not disappoint. This weapon is similar to a Jedi’s lightsaber, glowing with energy. With this sword, Batman can cut through many objects that a normal sword couldn’t manage, including things made of steel.
Being a collapsible sword, Batman is able to store this item in his utility belt with the rest of his awesome gadgets. He doesn’t frequently require the use of an up-close and personal weapon, but when it’s needed of course it needs to be awesome. Going from fists to swords is a snap with this blade.
Bat-Tracer
One of the most useful, though not the most exciting, tools in Batman’s belt is his Bat-Tracers. These are tiny tracking devices that also allow him to listen in on his quarry’s conversations. Sometimes these devices are even fired from a gun, letting Batman attach them to his enemies from a distance without them knowing.
Explosive Gel
Contained in a spray bottle that doubles as a detonator, the explosive gel is as cool as it sounds. This device can be used like any explosive but is so much more precise. When Batman encounters a barrier, he can spray some of this gel onto it, and detonate from a distance. With its versatility, he could even create a Zorro style marking blown through a door if he wanted.
Bat-Stun Gun
Having a stun gun on hand is important to neutralizing enemies while keeping them alive. The Bat-Stun gun allows Batman to stop villains in their tracks by emitting an electric shock once connected with them. This stun gun can be compared to modern-day tasers but is given that distinctive Batman flair. By jolting the jerks, he can keep the peace in Gotham.
Night Vision Bat-Goggles
Being able to see in the dark is an immense advantage, especially if you happen to do your best work at night. With the advent of night-vision, the landscape of fighting has changed, both for heroes and villains. Most night-vision goggles, however, are bulky and cumbersome, requiring the user to be still and hold an item up to their face.
Batman’s night vision is built directly into the cowl of his suit. This device emits light that cannot be seen with the naked eye and illuminates even the darkest night for him. With this gadget, he is able to stealthily watch his quarry and get into the best position before striking.
Bat Bolas
Bolas are a handy tool for any hero dealing with fleeing enemies. These gadgets feature a length of cord, usually nylon, attached to several heavy balls. When thrown at the legs of an enemy, they make for an effective tripping hazard, slowing down whoever Batman is trying to capture.
Normally, bolas wrap around the knees or ankles of the target. By throwing with a spin, the heavy balls keep the momentum of the throw and loop several times around the affected area. This also prevents getting back up and making a run for it, as the unwrapping process is slow.
Shock-Gloves
The shock gloves that Batman employs are just like you’d imagine, and more. They carry the ability to deliver a non-lethal shock to an enemy, like a close-range version of the Bat-Stun gun. In addition to incapacitating villains, the shock gloves can be used to defibrillator fallen comrades or jump-start electrical devices.
Bat Darts
Tranquilizers are not a new concept in hero stories. Tipping darts in an unknown substance and shooting them into an unsuspecting enemy or victim is really handy. Batman has his own bat version, making it possible for him to knock out pesky creeps with a single dart.
Bat Darts are shot out in various ways and with various effects throughout the Batman stories. These darts are tipped with various chemicals ranging from amnesiacs to paralytics and can be fired from a gun or blow dart. With this versatile tool, Batman is able to keep his foes right where he wants them.
Bat-Bombs
The Bat-bombs are one of the coolest looking bat-gadgets. These miniature mines are perfect for blowing down doors or taking out fences. With their small size, their placement is easily overlooked by goons playing for the wrong team.
Flamethrower
Every good hero needs a flamethrower. Okay, usually it is villains that use that kind of weaponry, but it was an awesome gadget once used by Batman. This model was a miniature version of the standard weapon.
True, the Batman using the flamethrower was not our hero, Bruce Wayne, but another who donned the dark suit in his stead. Things got a bit out of control with this particular item, but it wouldn’t be a total loss to see it make a comeback with the real Defender of Gotham. He could employ it with better results.
Glider Wings
There have been a couple of variations of the Bat-Glider, some resembling wingsuits while others were more like paragliders. Having the ability to float is an essential tool in the Bat’s store. By utilizing this tool, he is able to gently descend from great heights, and strike fear in the hearts of any evil-doer who sees him coming.
Sonic Devastator
The sonic devastator is another handy gadget for incapacitating enemies of Batman. This tool emits sonic waves that leave the bad guys in agony. Lucky for Batman, his suit’s cowl construction leaves him unaffected by the device.
Bat-Cuffs
It would be difficult for Batman to keep up his firm but non-lethal justice in Gotham without these. The Bat-Cuffs are similar to regular handcuffs but are distinctive in their design. These cuffs will keep captured foes restrained until the police can arrive to cart them away.
Rebreather
Batman finds himself finding crime in exotic locals now and again, and the rebreather is just the gadget to make this possible. This tool is a small, cylinder that allows Batman to have a supply of oxygen no matter where he finds himself. Despite its several hour oxygen capacity, the rebreather fits perfectly in his utility belt.
Batmobile Remote
The Batmobile is the ultimate Bat-toy, but even cooler than having a truly all-purpose vehicle, is having the option to control that vehicle remotely. The Batmobile remote is a wonder of ingenuity, bringing all of our RC car dreams come true. It also allows Batman to have his ride available at all times.
Not only can Batman drive the Batmobile via the remote control, but he can utilize other features inside the vehicle remotely as well. Things like immobilizing missiles and the equipped gun can be fired remotely. It can also be driven to strategic locations, picking up victims or Batman himself. Who needs Uber when you’ve got such a sweet ride at your fingertips?
Conclusion:
With so many options for getting the job done, it’s no wonder the Dark Knight is always able to come out on top. Between gadgets and weapons, it’s amazing that he only needs one utility belt to get by. If you were off to fight crime, which gadget or weapon could you not live without?