Flexi

flexi invented the retractable dog lead and has been making them in Bargteheide, Germany, since 1973. The company is part of Bogdahn International, and every lead is still assembled and tested there. The range here covers cord and tape leads from 3 to 10 metres, plus the accessories that clip onto them.

Tape or cord?

• Tape is a flat woven band. It is wider, easier to see, and carries a higher weight rating than cord in the same size.
• Cord is a thin round line. It is lighter and slimmer, but it takes a lighter dog — and if your dog lunges, a thin cord is the worst thing in the world to grab.
• The same size letter means different weights depending on which you choose. Size S is 15 kg in tape and 12 kg in cord; size M is 25 kg in tape and 20 kg in cord.

The ranges

• New Classic — the standard lead, in cord, XS to M. The one most people picture.
• New Comfort — the same idea with an adjustable handle that sets to the width of your hand, gloved or bare. Tape from XS to L, cord in S and M.
• New Neon — high visibility: neon tape and brake button, with reflective panels on both sides of the casing that flexi says pick up headlights from over 150 m.
• Black Design — all-black casing with a single contrast accent, size S tape.
• Style — the slim design lead, matte and gloss, the lightest of the lot at 120 g in size S.
• Color — polka-dot casings with a matching cord, 5 m in S and M.
• Giant — the heavy-duty end: a bigger casing, wider tape and larger handle, 8 m and 10 m, up to 50 kg.

Accessories

• The Multi Box slides into the handle and holds treats or a roll of poop bags. Fits New Comfort, New Classic, New Neon, Black Design and Xtreme in S, M and L — not XS.
• The Vario LED Flash Belt lights the lead itself rather than the handle, with constant, slow-flash and fast-flash settings.

Using one safely — flexi's own advice

• Never grasp the tape or cord, and never wind it around any part of your body. Nylon under load causes friction burns, and this is the injury most associated with these leads.
• Use it by hand only. Never tie a dog up with it.
• Walk the dog to heel when people or other dogs approach, and use the permanent stop for exactly that.
• Children should not use these leads.
• Check the lead before every walk, dry it fully if it gets wet, and stop using it if the tape or cord is frayed or chewed.
• Never open the casing — the recoil spring inside is under tension.