Our current picks of retractable leads
4 picks, updated 16 September 2026
A settled dog gets room to sniff along a path on a retractable dog lead, which locks short when you reach a road. flexi have made them in Germany for decades, and the range comes down to size and handle comfort.
Four we would buy, with the weight rating and line type for each, since those two things decide which one suits your dog. Match the rating to your dog and the length to where you walk.
Our picks
- 1
Why we picked it
The X11 tape is built for bite resistance, which suits an energetic dog on a long outdoor day. Eight metres gives room to sniff along a path, and the soft stop mechanism brings a dog to a gradual halt. A shock-absorbing belt takes the jolt out of a sudden stop, and it is rated to 55 kg.
- Type
- Retractable lead
- Best for
- Large and energetic dogs
- Price band
- £££
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Off the Leash earns from qualifying purchases.
- 2
Why we picked it
Eight metres of tape in the Giant housing, rated for dogs up to 50 kg. The handle adjusts, and so does the maximum length, so you can set how far your dog ranges on a given walk. It suits long towpath and forest-track walks, and flexi say every lead is tested in Bargteheide before it leaves the warehouse.
- Type
- Retractable lead
- Best for
- Open paths and towpaths
- Price band
- ££
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Off the Leash earns from qualifying purchases.
- 3
Why we picked it
The adjustable handle on the Comfort is shaped to hold for an hour, which matters if you walk the same route every evening. It runs eight metres of tape, with a colour-coordinated brake button and the short-stop one-handed braking system for locking short at a kerb. It takes the flexi LED lighting and the Multi Box for treats or bags.
- Type
- Retractable lead
- Best for
- Long daily walks
- Price band
- ££
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Off the Leash earns from qualifying purchases.
- 4
Why we picked it
A small dog gets plenty of room from five metres on a pavement or a village lane, and the compact housing keeps the weight down at 160 g. It is rated for dogs up to 12 kg, and it is made in Bargteheide. The Multi Box and the LED lighting system both fit.
- Type
- Retractable lead
- Best for
- Small dogs and terriers
- Price band
- £
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Off the Leash earns from qualifying purchases.
Side by side
| # | Pick | Type | Best for | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | flexi Xtreme L Tape Lead, 8m | Retractable lead | Large and energetic dogs | £££ |
| 2 | flexi Giant L Tape Lead, 8m | Retractable lead | Open paths and towpaths | ££ |
| 3 | flexi New Comfort L Tape Lead, 8m | Retractable lead | Long daily walks | ££ |
| 4 | flexi Classic S Cord Lead, 5m | Retractable lead | Small dogs and terriers | £ |
Questions people ask
How do I use a retractable lead safely?
Clip it to a harness, keep it locked short near roads, other dogs and blind corners, and let it out where there is space. The brake sits under your thumb, so switching between the two is quick.
Tape or cord on a retractable lead?
Tape suits medium and large dogs, because the wide line is easy to see and comfortable in the hand. Cord keeps the weight down for a small dog, which is why the compact leads use it.
What length retractable lead should I buy?
Five metres is plenty for pavements and village lanes, and eight suits towpaths, forest tracks and beaches. Pick the length for the walks you do most, since the brake lets you shorten it anywhere.