FLEXI Giant XL Retractable Dog Leash (Tape), Extra-Large, Black/Grey

This is a brilliant piece of equipment - well designed and well crafted. Allows me to walk my two large dogs safely and with fun and relaxation for all. It is not the only lease I use because different leashes are most helpful and appropriate in different situation. For example, the manufacturer advises to use a regular ( non retractable) leash for vet visits. I've used the retractable leash in various dog walk situations including having the dogs swimming in a local creek. It worked great. Please note: my dogs wear harnesses (specifically "roman" harnesses) and I clip the leash to the back of the harness for "free dog" time - when they get to use the whole 25 ft if they wish to. When I need them to "heel" for any length of time, I clip the leash to the front of the harness and use the locking mechanism to set a short length. My dog totally understands that leash on back means "free time". I do not believe in clipping leashes to collars as I fnd it evokes an oppositional response in dogs ( more pulling/resisting) and it can be very hurtful to the dog (chocking, back/neck injuries etc). When the retractable leash is not locked, the dog does have a great deal of safe freedom but the retractable mechanism does create a soft/light constant tension which is why I clip the leash to the back for free time.The bottom line is I love this piece of equipment - use with savvy!

This is now my third Flexi bought for a high energy, 55lb. hound mix. The first two lasted approximately 5 years each (she's now 11). Logic would say this is overkill given it's rated for twice her size or more. However, that's not the case. Assuming you have reasonable arm strength to carry the pound and a half mass this leash packs, you benefit from the super strong construction, long lead length, and fat tape that minimizes tangling and rope burns. I just replaced the Classic Compact 3 (large size) with this model and its moderately heavier and bulkier. But in return you get ten more feet of leash, a thicker tape that's more comfortable to handle, a stronger shackle, and an open reel which will aid in cleaning fur, sand, and gunk that accumulate in all of them.Like the professional dog trainers say, it's all in how you use Flexis and how well behaved your dog is. You pay attention to where your dog is headed and who or what is around her at all times. That includes, people, cars, bikes, animals and stray food on the ground. If you follow common sense rules, and don't talk on your cell, drink coffee, and use a Flexi simultaneously, you and your dog benefit from them. You laugh, but people who misuse Flexis are usually doing some combination of the above.There are no Great Danes in my immediate future but I really like the heft and feel of this product. As another reviewer said, these will make a convenient weapon on a dark desolate night in the park. Where else can you buy German engineering at this price?Kudos to Amazon for getting this to me in three days without paying for special handling. It was shipped by My Pet Place and I would gladly do business with them again.

We have a 120(ish) pound Anatolian Shepherd. This thing works great. I love being able to allow him more room to wonder while we're walking, but maintain control incase it is needed. Some may consider this unit to be large and bulky, and by all rights, I guess it is. But if you have a large dog, capable of inflicting serious bodily injury to others, maintaining positive control is essential (as a responsible dog owner). It's stout and capable. I was unsure how I would feel about it when I ordered it, but now that we've had it for a couple of years, I'm incredibly happy with the purchase. It's worth every penny.

I'm a suborn German and since this is (or was) a German engineered product I made the assumption that this was a quality product. I am ashamed that I stuck with them as long as I had. I have a 60 pound English Springer and a 33 pound English Pointer puppy. After the Flexi 3 belts snapped I assumed that I needed a stronger model so I bought two of the Giant XL's. Not a month after I bought them, the puppy snapped the catch off the belt. Amazon's return policy had a replacement at my door in two days. Another two days later I noticed that this one is ready to fail. This time I'll ask for a refund and be done with Flexi. I will assume that they have decided to outsource the materials and assembly to those fine folks in China leaving the brand to blow in the wind.

I use this leash on both my Alaskan Malamutes, little girl is 105 lbs., big boy is 130 lbs. This leash is solid and dependable after a couple months of use. The brake is trustworthy, keeping the dog under control even when other dogs are in close proximity. I always have both dogs with me, so this retractable leash is easy to use with one hand, reeling in the dog and locking the length with just a press of the thumb. The only thing that keeps me from providing a 5 star rating is the fact that the reel is open on both sides instead of fully enclosed. Since my hands are always full, it was an unpleasant experience when a full "doggy" bag held in the same hand was shredded by the reel retracting. But it only happened once, so you too can learn from my mistake :) Overall, a very good quality piece of hardware, capable of controlling large dogs, and I liked the color choices available.