I decided to bite the bullet and pick up one of Flexi’s Giant, Unlimited Weight Retractable Dog Leashes based on the reviews it’s been getting. Bailey is not up in the ‘unlimited’ weight range, but since she sometimes thinks she’s a freight train I figured this leash could take a beating.

First off, it’s a big, heavy unit made from ABS plastic. I’m ok with that since the weight of it gives you piece of mind when your pet starts building momentum. The leash and internal mechanism also seem stout and took multiple full-extension hits from our 40lb dog. I tried panic-locking it a few times as well and it clicks in without any sign of breaking. The locking button is very easy to use; push the main button down with your thumb, then push the secondary button forward. To unlock, simply slide the secondary button back.

The belt slot is fashioned in a U-shape to keep the it from twisting while reeling in or out. This prevention helps the belt stay flat so it doesn’t jam up the internal wheel…which is only partially internal. That was one of the first things that caught my eye; the open leash roller. This thing can spool out like a angry turbo when your dog sees it’s target; not so bad with a 40lb dog but I can see this being a major issue if yours is heavier (say, 100+lbs) and they have 26′ of leash to exhaust. Should you need to make any type of panic grip on the leash, serious burns could happen if your hands grip anything but the handle. This definitely something you’ll need to get used to. Thankfully the grip is large and accomodates gloves (for the winter months), so gripping just the handle shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Just hold on tight.

Recommendation-

If you own a bear, this leash is for you. If you need to pull your car or truck out of the snow, this leash is also for you. There is no mistaking the workmanship of the Flexi Giant Retractable Belt Dog Leash…it’s brutally strong and will probably be the last leash you’ll ever purchase. We’ve been on many walks now in the heat of the summer as well as the freezing cold of winter (with a VERY short walk to -11 degrees with the wind chill) and the Flexi Giant Retractable Belt Dog Leash worked like a champ. I even strapped it to my 95lb tool chest and pulled it from one end of the yard to the other (about 60′)…worked great. It is a bit pricey but if you’re looking for something to control your 50+lb dog, it’s WELL worth it. It comes in optional colors as well; black, olive green, orange, petrol blue and red.

Specs-

Product Name: Flexi Giant Retractable Dog Leash
Price: Around $50.00
Warranty: Lifetime

Features-

Belt or Cord: Belt
Length: 26′
Supports: All dogs (basically, no weight limit)
Handle Construction: Rubberized Grip
Lock and Release Button: 2-Stage Locking Button
Belt/Cord Slot: U-Shaped
Other Features: None
Additional Items Included in the Packaging: Safety collar and Safety Precautions & Directions pamphlet