Retractable leads divide people, and most of the argument comes down to where they get used rather than the leads themselves. On an open path or a quiet field, letting a dog range ahead and drift back is a genuine improvement on a fixed lead. On a pavement beside traffic, that same freedom is the entire problem, which is why the brake matters more than the length ever will.

The handle here is a ring rather than the usual pistol grip, and it changes how you hold it: the hand goes through rather than around, so the lead is less likely to be dropped if a dog lunges at the moment you are not gripping tightly. It clips onto a collar or harness in a second, the line retracts smoothly rather than snatching back, and it comes in three colours.

• Retractable line with a smooth return
• Ring-style handle rather than a pistol grip
• Clips onto a collar or harness
• Lightweight for everyday walking
• Three colours: pink, grey and blue

We will be straight about retractable leads. They give poor control near roads, the thin line can burn a hand that grabs it, and a dog who hits the end at speed takes a jolt through the neck, so use one with a harness rather than a collar. Ask first if your dog is a strong puller.

Who it's for: Owners walking a well-mannered dog on open paths and quiet fields who want some give in the lead, not a lead for busy pavements.