A retractable lead only works if the mechanism inside is built for the dog on the end of it — a fast lock that saves your hand from rope burn is no use if the dog it's supposed to stop weighs more than the leash is rated for.

This is an 8m cord leash in flexi's New Classic range, rated for dogs up to 20kg, and it comes in three colours — black, red and blue — with a protector belt carrying reflective components built into the casing. The braking system locks the cord at whatever length you choose, and the snap hook is chromed rather than plain steel.

• 8m cord leash length
• For dogs up to a maximum of 20kg
• Available in black, red or blue
• Reflective protector belt built into the casing
• Chromed snap hook
• Product weight approximately 350g

On getting it wet. flexi's own care instruction is specific: if the cord or casing gets wet, pull the full length out, lock the brake, and let it dry out overnight rather than winding it away wet. Skip that step often enough and the mechanism inside is what suffers, not the cord itself.

Who it's for: an owner of a dog up to 20kg who wants the extra range of an 8m cord over a fixed lead — open parks, quiet paths, anywhere the dog benefits from more room than a standard short lead gives it.