A lead really only has two failure points: the bit in your hand and the bit clipped to the dog. This one spends its money on both, with a round braided nylon rope that keeps its shape instead of flattening into a strap, and a padded sleeve at the handle so a sudden pull spreads across your palm rather than cutting a line into your fingers. Everything else about it is colour.

Round braid behaves differently from flat webbing. It does not twist onto itself, it runs through a closed fist smoothly when you want to give a little length, and it stays comfortable when wet, which flat nylon does not. Two rope thicknesses are offered, 8mm and 10mm, across four lengths, and a metal trigger clip fastens to a collar ring or the front or back ring of a harness.

• Round high-density braided nylon rope
• Two thicknesses: 8mm and 10mm
• Lengths of 1.2m, 1.5m, 2m and 2.5m
• Padded handle sleeve to cushion sudden pulls
• Metal trigger clip for a collar or harness
• Pastel shades including pink, light yellow and light purple

On picking a length and a thickness. A 1.2m lead keeps a dog at your side for town pavements and traffic, while 2m and 2.5m suit open paths and a dog who has learned not to pull. Choose the 10mm rope for anything above a small breed. The 8mm is lighter in the hand and fine for a puppy or a terrier, but it is not the one to trust with a strong adult dog. Check the clip spring every few weeks.

Who it's for: Everyday walkers who want a comfortable rope lead and would rather choose the length themselves than accept whatever turns up.