But due to the chinchilla fur lining you can't get it wet.... I have OAM and Da Kine. Both comp, unless it's getting really big i'll switch to the thicker OAM (I've only done that once in the last 4 years, i just don't like the feel of anything thicker than the comp leashes). Usually the comps hold up just fine. I think Da Kine hold up a little better than OAM. But thats just my opinion no scientific proof behind it.
Yea I don't ever remember breaking a dakine... I do have an old one that I thought I broke but it turned out to be the string that attaches to the board. I have had failures with others- fcs, after a while the metal swivel breaks. And have also had the leash break. Others- forget the brand- the area where the swivel attaches to the fabric breaks. And the Velcro wears out too.. I think it all comes down to the materials that they use and how the materials hold up to years of saltwater.
Longboard leash is WRV. short board is Dakine and another is OAM. all three have worked great for years.
Never really cared. HOWEVER- This summer got a XM Tangle Free (it has this light plastic washer that moves up and down) and its f---ng awsome. I do not know if I can go back to a leash without the washer on it.
**Crow Haley leashes** super-high quality and handmade in San Diego (no overseas child labor involved) I was in Santa Cruz last year and found the swell bigger than expected, so I dropped into a little local shop to pick a new and trustworthy leash. I picked up a "standard" 7' Crow Haley and testing it out in some grinding 10 footers at Moss Landing and double overhead at the Lane. No sign of failure, no tearing, no stitching problems. I'm sold! Read Here: http://beachhouseculture.blogspot.com/2012/02/crow-haley-leashes-locally-nade-in-san.html Buy Here: http://encinitassurfboards.com/collections/leashes
Yeah, I guess it sounds that way. But I've never met the guy and have no affiliation. I've just found myself stranded offshore on too many big days by inferior leashes... I also really like the idea of buying from an American guy who takes pride in making all of these himself.
One overlooked part of this discussion is the piece of string that attaches the leash to the leash plug. I only bring this up because yesterday in well overhead northeast swell with southeast wind causing bouncy peaky drops, I lost my board, and the leash was fine but the string broke. I searched the weedline for some nylon string, but there was none. I asked some fishermen near the jetty if they could cut me off some mono, and one surfer on the beach overheard me. He said to cut off some of the shoelace that ties my boardshorts up. The fisherman had a knife, so I did, and it worked. Just a tip if you're in a pinch on a good day.
Had my first leash break today. That was a complete ***** with the cold and a strong current. I will say that this is the first one I've broken in over 20 years, although I do tend to replace them every three or four years as they get stretched out...Thank god 17th St was only two blocks away.
I cannot believe that there is a 4 page discussion over FREAKIN LEASHES!!! Christ, get a leash, try it, and if you like it, you know it's fine!
If it's like his fins, there'll be razors attached. I can tell you which leash not to buy. this one will get your board back to you toot sweet. http://www.extremekiteshop.com/kites/mbs-cobra-coil-board-leash-p-571.html