I was a big flexi fan for many years. Never had a problem with them until the past few years, so I tried different brands. The leashes kept falling apart, or chewed apart within seconds.
I have the extra small. I've read a lot of complaints about the small size of the handle, & how people get their fingers stuck trying to squeeze them in so it can be held like a bigger leash. It's not a bigger leash. This is made for the smaller dogs (it's being used on the biggest dog I've had yet, & she's only 10 lbs). I hold the leash with two or three fingers, thumb on the ready if I need to stop quickly. The lock is easy to use, and works extremely well. It's adorable. It's ergonomic, but doesn't have the soft grip handle because you don't need to grip it tightly, & if you do need to tighten your hold, the leash is strong (up to a certain point, but I don't need to test that theory). It's not made of some kind of ribbon, so my girl doesn't search out the leash when we're in the car to chew on it anymore. I'm now reminded of the old days when flexi was different, & would last years, as I hope this will.
So, just get this leash if you have a small or toy-sized pet. I have crps in my hands, causing 24/7 nerve pain, & the ease of holding this leash is very helpful.
I am so relieved to finally be able to stop looking for a leash. You wouldn't believe how many I've tried! Actually, I think some of you might be able to. Good luck on your search!

I am very pleased with this leash. This is my third purchase of this product. I keep one in the car and one in the house. I thought I had lost one and so ordered the third one. These leashes work well. I have not had any problems with the locking mechanism. I now have about 18 months of use with these leashes. I will say that my medium sized Mini Aussie is gentle and does not put excessive stress on the leash. That may be a factor in the performance of these leashes. I like the light weight cord versus the tape leash because there is no apparent twisting of the leash. I think it also helps with the retractable leash.

I found the operation of the lock and other mechanisms of this leash easy to use. I have not experienced any issues. I would highly recommend this leash to other dog owners, keeping in mind I am using this with a non-aggressive, well behaved dog. So no serious abuse of the leash has occurred.

I found the handle easy and comfortable to hold, even during long walks. If I remember correctly, this product is made in Germany, so I believe that also attests for the good quality, design and excellent manufacturing of the product.

I purchased both the 16-foot and 26-foot versions. Both work equally well for me.

I have a miniature poodle that I take out at night to pee. I have to keep her on a leash or she will just run around the yard , look at the stars, smell the plants etc., etc., etc. With a conventional, non-retractable leash, she would often step over it when an excess of leash piled up beside her. This made walking awkward.
With the FLEXI, the combination of a strong,lightweight cord and a gentle retracting spring, make it impossible for excess leash to reach the ground and impair her walking. The device makes it sooo much easier for her and me to complete her night time pee.
The build quality of the Flexi is exceptionally good. Well designed and built......I like it a lot.

So nice to have a retractable that works easily and not too heavy! Ergonomic fit in large husband hand and my female large hand. We went with cord instead of tape this time (1. No whirring sound as tape does, 2. No tangling when retracting). The lock system is easy using one hand/thumb. Locks and releases..seems strong enough for our frisky, puller ðŸ•.

Be careful with cord! You cannot grab cord itself without getting a rash/cut....also watch for dog to wrap cord around you, especially a leg, can cut into your skin! Very painful if the cord catches the back of a knee...hard place to heal! I know, cause I did it too.

Keep dog in front with these retractables, especially cord!

We have the 16ft small cord lead for our 13lb cat. We love it. The cat is happy to be outside on it, other leads he balked at using.

It's retraction force is gentle enough that our cat is comfortable moving around and doesn't feel like we are tugging on him (we've tried others that pulled way too much for a cat).

The lock is a very smooth function: easy to set, easy to disengage, and easy to use just the temporary lock feature that you maintain by holding the button down with your thumb.

The lead is light, secure feeling, and comfortable to hold. If the cat decides to bolt after a squirrel, he gets yanked back when he hits either the end of the lead or the locked lead without the lead being ripped out of our hands or broken. (Although, he is only 13lbs.)