With the rise in the popularity of bodyboarding, more people are looking to build out their kit so they can get into the water with confidence. Not only will a boarder need a board, but they will also probably need a few other pieces of gear, like a bodyboard leash. Remember that the leash is especially a highly important means of safety when you’re boarding.
But choosing the right leash may look more simple than it actually is.
There are a lot of factors to consider, like the type of leash, the setup, and so much more. Even if the new bodyboarder has all that down pat, though, there are still a lot of options to choose from. They will need to look not only at the materials and design but also at the reputation of the brand that has made it.
Below is an in-depth look at a few of the best bodyboard leashes on the market that should help you choose the right one for your style and board.
Bodyboard Leash Reviews
WOOWAVE Coiled Leash
The first bodyboard leash on our list is a premium coil style, and the rest of the leash comes with a plug already attached. The material itself is lightweight, measuring 5.5mm, and designed with a urethane cord that is coiled for a tangle-free experience. Along with this, the material is also anti-corrosive and comfortable. The leash comes with a lifetime quality warranty as well, which means that if something goes wrong, it is easily replaced.
There are a lot of great features that make this leash stand out amongst the rest. The first is that it is crafted with a plug already attached for easy installation, making it a perfect option for those who are just beginning to bodyboard. Along with this, the material used is lightweight, which will reduce resistance when in the water. The plug that is attached to the cord is also crafted with premium-grade materials, which makes it sturdy and dependable so that the bodyboarder doesn’t have to worry about the leash coming undone. On top of all that, the length of the tether is quite good, making it perfect for a wide range of bodyboarders.
That being said, there are a few issues that need to be addressed before any final decision is made. For bodyboarders who are concerned with aesthetics, the leash only comes in a limited number of colours. This will, of course, mean there is less chance of finding the perfect colour for them. Other than that, some have found that the strap is a bit on the thin side, decreasing their trust in the durability of the product.
Summary
Pros
+ Easy to use for any level of experience
+ Crafted with high-quality lightweight material
+ Connection is sturdy and dependable
+ The length of the tether is good
Cons
– Leash comes in a limited amount of colours
– Some may find the strap a bit on the thin side
BPS “Storm” Bodyboard Leash
The BPS’ Storm’ is a professional-grade bodyboard leash that is designed with a coiled cord and utilizes high-quality materials.
The overall construction of the piece is crafted with a neoprene cuff and a strong Velcro binding attached to it. Along with the cord and leash, it comes with a plug just in case you need a new one. The leash comes with an e-guide that details how to care for it as well as how to install it on your bodyboard. The leash also comes with a 12-month warranty in case anything goes wrong.
A bodyboarder designs this bodyboard leash to answer all the things they knew were a need. As a result, you will find handy features like a hidden pocket for your key included in the design. This makes it less likely that you will lose that key, so you can really enjoy your time in the water.
Other than that stellar feature, the leash is crafted with TPU, which makes it super comfortable to wear and gives the entire product a heightened level of durability. Attached to that cord is a high-quality Velcro fastener that will be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. The length of the coiled cord, when extended fully, is excellent as well. This will give the rider a little more versatility when it comes to getting up on the board.
Though the length is appreciated by most, some think it is too long. That, combined with the wrist attachment being so large, makes some feel it is too large altogether for smaller bodyboarders. The only other issue is the flexibility of the attachment. It is really rigid, which may make it hard to install, and it could limit movement.
Summary
Pros
+ Cords crafted in high-grade TPU for improved durability
+ The cord is stretchable to 4 feet
+ Crafted with a hidden pocket for your keys
+ Designed with an easy-release tab
Cons
– Some find the size to be a bit large for Bodyboarding
– The attachment is not very flexible
Own the Wave Lightweight Bodyboard Leash
This premium coiled leash will extend out to 4 feet so that the board is close at all times.
Crafted with a slim and lightweight cord of durable TPU, the leash is finished with a neoprene cuff for improved comfort. This also keeps the border from having to deal with blistering or chafing. Available in three colours, the leash is also outfitted with a strong Velcro quick release (and it comes with a free plug, just in case).
When it comes to the features of this bodyboard leash, many great additions make it an excellent choice for a lot of bodyboarders out there. The first is the versatility of attachment. The boarder can strap it onto their wrist or their bicep. Along with this, the leash is designed with a slimmer cord for less friction in the water and more comfortable wearability. There is no worry about durability either, as the cord is designed with a high-quality TPU. If that wasn’t enough, the leash comes with a video tutorial showing how to install the leash properly.
There are a few issues with the leash that could be improved, though. For those boarders that like a thicker board, the cord may be a little slim to be of any use to them. The design also lacks a swivel at the connector, and this will reduce the comfort for some. This also means less movement capability when it comes to manoeuvring the board.
Summary
Pros
+ Can be used on riders’ wrists as well as biceps
+ The leash is designed with a slimmer cord
+ Comes with a free installation video tutorial
+ Crafted in heavy-duty TPU for a sturdier leash
Cons
– The leash is not a great choice for thicker boards
– Lack of swivel may be a problem for some
XM Surf More Adjustable Bodyboard Leash
This leash is crafted to be lightweight and versatile.
The design works well with any size of bodyboard as well as with boogie boards. Using a flat-top plug, the leash is easy to attach and does so very securely. Crafted with thick urethane, the cord is tested multiple times to make sure it can stand up to almost anything. Finished with high-quality Velcro, the leash is easy to release. Overall, this leash is crafted with premium-grade materials for better durability.
For those boarders who like to have everything matching, this leash is a great option. The product comes in more than four colours, which is better than many of its competitors. Performance-wise, this leash also has quite a few advantages.
The first and the biggest may well be the inclusion of a double-swivel attachment. This gives better flexibility when it comes to movement, and that can’t be a bad thing. Also, it is designed with a hook and loop feature. The hook and loop feature elevates comfort when wearing the attachment. It also helps with a quick release if necessary. All of this combines to give the boarder a leash that offers a lot of value for a relatively budget-friendly price tag.
Now, even with all that, this leash is far from perfect. The first significant issue is the fact that the bicep cuff is not padded; this can lead to uncomfortable wear after a while. It might also produce chafing or blistering when on the water for an extended time. Other than that, though it is tested well, the durability of the XM Surf Leash is not as excellent as the one from the BPS Storm. So, if you are mainly boarding in large waves, you should instead opt for the BPS Storm or the Own the Wave Leash.
Summary
Pros
+ Leash comes in a wide range of colours
+ Designed with a double swivel for improved movement
+ Price versus value is better than many of its competitors
+ Crafted with a hook and loop feature
Cons
– The bicep cuff is not padded, which could mean less comfortability
– Some find it not durable for certain types of waters
TAGVO Padded Bodyboard Leash
This bodyboard leash uses a coiled cord that has extended flexibility, as it can extend out longer than any of the other leashes on this list.
You probably now ask yourself why we only included coiled leashes. The reason is that they cause less drag than straight ones, which is something we prefer even though there might be other disadvantages like coiled leashes can get stretched from time to time.
But let’s get back to the TAGVO Leash: also, for this leash, only high-quality materials are used, e.g. the 7mm thick cord. Along with this, the leash is also crafted with a double-swivel system of stainless steel for improved durability. The cuff itself is made of neoprene, and you can have cuffs for the wrist, ankle, or bicep, depending on the boarder’s preference.
Furthermore, there are a lot of extras when it comes to this leash. Like the fin savers, which are integrated into the ankle cuff. That’s definitely an excellent idea, even though TAGVO should improve them regarding robustness. On top of the two fin savers, there is also a small key pocket integrated into the cuff.
The design of the leash may shine the most when it comes to the coiled cord that it has. This cord has extra length and flexibility while still being very durable. For durability, the design includes stainless steel swivels that allow for more movement as well.
Nevertheless, there are some ideas for improvement. First of all, TAGVO should improve the robustness of the fin savers. Even though it is a nice feature, we had a situation where one broke instead quickly. Furthermore, we heard of users that the cord got stretched and didn’t coil appropriately after a session in more giant waves. But to be honest with you, we haven’t had this problem. Furthermore, the bicep’s cuff is a little clumsy when put on. So it would be an idea to include something like a clasp or opposing clip so that putting it on by yourself gets easier.
Summary
Pros
+ Nice fin saver feature
+ Quality materials like the stainless steel double swivel
+ Comfortable cuffs for wrist, ankle and biceps
+ Crafted with stainless steel swivels and moulded fittings
Cons
– The biceps cuff is a little clumsy to put on
– Robustness of the fin savers should be improved
Final Thoughts on Best Bodyboard Leash
No matter what a boarder’s level of experience is out there on the water, they should make sure safety is the first thing on their mind.
That is why investing in a good bodyboard leash is a must when finishing out your bodyboard kit. You will want to ensure that the leash is safe but also comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
There are different styles and brands to consider. This means the boarder should take time to weigh all their options to ensure they are getting the right one for them. The significant points to consider are, from our point of view, the cuff and the quality of the leash itself.
But what is now our favourite?
Overall, we are highly convinced of the XM Surf. It is of good quality and has a lot of great features like the patented universal flat-top plug design and the double swivel system. Yes, the durability of the leash could be further improved, but it is also a good bit cheaper than most of the other products.
However, if you are already a more experienced Bodyboarder who rides more giant waves, the ultra-robust BPS Storm is a great choice.
Hopefully, the reviews above of some of the best bodyboard leashes will help with that decision-making process.
More helpful information about Bodyboarding
Are you interested in more really useful information about Bodyboarding?
We’ve got you covered! On coolwatersports.com, you can find a lot of information about Bodyboard Gear, How to Bodyboard and a lot of Tips and Tricks.
Check it out!