WHICH LEAD IS RIGHT FOR MY DOG?
Takapuna Lead
Best suited to: Dogs over 8 kg, as well as taller small dogs
Width: 2 cm
Length: 140 cm, adjustable to 110 or 80 cm
Weight: 140 g
Handle: Opening, adjustable handle
The Takapuna is our more substantial lead, with wider webbing, additional hardware and three adjustable lengths. It's generally the best choice for dogs over 8 kg, although its fit can also work very well for taller dogs under 8 kg.
Papamoa Lead
Best suited to: Dogs under 8 kg, especially toy and petite breeds
Width: 14 mm
Length: 140 cm
Weight: 70 g
Handle: Fixed handle
Designed with little dogs in mind, the Papamoa uses narrower webbing, lighter hardware and a shorter leather tab at the collar. At half the weight of the Takapuna, it's generally the most comfortable choice for dogs under 8 kg and pairs with our matching XS and S collars.
WHAT MAKES SUBWOOFER LEADS DIFFERENT?
It starts with our signature striped polypropylene webbing, developed over more than 12 months and woven here in Auckland. The dense, marine-grade weave is soft in the hand, quick-drying, fade-resistant and easy to clean, with exclusive designs created to match our collars.
The 20 mm Takapuna features an opening handle and three adjustable lengths for walking, tethering or wearing across your body. The Papamoa is designed for dogs under 8 kg, with finer 14 mm webbing, a fixed handle, less hardware and a shortened connection tab—bringing its weight down to just 70 grams.
Every lead is finished with solid brass and leather detailing, then made in small batches by skilled Auckland craftspeople.
HOW DOES THE TAKAPUNA LEAD ADJUST?
The Takapuna adjusts by changing the size of the handle. A smaller handle leaves more length for walking; a larger handle creates a shorter lead.
140 cm: Attach the longer end to your dog, then clip the shorter end onto the middle D-ring. This creates a smaller handle and the longest lead.
110 cm: Reverse it—attach the shorter end to your dog, then use the longer end to create a larger handle and a shorter lead.
80 cm: Fold the lead in half and attach both clips to your dog’s collar. There’s no separate handle in this configuration; simply hold the lead at the fold.
See all three configurations in our illustrated guide.
WHY DO SUBWOOFER LEADS COST MORE?
Our leads take considerably longer to make than mass-produced alternatives, with most of the work completed here in Auckland.
Each lead is assembled and quadruple-stitched using our custom-developed webbing, woven in New Zealand following more than a year of development. The leather detailing is individually cut, stamped and finished locally, then paired with solid-brass hardware. Only the specialised swivel hook is sourced overseas, as no New Zealand manufacturer currently produces one.
We choose thoughtful design, skilled local craftsmanship and quality materials over faster, cheaper production—so our leads genuinely cost more to make.
I JUST RECEIVED MY TAKAPUNA LEAD. WHERE'S THE HANDLE?
The Takapuna doesn’t have a fixed handle. Instead, its two-ended design allows you to create a handle in three different configurations.
For the full 140 cm length, attach the longer end to your dog’s collar, then clip the shorter hook onto the brass D-ring in the middle of the lead.
For a shorter lead, reverse the configuration: attach the shorter end to your dog’s collar and use the longer section to create the handle.
For the shortest setting, fold the lead in half and attach both hooks to your dog’s collar.
WHY DOES THE TAKAPUNA LEAD HAVE AN OPENING HANDLE?
The opening handle makes tethering quicker and easier. Wrap it around a fixed table leg, post or railing, then clip it back into place—without unclipping your dog or tying knots in the lead.
The same design creates three adjustable lengths and allows you to wear the lead across your body while your dog is off lead.
Always supervise a tethered dog and choose a secure location away from roads and other hazards. Never tether your dog using a martingale collar.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SWIVEL HOOK FAILS?
The swivel hook is the hardest-working part of any lead and contains a small moving spring that can wear over time. If the clasp no longer snaps firmly shut, stop using the lead and contact us.
Wherever practical, we’ll replace the hook and repair your lead rather than discard an otherwise perfectly good product. We’ll assess each case individually, taking into account normal use, wear and how the lead or long line has been cared for.
WHAT DOES THE 1 YEAR LEAD GUARANTEE COVER?
Our one-year guarantee covers manufacturing faults in the webbing, stitching and hardware. If something fails despite normal use and proper care, get in touch and we’ll assess it for repair or replacement.
The guarantee doesn’t cover chewing, cuts, ordinary wear or damage caused by improper care. If your swivel hook fails outside the guarantee, contact us anyway—wherever practical, we’ll repair the lead rather than replace it.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY LEAD?
Hand wash your lead in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse it thoroughly, then hang it up to air-dry. Never machine wash or tumble-dry it, as tangling, tumbling and heat can damage the leather, hardware and internal spring mechanisms.
After every beach or salt-water adventure, rinse the swivel hook thoroughly with fresh water, even if you don’t wash the rest of the lead. Salt and sand can damage the small spring inside the clasp, eventually preventing it from closing securely.
Once dry, occasionally apply a drop of CRC or a similar light lubricant to the spring mechanism. Open and close the clasp a few times, then wipe away any excess. If it no longer snaps firmly shut, stop using the lead.