OAM LEASHES [22.02.2009] Category: Surfboard leash

Key Features & Benefits:
    •  Lightweight and durable
    •  Comfy leg strap with quick release
    •  Great range of designs
    •  Stainless steel swivels
  
Possible Improvements:
    •  Have the rope attached to the leash (through the rail saver)

Bottom line:
    •  High quality leash that has a smaller ankle attachment than most on the market.
    •  Sick range of designs to go with any quiver.


mesurf Review
The OAM brand doesn't get a lot of coverage in the Aussie market and they are still working on getting a solid Aussie team together, but before you write the brand off and check out something else, I recommend you read the following review. Why? The OAM leashes are of very high quality and they have everything you would come to expect from a great leash and they might just have the design you are looking for to go with that sweet stick you have.

So I had the privilege of trying out a few of the new OAM range and have to say my favourite was the SUPER COMP leash. As soon as I put this on I was hooked! This is their thinnest leash designed for 'waist high and below' surf conditions. Having just been through the worst summer swell I can remember, this little guy got a full work out and didn't disappoint.

Wearing the SUPER COMP was like wearing nothing at all, with the small ankle strap and super thin cord. Holding the leash in my hand before using it I had my reservations, thinking it would snap pretty easily, but was quickly proven wrong. The leash has been out in up to 3ft swell, with over 15 sessions and has not shown any wear or tear.

The regular leash was great while riding and paddling around, however due to the smaller ankle strap I found it a little uncomfortable when out in some larger surf at 6ft+. When the board was tomb-stoning I really felt the pull through the ankle and around the edges, more than I normally do. Wasn't enough to make me cringe or start complaining, but I did feel it. I guess this is the sacrifice you make to have a smaller ankle strap that is lighter and more comfortable when you are screaming along the face of a wave.

The swivels on the leashes worked very well, and on close inspection, the stainless steel swivels look top grade and won't rust or seize up. The materials used in the strap are strong, soft and comfy with a quick release loop. One thing that caused me concern was the attachment rope, as it isn't sewn into the rail saver like some of the other brands on the market. I am not sure as to why this is the case (maybe someone from OAM can tell us?), but it had me feeling a little uneasy during the heavier swells, wondering if I had tied the loop properly and tight enough! In it's defence, it has held up and hasn't shown any signs of slipping which is great, but it would be nice to have the rope sewn in just for that added security.

Overall I believe the OAM leashes are a great offering and you are certainly getting good bang for your buck. They feel great, are made of high quality materials and offer a wide range of variations.

                             


"Comfy, durable, lightweight and have a wide range of sick designs" - mesurf

QUALITY
    
COMFORT

DESIGN    

OVERALL




BRAND:  OAM
STYLE: Leashes
CATEGORY: LEASHES
WEB: www.oamsurf.com
CONTACT:  07 5679 0897
RRP: Varies
BUY: All good surf shops

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