Before you order...
1/2" LW
Very light weight. Excellent for small or light weight dogs.
Nominal break strength is approximately 500 pounds if sewn.
Handling is relatively poor because it is too thin for comfortable grip.
1/2" HW
Light weight. Excellent for small or light weight dogs, or medium-size dogs who do not pull hard.
Nominal break strength is approximately 500 pounds if sewn.
Handling is good because it thick enough for comfortable grip.
5/8" LW
Light weight. Excellent for medium-size dogs, especially if they do not pull hard.
Nominal break strength is approximately 625 pounds if sewn.
Handling is fair.
5/8" HW
Medium weight. Excellent for medium weight dogs, especially if they do not pull hard.
Nominal break strength is approximately 625 pounds if sewn.
Handling is very good. (My personal favorite for my Malinois)
3/4" LW
Medium weight.
Very strong. Nominal break strength is approximately 750 pounds if sewn.
Handling is good but it is thin for it's width.
3/4" HW
Heavy weight.
Very strong. Nominal break strength is approximately 750 pounds if sewn.
Handling is good, but suffers because on the weight.
Information to help you select the right line the first time
Your tracking line and your dog should be matched. For instance, a 3/4" Heavy weight is inappropriate for a small beagle, and a 1/2" Light weight is equally inappropriate for a bloodhound. I want you to get a line that you'll be happy with, not just what I happen to have on hand.
The Biothane leads I sell actually come in 2 thicknesses, LW (light weight) and HW (Heavy weight). Think of these as as Thick and Thin. The strength is the same for each. The difference lies in how the line feels and handles. The thin variety has a weight advantage. It is a bit thinner than a leather or cotton flat line. However, because it is thin, it is not as easy to grip as the thick variety, and so is appropriate for small dogs and medium-sized dogs that do not pull hard.
The thick variety is somewhat heavier (about 30%) . It is about as thick as a flat leather leash, thicker perhaps and heavier than a flat cotton line. It has superior grip and is appropriate for larger breeds and dogs that pull hard. If you have a very small breed I recommend the 1/2" width in either the thin or (esp) the thick variety.
What length do I need?
AKC Tracking:
"Section 14... The leash will be between twenty (20) and forty (40) feet in length."
(Most AKC Trackers seem to interpret this as "... Must be 40 feet " )
Schutzhund Tracking:
10 meters (33 feet)
SAR tracking:
Personal preference, based upon terrain and situation.
In open areas I prefer a 20-25 foot line.
In woods and scrub, I find that a 15 foot line is more manageable.
In town, a 15 foot line keeps my dog closer and safer.
AKC Obedience:
Generally 6 feet
Waist-leash:
You might want to consider a waist-leash. It is made to fit your waist (plus 4-5 inches) and it has a ring in the handle. When your dog is working off-lead, you clip it around your waist. When you need to put your dog back on-lead, it is always handy. No fumbling and "Where did I put my leash?"
THICKNESS
So, What is the Ideal tracking Line?
IMO, you are looking for the best compromise of weight, strength, and handling for you and your dog. The best compromise for a Border Collie on a 40 foot line will be different than for a Bloodhound on a 20 foot line. Below I have listed some items for you to consider.
Colors:
I generally have on hand (or can order) Biothane as follows: