The Reliance Pro 6 is Creatures of Leisure's standard shortboard leash. Creatures is one of the brands surfers name most often when someone asks which leash to buy, and many owners stick with it for years.
This review covers how the Reliance Pro holds up, how it feels on your ankle and what owners dislike about it. One note before we start: most Reddit comments are about Creatures leashes in general, not this exact model, so read the owner reports with that in mind.
What It Is: A 7mm Leash for Everyday Shortboard Surf
A leash is the cord that connects your ankle to your board. The Reliance Pro is 6 feet long with a 7mm urethane cord. Creatures uses a 6mm cord on its thinner Comp leashes, so the Pro is the stronger, all round option.
The key feature is the DNA Flex Mould, a flexible moulded joint where the cord meets the swivel. Creatures says it absorbs the shock of a wave pulling on the board, which is where many leashes break. You also get a stainless steel bearing swivel, a non-slip cuff and a rail saver, the strap that wraps around your board's tail so the cord doesn't cut into the rail.
In the Water: Strong and Simple
Owners call the Pro very strong. One surfer said the Pro is very strong and the Comp is extremely comfortable, and another called a Creatures leash the best one they have owned.
The cuff gets quiet praise. One owner described it as nice, basic and functional, which is what you want from a part you never want to think about.
Where It Excels
The Reliance Pro shines for surfers who want a leash that lasts. One surfer has used the same Creatures leash for 4 years with no issues. Another replaced one on a 9 foot board after 3 years of solid use. A third said their Creatures leash is still strong after 7 years, while their Dakine leashes lasted 1.5 to 3 years.
Customer service also comes up. One surfer said Creatures covered the cost of a board damaged when a knot in the leash string failed.
Where It Falls Short
The cord can be stiff. One owner said it kinks and gets under their feet. If you want a cord that hangs limp and stays out of the way, a thinner Comp leash may feel better.
Failures happen, as with every brand. One surfer snapped a thin Creatures Comp leash in surf over 4 feet in Nicaragua. Another had a Creatures leash just snap, and one owner said the hook and loop strap failed early.
One owner pointed out that the raised plastic logo on the rail saver may rub against the board over time.
The "Which Brand Lasts Longest?" Question
You'll find this question in almost every leash thread. Creatures, Dakine, FCS and XM all have loyal fans and all have owners with a broken leash story.
Here's the take from owners: Creatures has some of the strongest long term reports in the threads, and the company has a good record of helping when something goes wrong. One of the snapped Creatures leashes was a thin Comp model, so the thicker 7mm Pro is the safer pick for everyday surf.
Pro tip: Check your leash for nicks and stretched spots every few sessions, and replace it before a big swell rather than after it breaks.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Reliance Pro 6 if you ride a shortboard in small to medium surf and want a strong leash that owners say lasts for years.
Look elsewhere if you surf mostly tiny waves and want the lightest cord, or if you ride bigger surf that calls for a thicker leash.
Alternatives
The XM Regular Premium Leash is a slightly thinner cord made in California with a 3 year warranty. Read our full XM Regular Premium Leash review.
The Dakine Kainui Leash with Easy Clip costs less and has the most Amazon ratings in this group. Read our full Dakine Kainui Leash review.
Verdict
The Creatures of Leisure Reliance Pro 6 is a strong, simple leash from a brand with some of the best long term owner reports in the threads. The cord can feel stiff, and no leash is unbreakable. For most shortboard surfers, it is one of the safest picks.