The Regular Premium is XM's everyday leash. XM has made leashes by hand in San Clemente, California since 1973, and the brand has a small but loyal following on Reddit.
This review covers how the Regular holds up, what makes XM different and where owners have had problems.
What It Is: A Handmade .270 Leash
The Regular uses a .270 inch cord, a medium thickness that suits most everyday surf. XM also makes a thicker .313 inch cord for big waves and thinner cords for small surf.
XM calls its swivels unbreakable and says the cord is kink free. You also get a detachable rail saver, a key pocket in the cuff and a 3 year warranty. XM offers custom colors too.
In the Water: Thick Enough for Real Surf
Owners trust the Regular in bigger surf. One surfer said it is decently thick and held up on several overhead trips to Nicaragua, though they recommend XM's tangle free version.
XM has fans who won't buy anything else. One surfer said they only buy XM and have never had a problem, and they own one in every length. Another swears by XM after Dakine leashes failed them.
Where It Excels
The Regular shines for surfers who want a leash they can repair. XM sells replacement parts, so you can fix a worn part instead of buying a whole new leash.
It also suits surfers who want gear made in the USA. XM makes its cord in its own facility in San Clemente.
One owner pointed out a sliding weight on some XM leashes that keeps the cord trailing behind you instead of tangling around your feet.
Where It Falls Short
The swivel is the weak point in owner reports, even though XM calls it unbreakable. One surfer said their XM swivel gave out early, and another had an XM leash break at the swivel.
Thinner XM leashes don't last as long. One owner's XM Comp Lite broke after 2 years.
The Regular also has fewer ratings on Amazon than leashes from Dakine and Creatures, so there is less owner feedback to go on.
The "Is XM Worth It?" Question
You'll find this question whenever a surfer asks about leashes made outside the big brands. XM costs about the same as a Creatures Pro and more than a Dakine Kainui.
Here's the take from owners: XM fans stay with the brand for years, and the repair parts and 3 year warranty add value. If your swivel fails, use the warranty before you buy a new leash.
Pro tip: Rinse your leash in fresh water after each session. Salt and sand build up in the swivel, and the swivel is the part owners say fails first.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the XM Regular Premium if you want a handmade leash for everyday and overhead surf, and you like being able to replace parts.
Look elsewhere if you want the most owner reports before you buy, or a thinner cord for small summer waves.
Alternatives
The Creatures of Leisure Reliance Pro 6 Leash is a 7mm leash with some of the strongest long term owner reports. Read our full Creatures of Leisure Reliance Pro 6 Leash review.
The Dakine Kainui Leash with Easy Clip costs less and includes a quick release. Read our full Dakine Kainui Leash review.
Verdict
The XM Regular Premium is a handmade leash with a loyal following, a 3 year warranty and parts you can replace. A few owners had swivel problems, so keep an eye on that part. If you like gear you can repair, it is an easy pick.