Biothane The Elegant Low Maintenance Alternative
Have you heard of Biothane? Imagine it as the Kleenex of the dog-leash world. In reality, Biothane is a brand name of the webbing material made by the Biothane Coated Webbing Corp. It is made of polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating that makes it more durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. However, a leash made with materials sold by this particular company is not considered "Biothane". Although there are several nylon-coated webbing leashes on the market, they are either referred to as "Biothane" leashes or simply as "coated webbing" leashes.
There is one reason why Biothane leashes are so amazing: they are waterproof, easy to clean, and they can be dipped in water or wiped down with a wet towel. Because they have a smoother surface, coated nylon webbing leashes feel more comfortable in the hand than uncoated webbing leashes. It can be difficult to handle plain webbing leashes when they are wet and dirty as they tend to feel like sandpaper. The thicker, softer Biothane is made to mimic the feel of leather, which makes them a great vegan leather substitute. Additionally, they are very durable and often look like new after a few years of use. You won't have to buy a new leash every year (unless you want to).
Biothane is a soft PVC coating applied to woven polyester webbing. It's lightweight, durable, waterproof, odor proof, antimicrobial, and easy to clean. Unlike leather leashes, ropes, webbing, or webbing leashes, this material does not absorb dirt, moisture, mud, or odor - so there are no more dirty, stinky leashes! Since biothane is softer, more supple, and easier to grip than nylon, it is less likely to burn your hands. Additionally, it is more affordable and easier to maintain than leather. Biothane is available in a variety of colors and widths, allowing for endless customization options!
Approximately how strong is Biothane? It is extremely strong. The 3/8" width has a tested break strength of 375 pounds, the 1/2" width has a test break strength of 500 pounds, and the 3/4" width has a test break strength of 750 pounds. Your leash's hardware would likely break before the biothane, however, our hardware is machine riveted and is of the highest quality, designed to last for years of heavy use.
Keeping your leash clean is as easy as wiping it down with a damp rag. Alternatively, you can soak it in soapy water and then rinse it out, wiping it down again. To sanitize your leash, spray it down with sanitizing wipes or wipe it down with a sanitizing wipe and let it air dry. You can even run your leash through the dishwasher - we've done it! It will come out looking new (just make sure the clasp gets caught in the dishwasher). If you work in a daycare or training center where leashes are used by a lot of dogs, you should clean them frequently with a germicidal solution such as Kennel Sol. Dilute according to instructions, and spray, wipe or dunk your leash in the solution until it is dry.
Our gear is only made with solid brass, steel, or anodized aluminum hardware, all of which resist corrosion. Eventually, dirt, oil, and salt will accumulate in the spring mechanism of a standard bolt snap, making the clasp stick. To fix this, first dunk the hardware in soapy water and rinse it off. Then drop WD-40 or another penetrating oil inside the clasp where the spring is, and open and close the clasp a few times until it moves more smoothly. If you're a frequent beachgoer, saltwater will corrode your hardware over time. Rinse your leashes well and let them air dry after spending time on the beach to prevent this.
Choosing between BioThane and leather is largely a matter of personal preference. Both products have their pros and cons. Many dog-walkers find BioThane to be more comfortable to handle, whereas others dislike its rubber-like texture. Others prefer the brighter colors of BioThane, while others prefer the smell and natural look of leather. During the rainy season or on particularly muddy excursions, many dog owners and horse owners choose BioThane over animal leather. BioThane is easier to clean than animal leather and holds up better in the rain or while submerged in water.
The durability of BioThane is very good - but the same is true of leather if it is well taken care of. Leather items can last for decades. In some cases, BioThane has been noted to be too sturdy. It may be beneficial for the item to break in some scenarios - and BioThane is not for breaking! In the end, neither BioThane nor leather is better! Both have their pros and cons. It depends on what you need the item for and what material is most aesthetically pleasing to you.