The Sporting Saint Field Trial PRO Slip Lead is a professional-grade gundog lead in 5mm English braid with a stainless steel rope thimble and spring-loaded stopper. 1.2m long, lightweight, compact. Available in Red, Orange, Olive, Green, Blue, and Purple/Pink. Designed and made in the UK. £11.40. ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 12 verified reviews.
Why We Recommend It
This is our #2 best-selling product across the entire catalogue — 778 orders in 12 months — and the reason is simple: it does everything a slip lead needs to do, without anything it doesn't. The stainless steel rope thimble is the detail that separates it from cheaper alternatives. A thimble at the slip point means the lead runs smoothly and consistently every time, without the friction and wear that degrades standard slip leads over hundreds of uses. The spring-loaded stopper is a genuine improvement over rubber stops — it moves easily when you want it to and stays put when you don't. The 5mm English braid is the right diameter: light enough to carry several in a pocket, strong enough for any gundog breed. Twelve five-star reviews from verified buyers confirm what the sales numbers already show.
Key Benefits
- Stainless steel rope thimble — smooth, consistent slip action, resists wear
- Spring-loaded stopper — precise adjustment, stays in position under use
- 5mm English braid — lightweight, durable, smooth outer reduces friction
- 1.2m length — practical for all breeds, compact enough for any pocket
- 6 colours — colour-code across dogs, jackets, or training scenarios
- Made in the UK by Sporting Saint — consistent quality, field-tested design
- ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 12 verified buyers
My friends, I have been on many leads. This one is different. The slip action is smooth — it goes on and comes off cleanly, without the fumbling that cheaper leads require. Craig keeps three of these in different colours in his training bag. Red for me, apparently. I consider this appropriate. The spring stopper stays where it is put, which I respect. A lead that does its job without drama is a lead worth recommending. 🐾
Perfect For
- Field trials and competition — the lead of choice for serious handlers
- Gundog training — reliable, lightweight, always ready
- Shoot days — compact enough to carry several without bulk
- Handlers who want to colour-code leads across multiple dogs
- Anyone upgrading from a basic slip lead to a professional-grade alternative
Specifications
- Braid: 5mm English braid with smooth outer
- Thimble: Stainless steel rope thimble
- Stopper: Spring-loaded — easy adjust, secure hold
- Handle: Comfortable loop
- Length: 1.2m
- Colours: Red | Orange | Olive | Green | Blue | Purple/Pink
- Origin: Designed and made in the UK
- Brand: Sporting Saint
How To Use
- Form a loop through the stainless steel thimble and slip over your dog's head, positioning high on the neck behind the ears.
- Slide the spring-loaded stopper to snug the loop — it will hold its position without hand tension.
- Hold via the loop handle for comfortable, confident control.
- To release, slide the stopper down to loosen the loop and slip over your dog's head.
- Fold and pocket when not in use — the 5mm braid folds compactly and fits in any jacket pocket.
Care Guide
- Rinse with clean water after muddy or wet use.
- Allow to dry naturally — do not tumble dry.
- Check the spring stopper periodically — replace if it no longer holds position securely.
- The stainless steel thimble is corrosion-resistant and requires no maintenance.
- Store loosely folded — the braid will maintain its shape and flexibility.
Professional Insight
The stainless steel rope thimble is the engineering detail that defines this lead. In a standard slip lead, the cord runs directly through a ring or loop — creating friction that wears the cord and makes the slip action inconsistent over time. The thimble eliminates this friction point entirely: the cord runs around a smooth, hardwearing surface that maintains the same slip action on the thousandth use as on the first. For handlers who use a slip lead hundreds of times per season, this is not a minor detail — it's the difference between a lead that performs consistently and one that degrades. The spring-loaded stopper is similarly considered: it applies consistent holding force regardless of the angle of the lead, which rubber stops cannot match.
Training Academy Tip 💡
Buy one per colour you use regularly and keep them in every jacket, bag, and vehicle. At £11.40 each, having a Field Trial PRO always to hand is the cheapest insurance against the moment you reach into your pocket and find nothing. The spring stopper means you can put the lead on with one hand while managing your dog with the other — a practical advantage in a busy training or competition environment. Colour-code by dog if you work multiple dogs: it eliminates any confusion about which lead belongs to which animal.
ProTrain Principle
The lead is your primary communication tool. It should work perfectly every time, without thought.
Complete Your Setup
Field Trial PRO Slip Collar | Field Trial PRO Lead All In One | ACME Alpha Dog Whistle
The Sporting Saint Field Trial PRO Slip Lead is a professional-grade gundog slip lead in 5mm English braid with a stainless steel rope thimble and spring-loaded stopper. 1.2m long. Available in Red, Orange, Olive (out of stock), Green, Blue, and Purple/Pink. Designed and made in the UK. £11.40. ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 12 verified reviews. By Sporting Saint, The Gundog Catalogue.
FAQs
What makes this different from a standard slip lead?
Three things: the stainless steel rope thimble, the spring-loaded stopper, and the 5mm English braid construction. The thimble ensures a smooth, consistent slip action that doesn't degrade with use. The spring stopper holds its position more reliably than rubber stops. The 5mm English braid with smooth outer is lighter and more durable than standard cord. Together these details make a meaningful difference over hundreds of training sessions.
Which colour should I choose?
All colours perform identically. Red and Orange are high-visibility and easy to spot if dropped. Olive and Green blend with countryside surroundings. Blue and Purple/Pink are distinctive and popular for colour-coding across multiple dogs. Many handlers buy two or three colours — at £11.40 each it's practical to keep spares in every jacket and bag.
Is Olive currently in stock?
Olive is currently out of stock. All other colours — Red, Orange, Green, Blue, and Purple/Pink — are available. Contact us to register interest in Olive restocking.
Is 1.2m long enough for all breeds?
Yes — 1.2m is the standard practical length for a slip lead used in training and field trial contexts. It gives enough length for comfortable handling without excess lead getting in the way. The compact fold means it fits easily in any pocket even at 1.2m.
What do customers say?
12 verified buyers have rated this 5.0 stars. Gary Montgomery: “Excellent lead, very well made.” Byron Hawkins: “Great quality lead, very pleased.” David Shaw: “Perfect for training.” All 12 reviews are five-star — no exceptions.
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