GerberGear Defender - Compact, Durable Fishing Tether for Freshwater Fishing - Retractable - Premium Fishing Equipment - Large, Flat Sage

I already have one of these. I use it with my regular keys. I’ve carried 3 keys on a “split-ring” key-ring on one of these every day for years. Like 4-maybe even 6yrs. The cable that it uses is incredibly reliable. (There’s back and forth toggle-ish switch to lock the cable) . If it gets caught on something as you walk past and it yanks you back. Well as long as you’re not like running, most likely this thing “will” stop you and yank you back. Before breaking. I’ve pretty much done it. But now it seems like it may, “possibly “ be breaking up right where its ring meets the cable. I think that is actually more user error. Sometimes I don’t totally retract the cable and that’s where if it catches on something and yanks it, its yanking against that connection point. Otherwise the ring retracts into the device so usually in that event it acts as one piece. …the ring and the device.

I understand that this is marketed towards fishers but you need to think outside the box and I’m surprised Gerber has not done this. I’m using this to control my speed loader so I can load, let go and get back to work. They also work really well on your trauma shears saving you from losing the investment on a great pair. These have tactical applications because the tension bar on the back not only has a lip to secure it over whatever it hooks on to but it’s perfectly spaced to fit in Molle webbing. The colors would have to be changed to a subdued gray or black for those type of tactical applications, the orange stands out on OD green, Black or FDE. The high tension of the lanyard and the material itself would make this incredibly useful as a tripwire. The small filament and the brake that you can apply hold it in place and makes it extremely hard to see. I gave this a five star rating because we sat around at my station testing this and trying it out on different applications and it’s such a universal product. Extremely well-made also.Onto the bad stuff and this has nothing to do with the product itself. The picture you see here is of my second one because I ordered a replacement. The first one did not come with a little ring on the hook that’s advertised and it was dented. The replacement I was sent also did not come with the ring and was already broken apart from the zip ties that holds it to the cardboard hanger. The replacement one was an excellent condition though and I don’t believe that bring it down one star would be fair considering this is an amazing product and had nothing to do with its overall usability.

Got this to hold my work badge and keys on my belt but a little prong on the top goes above belt line and pokes into skin sharply. Would be great to have clipped on backpack or something

I work freight at our local orange big box hardware warehouse, so I'm always in my orange apron while working. Because a bit part of my job is using a razor knife opening boxes, I was constantly digging around in my apron pockets trying to remember which one I put my knife in and fish it out. So, picked this up as a way to hang the knife on my apron pocket and always have it handy. This Gerber Gear Defender really does the trick. It keeps the knife at hand and is available at all times.I've even snagged the knife on things a few times to no ill effect; the spool just ran out near the end and snapped right back. This seems like a good sturdy product and is just a handy as you could want.

Helps me keep my knife on my side and I'm not forgetting where I layed it down

Great for keys as well

This piece of kit is awesome. I use it for security clearance identification at my job multiple times a day. It has seen heavy abuse and still performs flawlessly.

Gerber has made a really great tool in the form of this zinger. The finger ring allows for easy extension of the cord and for you to keep extension without fear of it accidentally retracting. The long cord allows for freedom of movement as well. However, the best feature by far is the built-in locking mechanism which allows you to extend and then lock the cord in case you need slack. I'll admit that it's a little pricey but that extra dough buys you a LOT of features. Recommended.