Dakine Kainui vs FCS All Round: Which Leash Wins

Updated September 2026

Both are strong everyday leashes. The Dakine Kainui Team Leash is the cheaper, tougher pick, with a heavy-duty urethane cord and stainless steel double swivels built for hard use. The FCS All Round Essential costs more but fits closer to the ankle thanks to its silicone grip cuff and contoured horn swivel. Most everyday surfers should start with the Dakine.

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At a glance

Spec	Dakine Kainui Team Surfboard Leash Check price on Amazon	FCS All Round Essential Leash Check price on Amazon
Price	$34-$42	$48-$56
Our rating	4.7 / 5	4.6 / 5
Best for	Everyday surfers who want a reliable, hard-wearing leash for most conditions.	Performance-oriented surfers who want a light, well-fitting leash for everyday shortboarding.
Swivel	Stainless steel double swivels	Contoured horn swivel
Cuff	Padded ankle cuff, velcro closure	Silicone grip cuff
Cord	Heavy-duty urethane cord	Lightweight urethane cord

The Dakine Kainui Team Leash wins on value and durability; the FCS All Round Essential wins on ankle fit for performance shortboarding.

The two options in depth

4.7 Editorial score Amazon

Dakine Kainui Team Surfboard Leash

The forum-default all-around leash with a heavy-duty urethane cord, stainless-steel swivels, and a secure ankle cuff that does not budge in heavy surf.

Best for Everyday surfers who want a reliable, hard-wearing leash for most conditions.

Stainless steel double swivels reduce cord twist effectivelyHeavy-duty urethane cord handles powerful surf reliablyComfortable padded ankle cuff with secure velcro closure Slightly heavier cord than comp-style thin leashes

$34-$42 Check price on Amazon

4.6 Editorial score Amazon

FCS All Round Essential Leash

Lightweight performance leash with a silicone-grip cuff and contoured horn swivel that keeps the leash positioned perfectly on the ankle.

Best for Performance-oriented surfers who want a light, well-fitting leash for everyday shortboarding.

Silicone grip cuff holds position without slippingContoured horn swivel sits flush against the ankleLightweight construction with minimal drag Slightly more expensive than basic urethane cord leashes

$48-$56 Check price on Amazon

Which should you buy?

Buy the Dakine Kainui Team Leash if you want the proven, hard-wearing default: stainless double swivels and a thick urethane cord that hold up across ability levels and most conditions, at the lower price. Buy the FCS All Round Essential if ankle fit is your priority; the silicone grip cuff and contoured horn swivel stay positioned through duck dives and turns, which shortboard-focused surfers notice on long sessions. Neither is built for overhead-plus surf; step up to a dedicated big-wave leash such as the FCS Protect once waves get serious. For most everyday sessions, the Dakine is the safer first buy.

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Common questions

Is the FCS All Round Essential worth the extra cost over the Dakine Kainui Team?

Only if ankle fit matters most to you. The FCS uses a silicone grip cuff and contoured horn swivel that stay put through hard turns, while the Dakine costs less and uses a standard padded velcro cuff that still holds securely for most surfers.

Which leash is more durable for daily use?

The Dakine Kainui Team Leash is built for hard everyday use, with a heavy-duty urethane cord and stainless steel double swivels. The FCS is lighter and still well-made, but the Dakine is the tougher default choice for surfers in the water most days.

Can either leash handle big or overhead-plus surf?

Not ideally. Both are everyday, all-around leashes rather than big-wave leashes. Surfers regularly facing overhead-plus conditions should look at a dedicated big-wave leash such as the FCS Protect Big Wave Leash, which uses a thicker 8mm cord for extra breaking strength.

Do both leashes come in the same sizes?

Both are sold in standard shortboard-length options sized to match everyday boards. Check the specific length at purchase, since leash length should roughly match board length, and neither model is marketed as a longboard-specific leash.