Comparative Analysis: Strap Lizard vs. Retractable Ratchet Straps

When comparing Strap Lizard and retractable ratchet straps, several factors come into play. Here are the key points of comparison:

Ease-of-Use

Strap Lizard:

• PROS:
• Works with YOUR EXISTING STRAPS: No need to buy a new special kind of ratchet strap. Strap Lizard will work with your existing ratchet straps up to 16 feet long, 1-3/8" wide, 1,000lb capacity*. And they can be any brand--Augo ratchet straps, Husky, Stanley, you name it!
• Easy Strap Containment: Strap Lizard contains up to 16 feet* of strap securely, eliminating the need for tying off excess strap length.
• Improved efficiency: Strap Lizard simplifies the process of securing loads by allowing the user to only handle as much or as little strap as needed for a given load, saving time and effort during the loading and unloading process.
• Versatility: Strap Lizard makes any length strap easily usable for a variety of applications. From securing large loads to smaller items, one strap can be used in both scenarios. No more cutting your straps!
• CONS:
• Manual Operation: Strap Lizard does not feature any automatic retracting mechanism resulting in the user manually winding up straps during loading or for storage.

Retractable ratchet straps:

• PROS:
• Excess Strap Management: Retractable ratchet straps feature a built-in retracting mechanism that eliminates the need for manual tying of excess strap length.
• Quick Tightening and Releasing: The retracting mechanism and release button make tightening and releasing the strap quick and efficient.
• Versatility: Retractable ratchet straps can be used for various small to medium cargo transportation needs.
• CONS:
• Does Not Work with Existing Straps: Retractable ratchet straps are not compatible with your existing ratchet straps.
• Comes in limited lengths. Current offering maxes out at 12 feet.

Long-Term Durability

Strap Lizard:

• PROS:
• Heavy Duty Materials: Strap Lizard is made from high-quality, 100% USA-sourced materials, and its body is made of the same plastic resin used in many ATV parts and components.
• Long-Lasting Performance: Strap Lizard is designed with simplicity in mind. Not only is it simple to use, Strap Lizard contains very few components and moving parts. This means fewer points of failure in the design of the product, resulting in long-term reliability you can trust.
• CONS:
• (1) Year Warranty: Strap Lizard offers a (1) year warranty on any defects due to manufacturing, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality and performance.

Retractable ratchet straps:

• PROS:
• Adequate Break Strength: Retractable straps include the strap itself, and they are designed to meet industry standards for break strength (dependent on manufacturer).
• Reliable Working Load Limit: Engineered to meet or exceed industry standards for working load limit up to 1,000lbs (dependent on manufacturer), ensuring the straps can safely handle the load.
• Lifetime Warranty: Many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their retractable ratchet straps.
• CONS:
• Complex Design: Retractable ratchet straps feature a retracting mechanism containing multiple components and moving parts. While this additional engineering provides the benefit of automatic retraction, the more complicated design means more points of weakness and failure which will result in durability issues down the road.
• All-In-One Strap & Retraction: Because the strap and retracting mechanism are combined into a single product, a break or failure of either component renders the entire item useless.

Storage Solutions and Convenience

Strap Lizard:

• PROS:
• Fully Enclosed Storage: Strap Lizard features a fully enclosed housing into which the strap is wound. As long as the strap is within the spec requirements, up to the full length of the cargo strap is protected from the elements like UV light from the sun, water, and other chemicals both on the road and in storage.
• Always Ready to Go: Strap Lizard makes your ratchet straps instantly accessible. No more struggling to sift through your bucket of tangled ratchet straps to find the ones you need. Strap Lizard lets you grab and go.
• CONS:
• Can Require Extra Care: The convenience of tightly winding up straps for storage does come with the possibility of straps acquiring mildew or freezing solid if they are stored wet. If straps do get wet, some extra time will be needed for drying before putting them away in storage.

Retractable ratchet straps:

• PROS:
• Quick to Go & Quick to Store: Retractable ratchet straps can be automatically retracted for storage quickly, making them ready to go when you need them again without any extra effort.
• Can Come with Storage Bag: Many retractable straps come with a storage bag for easy storage when not in use (depending on manufacturer).
• CONS:
• No Enclosure: Retractable ratchet straps have no enclosure encasing the rolled-up strap leaving it exposed to damage by the sun's UV light, water, chemicals, dirt, or any other hazards in the environment.

Other Pros & Cons:

Strap Lizard:

• PROS:
• Made in the USA: Strap Lizard is manufactured 100% in the USA, and all its components are sourced 100% in the USA (yes, even the screws). This allows for in-depth, in-person quality control, ensuring every Strap Lizard achieves top notch product quality.
• Affordable: Even while made in the USA, Strap Lizard remains an affordable accessory at only $14.50/ea as of the writing of this article. If you choose to buy in bulk, the price drops to $12.50/ea if you buy 12+.
• Customization Options: Strap Lizard offers both color and logo customization at some bulk quantities. Contact support@straplizard.com for more information.
• CONS:
• Can Require Extra Care: The convenience of tightly winding up straps for storage does come with the possibility of straps acquiring mildew or freezing solid if they are stored wet. If straps do get wet, some extra time will be needed for drying before putting them away in storage.

Retractable ratchet straps:

• PROS:
• Truck Bed Options: Some manufacturers offer options specifically as an accessory for your truck bed (depending on make & model).
• Affordable: Retractable ratchet straps average around $20/ea as of the writing of this article.
• CONS:
• Made Overseas: Retractable ratchet straps are made overseas, resulting in potential quality control issues. It also results in the loss of positive economic impact at the local level.