Quote Originally Posted by Pembroke_Corgi
If they get tangled around your legs (or someone else's) it is very painful, and it's easier to lose a grip on them then a normal leash.
Oh yes, I still have a 6-10" scar on my leg from a retractable leash. ouch

I've never had one break but they only get used if I have 1-2 dogs and not many people are around.