Hey guys, looking to purchase a winch this weekend and was wondering if I should go with the regular cable line or synthetic? What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks for the help!

 

What are the pros to steel cable?

 

According to Warn:

 

get steel it will be there for you when you need it - tried and true

 

Here's a dumb question. Can I use a hawse fairlead on steal cable?

 

no - u need rollers for the steel cable

 

Yea that's what I have now. Just wondering. Thanks

 

If its steel yes. The aluminum ones no. But don't try any extreme angle winching unless you're running a 4 way roller. Way easier on the cable with no resistance. We have a steel hawse fair lead with a steel cabled winch right now. Haven't used it though, but there shouldn't be a problem when we do. You just have to know when and where to winch/hook up properly so you don't damage your lines etc.

I believe Warn and one other company sell a steel hawse fairlead that's for use with steel cable. Otherwise most are only for use with synthetic line.

 

I would get synthetic. Stronger and lighter. Can't rust. As far as UV rays go, get a cover to protect it. Also, steel cable is very dangerous if it snaps.

 

the main prob w/ your logic is that trees are typically to the side of a trail not dead center so you will be in trouble when you winch with your setup. everytime i've winched i'm almost always pulled left or right. you will fray that steel cable fast without rollers, if you dont kill yourself (or someone else) u'll be stuck with a broken winch line. doesnt sound like fun to me...