jchappies

I have a couple of those in my recovery bag and they are awesome.

KG6SLC

As with most things in life there are trade-offs including the steel vs synthetic cable debate. There are strong opinions on both sides. It really depends on how you intend to use your winch and what you are comfortable with. However, here are a couple of points no one seems to bring up when discussing this topic. If you go with the synthetic rope make sure that you cover it. The UV from the sun WILL DEGRADE the rope and it could fail when you need it.

It has already been stated that synthetic rope is susceptible to breaking when strung over a rock or over/around another obstacle. It is even recommended you change out the fairing when installing synthetic rope to avoid having the rope encounter a burr and become damaged. If you go synthetic, plan on replacing your rope periodically.

The biggest factor for me is if I were ever in a situation where/if the synthetic cable broke (and my Jeep could be damaged as it rolled backwards) I would consider it to be a foolish choice to have chosen synthetic to save some weight.


My $.02 worth.

KG6SLC aka Eugene

TheDirtman

So you are making the assumption that a synthetic is going to break before a steel cable will even though synthetic is stronger comparing the same diameter in most cases.

There are different grades of synthetic and there are ones that offer different covers and cores for UV and abrasion protection while the core provides the strength.

Degrading by weather was mentioned as well as covers to protect.

How many of you have broken a synthetic line?

Chuck-The-Ripper

You seem quite salty today.

TheDirtman

People keep saying how weak and fragile synthetic ropes are I am just asking who has actually broke one?

Personally I would rather have my jeep roll then take a shackle mount to the forehead if a mount failed or line broke. A jeep can be fixed or replaced but a dead person is just dead. Feel free to look up winching fatalities on youtube and it will change a lot of people minds about safety.

TacticalTankJKUR

I was starting to second guess a synthetic purchase but this convinced me I was likely on the right path. Pro's and con's for each but I like the weight and ease of use that comes with a synthetic.

larry0071

I'll tell you about my 12 year history with a 4K lb winch on a Yamaha Rhino. I bought the Warn winch new with the machine 12 years ago, and it came with a steel cable. When that cable broke, 8 years ago, I called Warn and wanted order a new steel cable. The Warn dude suggested I get the cool new synthetic cable that costs more, I was skeptical of that so I ordered the synthetic and the steel cable. My thought was that I would change over to the synthetic and run it to failure and then put the trusty steel cable on.

Now, this cable does work double duty as a recovery cable and as a 72" snow plow lift cable. It sees use all year, and many times. As Chuck The Ripper can tell you, I have a large driveway, and we do get snow often most years. The Rhino is used as a toy and as a tool. I winch it, I winch others UTV/ATV machines and at times I have winched trucks.

I had no great expectations of that synthetic cable. It looked rough after a few years, had a fuzzy outside surface, and I expected it to die a quick death. The new steel cable has been hanging on my garage wall for 8 years now! That beat up, ragged, faded, dirt stained synthetic rope is still hanging tough! I never even changed out the roller fairlead, it's still there.

That stupid steel cable caused more blood and pain than I care to ever deal with again. I'll never buy a steel cable again.

zackjk

I have synthetic on my Engo 1000. Have had it for around 3 months or so, first time out I noticed fraying and deforming of the rope. Contacted Engo and they sent me a new line. Went to use the winch again with the new rope and had the same thing happen again. I would go steel if I were to redo it

Riflejk

Agree totally! If you've seen a steel cable fail it will wake you up real quick! If and I mean if my synthetic cable broke the risk of it injuring someone or something is very minimal compared to steel. Main reason I choose synthetic I wheel with my kids! A close second is you can actually but the rope back together just by knotting togeher. I'm no rigging specialist but you can add more line with a weaving technique factor 55 thimbles and a couple others you can have woven in.

I will take a frayed synthetic rope in my hands all day over steel and steel does fray and rust so let's not say there's no maintenance or they don't need to replaced over time.

If you don't think you need a cover because you have a steel cable your asking for trouble. these winches are submersible and the terminals don't like the water over time I've seen them rust. Just to set the record straight since were talking winches warn and many others share the same motors also. Ever seen what steel cable on a steel drum does to the drum over time you guessed it rust. Your gonna want clean that mud out steel or not.

Just my 2cents! Like I said my family's safety is my first concern that's why I went synthetic. All other things are bonuses!

jchappies

After use, all winch lines will get a little "fuzzy" from abrasion. This is normal, but if an entire strand is cut the winch line needs to be replaced or fixed. For the winch line to work properly and maintain its strength, all 12 strands must be intact