Synthetic winch cable selection
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 719
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From: Lakeland, Florida
Synthetic winch cable selection
I currently have a newer 9500LB with steel cable. I'm looking to change to synthetic for perceived safety advantages and easy of handling. 
The 2 types of synthetic I'm considering are Dyneema Sk-75 and Technora.
Dyneema, a polyethylene fiber, is cheaper, stronger and has better chafing resistance. The down side is that it begins to degrade (critical temperature) above 150 degrees F. That could be problematic here in Florida where summer temperatures are typically in the upper 90s and the bright Florida sun can easily heat surfaces to 150 F. Add to that the heat generated by the winch motor and I can see where this rope life might be shortened.
Technora, an aramid fiber, is about 50% higher priced, almost as strong and good with chafing resistance. The real advantage is in critical temperature. Technora critical temperature is 350 F. This should allow it to maintain its strength much longer especially when winching long pulls.
And speaking of sun... UV resistance of both Dyneema and Technora is only fair to good. I'll likely need to cover my winch drum (if not the entire winch) when not in use. With Dyneema that cover likely won't be black because of high temperature in the sun.
Then again, I might just say scrooge-it and keep the steel cable?
Thoughts?
The 2 types of synthetic I'm considering are Dyneema Sk-75 and Technora.
Dyneema, a polyethylene fiber, is cheaper, stronger and has better chafing resistance. The down side is that it begins to degrade (critical temperature) above 150 degrees F. That could be problematic here in Florida where summer temperatures are typically in the upper 90s and the bright Florida sun can easily heat surfaces to 150 F. Add to that the heat generated by the winch motor and I can see where this rope life might be shortened.
Technora, an aramid fiber, is about 50% higher priced, almost as strong and good with chafing resistance. The real advantage is in critical temperature. Technora critical temperature is 350 F. This should allow it to maintain its strength much longer especially when winching long pulls.
And speaking of sun... UV resistance of both Dyneema and Technora is only fair to good. I'll likely need to cover my winch drum (if not the entire winch) when not in use. With Dyneema that cover likely won't be black because of high temperature in the sun.
Then again, I might just say scrooge-it and keep the steel cable?
Thoughts?
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 107
From: missoula,mt
I would keep the steel cable until you use it a few times and see how well it works. I just installed a new Warn VR10000 and was worried about the weight but it really only weighs less then 80lbs . The whole shipping package weighed 84lbs. I was expecting it to sag my front down but it did not so I am going to cheap out and wait to go syn.
JK Jedi
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,222
Likes: 376
From: Southwest Reno, NV
It is not a perceived safety issue. Get a synthetic line, the lighter weight is just an added benefit. Improper use of the winch can be deadly. I see it all the time with groups of new jeepers that crowd around a recovery because they don't know proper winch safety. I am really surprised more people don't get hurt or killed by winching. Plenty of youtube videos out there if you want to see how dangerous metal cable is. I have personally seen tow points break off and go thru windshields like a missile.