so i just got a winch with a wire rope and i was thinking of switching to synthetic line. i was wondering how much lighter the synthetic rope would be?

 

Wire rope is about 85% heavier. I had 20 lbs of wire and the new synthetic is only 3 lbs.

 

Only 17 lbs difference. I haul that much weight in water on weeekend trips. It's personal preference i guess, but when synth snaps you don't have to worry about it taking somebodies head off. Plus you're going to put out $100.00+ to replace the wire with synth.

 

The advantage is not so much the weight (although that's nice), it's the safety, the ease of handling, the safety, the fact that you can splice it right on the trail with some basic tools, the safety, the fact that you get about 20% extra strength for a given diameter, and the safety.

I've spent a lot f time working with steel winch cables on various vehicles, and now that I've switched to synthetic, I don't ever want to go back to steel unless my particular application has a very compelling reason that steel will work better.

Did I mention that synthetic lines are generally safer?

 

nah i dont think you did

 

I've been reading a lot about Synthetic line and trying to figure out what one is best and what I should buy and from where, now I'm really confused.
If anyone has suggestions on any of that I would appreciate it.

 

[QUOTE/
Did I mention that synthetic lines are generally safer?[/QUOTE]

Like I said.. "you don't have to worry about it taking someones head off "

 

hey rpo talk to david at northridge he will hook you up.

 

I saved a little over 30 pounds by switching from wire rope and roller fairlead to synthetic line and Hawse fairlead. But, as mentioned, the big reason to switch is safety. Another small advantage is synth won't stick you with wire strands while handling it. Some say you don't need gloves, but I would recommend gloves for anyone handling the rope/chains/shackles/blocks during winching.

 

The weight advantege is not really the savings on the bumper, it is having to carry it to where ever you need to. holding 20lbs walking through mud is alot harder than 3lbs