Just bought the 3/8" 100ft Spydura Synthetic Winch Line for my M8000. I got a really good deal so I decided to stick with the recommended Warn line on my new Warn winch.

I am wondering if anyone knows what specific rope they are using. While reading the info they sent with the line, specs don't really line up with what I have read about Amsteel Blue/Dyneema. They state a WLL of 10,000 Lbs and also say that the rope must be replaced every 12 months. Will this be a problem while using a snatch block?

Amsteel Blue shows a min strength of 17,600 and a avg strength of 19,600 in the 3/8 size.

Should I return the spydura for Amsteel Blue or is it the same thing and Warn is just being really conservative in their ratings? Does it really need replacing every year?

 

the warn line is really good and they are just covering their backs with the service interval info. just keep an eye on the condition of your rope and replace it as needed.

 

I agree. And I would also recommend getting a winch cover to protect the line from UV rays which will degrade the fibers over time. With good maintenance, that line should last for years

 

if it brakes just tie a knot in it and keep using it

 

This is a very good suggestion. The line is especially susceptible to UV decay, and an inexpensive winch cover will protect the electronics, housing, and line from the elements.

 

also if you do use a snatch block make sure that it hasn't been used before with steel cable and I'v seen some snatch blocks that state that they aren't designed to be used with synthetic rope. I'm not sure if its the same as amsteal blue or not but I'm sure there is more than one synthetic rope maker out there.

 

Thanks for the tips. I guess I will keep the Warn line.

I did buy a cover and will use it.

I have heard conflicting info on the hawse vs roller fairlead. Anyone using the roller fairlead with synthetic? Mine is still new and seems like a waste to replace it if it can be used with synthetic.

Thanks

 

the Hawse fairlead is recommended for synthetic line but there is a roller fairlead made for the synthetic line and you can change out the rollers with the polly rollers but I've heard they dont hold up well. the issue with the roller fairlead comes if the line gets caught in the corners of the fairlead and breaking the line. Make sure that the hawse fairlead is made of aluminum too. You can probably sale your roller fairlead for more than the hawse will cost you.

 

I know I am late to the party, but we sailors have been using synthetic rope (we call it line) for years. The Warn Spydura is basically the same as Amsteel Blue. That is they are both Dyneema. From the specs and information I am not able to ascertain if the Warn product is SK-75, SK78, or SK-90. I would assume it is SK-75 because of cost and availability. Amsteel is the brand name Samson uses for Dyneema. New England Ropes calls it ST-12. Yale Cordage calls it Ultrex and Marlow calls it D12Max. Any of these or even some unknown line maker in Europe or China could be making Warn's Spydura.

If you can get the Amsteel or any other Dyneema SK-75 line at a better price - get it. If not stick with the Warn.

As for Working loads, Warn is using a safety factor of 2. A safety factor of 5 or more is preferred, but to get to the 10,000 lb SWL they would need to use 5/8" line.

UV is very hard on Dyneema so be sure to protect the line as best you are able. Also do NOT tie knots in the line. If you must adjust the length or do anything, see a rigger or a sailing store who can put a splice in it for you. Splices are stronger than the line itself. Any knot will reduce the strength of the line to 40-80% of its original breaking strength.

Hope this helps
Jim