Synthetic Line vs. Cable

[jwallmuth]

looking into buying a new winch, and was just wondering is synthetic line really that much stronger and does it last longer to cost that much more more, and is it really worth it?

http://www.summitracing.com/compare.aspx

[Fredy_C]

do a search in gen4x4 and you will get most of your answers.

Only thing i can see is if you drag it through alot of mud and dirt it could work its way between the fibers and shorten its life span

[DRM]

After running synthetic rope for a couple of years now, the thought of going back to lugging that unwieldy metal cable around pretty much brings the suck

If you're not worried about weight, or don't pull cable that often - save your money. But if you pull cable often, it's awesome.

That said - in lots of mud, I'd suggest following through with a good cleaning session if the rope gets covered in mud. The grit can and will get worked down into the rope itself and can accelerate wear.

[LASER]

If you are doing comps or clean snag free winching then you cant beat the synthetic rope. If you are winching in dirty rocky snaggy stuff then I wouldn't run synthetic on a dare. Steel cable lasts much longer in all conditions too.

[Tyler C]

Yeah if its going to be exposed to a lot of mud, then steel all the way. I'd bet that even with constant cleaning, there will still be shit worked into the synthetic line that will eventually require replacement.

[jwallmuth]

this is what I was thinking, the mud and dirt would cut down the life of the rope vs. the cable.

[Tigerchief]

Originally Posted by jwallmuth

this is what I was thinking, the mud and dirt would cut down the life of the rope vs. the cable.

The biggest issue (for me anyway) is that synthetic line doesn't hold any energy if it happens to snap. It flops dead and won't whip-lash.

If steel cable snaps, it could get dangerous in a hurry. Use a weight blanket on the line if using steel cable.

Also, synthetic line floats for those pulls when you get stuck in water.

Some things to consider.

[jwallmuth]

i bought a winch for my rhino, and it came with cable and rope. the cable lasted about a year and broke in the middle, so then i put the rope on, it's lasted about 2 years so far. so maybe the rope is better. it does cost more.

[jwallmuth]

I found this online. all the info you need to know about. I think I'll go with synthetic rope.

http://blog.promarkoffroad.com/categ...ic-winch-rope/

[Custom Splice]

Feel Free to call me with any questions.

[jwallmuth]

Originally Posted by Custom Splice

Feel Free to call me with any questions.

I'm sure we all have the same questions, which is better? and why? which is better and will hold up better, and last longer in different conditions such as, mud, sand, rock, snow, etc? just general facts. thanks all info will be great.

[Custom Splice]

As with anything, the better you treat it the longer it will last.
Rope does best when it is kept clean, after a ride I was off the rope using a garden hose, I do not suggest power washing.

Synthetic line is lighter, stronger and more user friendly.
AmSteel Blue does not stretch so it does not store energy, and whip back.

Steel and Ropes life depend on how you use/abuse them.

I have guys that use theirs everyday and it lasts years, but they are not in a hurry and make sure to watch what the rope is rubbing against and how it is being used.

[E-Mc]

In my experience with the rope, I found that it tends to cut into the spool more than cable, & gets hung up causing the red ass to set in.

[Tigerchief]

Originally Posted by Custom Splice

As with anything, the better you treat it the longer it will last.
Rope does best when it is kept clean, after a ride I was off the rope using a garden hose, I do not suggest power washing.

Synthetic line is lighter, stronger and more user friendly.
AmSteel Blue does not stretch so it does not store energy, and whip back.

Speaking of AmSteel blue, how about a discussion of Dyneema versus Technora fibres?


Or others that may be available as winch rope...

[Hvy_Chevy]

Originally Posted by E-Mc

In my experience with the rope, I found that it tends to cut into the spool more than cable, & gets hung up causing the red ass to set in.

I just spent the day wheeling with 3 rigs, all with synthetic lines. None had any burying that needed more than arm strength to get out.


The last time I went with some who had steel, it was so bound up the rig had to back down while winching out to get the line free.

[bofer]

the way i look at it, if the military, aircraft industry and space industry arent using the synthetic stuff, im not. I have always had steel and will continue to. You just cant be an idiot when winching with it...ie no snatching. its meant to have slow steady weight applied, not blunt force.

[BenE]

Originally Posted by bofer

the military, aircraft industry and space industry arent using the synthetic stuff.

you dont think they use syn line?
they do.

[Tigerchief]

Originally Posted by bofer

the way i look at it, if the military, aircraft industry and space industry arent using the synthetic stuff, im not. I have always had steel and will continue to. You just cant be an idiot when winching with it...ie no snatching. its meant to have slow steady weight applied, not blunt force.

So many assumptions and zero examples on actual use here, that this post is fawking useless.

Don't give a fuck about opinions, only real world experience and scientific fact.

[DRM]

Originally Posted by Custom Splice

As with anything, the better you treat it the longer it will last.
Rope does best when it is kept clean, after a ride I was off the rope using a garden hose, I do not suggest power washing.

Synthetic line is lighter, stronger and more user friendly.
AmSteel Blue does not stretch so it does not store energy, and whip back.

Steel and Ropes life depend on how you use/abuse them.

I have guys that use theirs everyday and it lasts years, but they are not in a hurry and make sure to watch what the rope is rubbing against and how it is being used.

Thanks Todd!