Synthetic vs. Steel Winch Line Cable

ERAUGrad04

ERAUGrad04

Caught the Bug
I'm running synthetic. I think there are pros and cons to each, however, the safety aspect of synthetic heavily weighed on my decision. Knowing that a broken winch cable isn't going to take someone out at the knees or come through the windshield is a good feeling.
 
Jeep2010

Jeep2010

New member
I had a steel cable on my old jeep and it eventually started to fray and I kept getting stabbed in the hands (the gloves I had were not very good). But when I learned about the rope and that it can handle it I switched. I feel like it's mainly a preference thing as stated above, there are pros and cons of each.
 
LeighP

LeighP

Member
If you winch over a lot of rock or rough surface, then cable might be a better bet as winch rope is susceptible to abrasion damage. I have a sliding dyneema sheath about 4" long on my rope to run out to any place the rope has to run over something that might damage it. Rope also should really be covered on the winch drum while not in use, to prevent UV degradation of the material.
I prefer rope to cable as its lighter, stronger and safer in the even of something letting go.
There is definitely a case for running either cable or rope...... if I was doing a lot of winching on a regular basis, though rocky areas.....I'd have cable on mine.
But, the truth is that I bought my winch for the occasional "damn, I'm really stuck" moments......so rope is a great choice for me.
 
jkur77

jkur77

Member
I have heard horror stories of steel snapping and it recoiling back into the jeep. I heard the synthetic doesn't do that, so I went with it.
 
KingCopperhead

KingCopperhead

New member
I run synthetic line. Read too many horror stories of steel cable snapping and causing damage and or injury. Plus when I bought my winch I had never used one. I figured that it would be safer to learn on something that won't cut my leg off if I do something wrong. Also, I live in a salt state. The less metal I have to worry about rusting, the better.

Oh, almost forgot blue winch line looks really cool (imho) :p
 
Hot94Z28

Hot94Z28

New member
I want to switch mine out but I have been running rope on my ATV winch for a long time and it broke on me once it just fell strait down. From my own experience rope is safer.
 
dannymalkin

dannymalkin

New member
A pro of rope is it can easily lay on top of each other on the drum.

A pro of steel is you don't have to worry about branches etc.
 
David1tontj

David1tontj

New member
jkur77 said:
I have heard horror stories of steel snapping and it recoiling back into the jeep. I heard the synthetic doesn't do that, so I went with it.
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Hot94Z8 said:
I want to switch mine out but I have been running rope on my ATV winch for a long time and it broke on me once it just fell strait down. From my own experience rope is safer.
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That's what I had always heard would happen with rope. I snapped my synthetic line and it shot 70' of rope straight into my hood. Just a pile of rope when I got out.

I think the idea is that the rope doesn't carry much stored energy because it is so lightweight / doesn't have enough energy to do any damage, where a steel cable is heavy and carries a lot of force when It snaps- thus causing injuries and damage on anything it hits.

I have run both steel and authentic, and I have snapped both. I currently run synthetic on my front and rear winch, and would not go back to steel. The weight savings, ease of use, and added safety, just make it a no brainer for me.
 
David1tontj

David1tontj

New member
David1tontj said:
That's what I had always heard would happen with rope. I snapped my synthetic line and it shot 70' of rope straight into my hood. Just a pile of rope when I got out.

I think the idea is that the rope doesn't carry much stored energy because it is so lightweight / doesn't have enough energy to do any damage, where a steel cable is heavy and carries a lot of force when It snaps- thus causing injuries and damage on anything it hits.

I have run both steel and authentic, and I have snapped both. I currently run synthetic on my front and rear winch, and would not go back to steel. The weight savings, ease of use, and added safety, just make it a no brainer for me.
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I wanted to add- just because you are using synthetic line, does not mean you are safe in the event of a snap. Depending where something breaks, you might have a hook or snatch block flying through the air.

Please use caution every time the winch comes out!
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
David1tontj said:
I wanted to add- just because you are using synthetic line, does not mean you are safe in the event of a snap. Depending where something breaks, you might have a hook or snatch block flying through the air.
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Don't know if I'd agree. I too have been present when a synth line has broken on a very hard recovery and, when it snapped, the line immediately wadded up into a big ball of yarn and hit the Jeep with a light puff. The whole thing was really quite comical. Sure, there was "some" stored energy but no where near enough to carry a hook or snatch block or at least, with any real force. Of course it's still a good idea to practice good sense and stand clear of a Jeep being recovered but, a synth line is way safer.

Please use caution every time the winch comes out!
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This I agree with 100% :yup:
 
Armydog

Armydog

New member
I went with synthetic because it's cooler! As in it looks more cooler than steel. That is the truth.

However the pros and cons are still valid as well. Lighter and safer to use and in the event of a break. Perhaps not as durable over the long haul but this may make it safer than steel yet again because of the tendency to use steel cable longer than its serviceability. How many have used a steel cable that was just a little linked or frayed in only one spot? It's still good right?

I like that my synthetic line wasn't frozen solid the other day like my buddies Steel line was. I don't like that the synthetic line tends to birds nest into itself if you spool it neatly on the drum.

Pros and cons go on forever. Whatever you use, do so safely and as designed. Inspect your equipment before and after EACH use. Don't use marginally serviceable equipment. Throw it out and replace it. The life you save could be your own!!
 
t8er

t8er

New member
Like most I chose synthetic for the safety factor. I don't know why but people always try to stand by the winch line so the can watch no matter how much you yell. I would say weight but with bumpers, winch, lights, gear etc I'm not sure it matters that much
 
David1tontj

David1tontj

New member
wayoflife said:
Don't know if I'd agree. I too have been present when a synth line has broken on a very hard recovery and, when it snapped, the line immediately wadded up into a big ball of yarn and hit the Jeep with a light puff. The whole thing was really quite comical. Sure, there was "some" stored energy but no where near enough to carry a hook or snatch block or at least, with any real force. Of course it's still a good idea to practice good sense and stand clear of a Jeep being recovered but, a synth line is way safer.



This I agree with 100% :yup:
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I haven't seen a hook or snatch block fly with a snapped synthetic line, but I was thinking that if the tree protector, or something further out than the winch hook failed, that there might still be a projectile. It's only a THEORY of mine, as I haven't seen or heard it, but I just hate when people don't respect the amount of force that the winch is creating.
I meant that just because you're running synthetic line, doesn't mean there isn't another component that could fail and cause harm.

If I hadn't have been stuck to the frame in mud, wheeling alone, I would have appreciated the comedy when my synthetic line balled up in front of my rig. It still got me out, because another pro to synthentic, is that I was able to just tie a knot in the line and pulled myself out.
 
M

Mjay

New member
I'm surprised no one has mentioned that if you have the knowledge, you can splice your broken synthetic line back together in the trail. You could also tie a knot in it as mentioned above, but a proper splice is able to hold the advertised breaking strength of your rope, making your broken winch line good as new. It also only take about 10 - 15 minutes.
 
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