Winch rope synthetic vs steel

[Meister]

Has anyone changed theirs out? What are the biggest benefits, seems like synthetic could rot. If you have changed what do you recommend

 

[Grand Mesa]

I haven't changed, but if I had a new one, I'd get a winch cover to protect it from magnesium chloride, road rock salt, and UV sunlight.

https://www.roundforge.com/articles/best-winch-accessories-synthetic-winch-ropes/

 

[56PW17]

First thought i have is weight savings. Also in the event you break the cable while under stress it is much safer than steel.

i have used my winch a good handful of times and the stock cable has done everything i have asked. I wouldnt spend the money for the weight saving but i would change it for the added saftey.

 

[Low_Sky]

I swapped to synthetic. It’s beneficial for those who really winch a lot. If it’s going to sit on the drum and get touched maybe once year, it’s not worth the investment.

I’m not going to hash through pros and cons, synthetic vs wire. There are endless articles already written on that topic. I will just say there are pros and cons to both and it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. UHMWPE rope is a proven product, it’s used extensively in the marine industry and is gaining popularity in mining and logging as well.


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[Rbohno]

Sort of what other posters are saying, it really depends on what you use your winch for. I switched out to synthetic on my 3500 and regretted it.
Why, I use mine for pulling logs and fallen trees more than pulling myself or people out. Than being the case I was always worried about synthetic dragging in the dirt or scraping around trees on the property.

I was happy with Synthetic when at beach and towing folks out but am glad the PW has steel cable.

To recap both have specific advantages based on use.

 

[Sdreeser]

I swapped to synthetic. It’s beneficial for those who really winch a lot. If it’s going to sit on the drum and get touched maybe once year, it’s not worth the investment.

I’m not going to hash through pros and cons, synthetic vs wire. There are endless articles already written on that topic. I will just say there are pros and cons to both and it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. UHMWPE rope is a proven product, it’s used extensively in the marine industry and is gaining popularity in mining and logging as well.


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Low Sky, I was thinking of swapping mine out. What size and length of rope did you go with? And do you recommend a specific brand?

 

[Low_Sky]

Low Sky, I was thinking of swapping mine out. What size and length of rope did you go with? And do you recommend a specific brand?

I like a 7/16” x 80’ main line with a Factor 55 Splicer thimble and a 1/2” x 50’ extension. The short main line and extension combo is much more versatile and easier to work with versus one long main line.

My current rope is Diamond line from Custom Splice. They’re an inexpensive source for finished ropes, lots of length and diameter options. They’re a small shop and things are commonly out of stock, and order fulfillment and communication can be slow. For example, right now they’re probably out at King of the Hammers and won’t be shipping orders till they get back.

Really any brand will do, the off-brand ropes are probably all coming out of the same handful of Chinese factories, but Custom Splice does the work for you and makes it very easy to get the size and length you need with quality finishing items. The really cheap Amazon/eBay ropes come with throw-away finishing items. I wouldn’t touch the hook that comes with an $80 3/8” Amazon rope except to throw it in the trash.

If you’re going to use synthetic rope, you should get splicing tools and know how to use them. One of the big advantages of synthetic is that it is repairable, but if you don’t have the tools and know-how, that does you no good. My splice kit is a Factor 55 fast fid, $10 ceramic paring knife, permanent marker, electrical tape, a small scrap of plastic cutting board and some waxed whipping twine.


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[Tumbleweed]

I highly recommend the FastFid as well. It's not necessary, but does make working with the synthetic line a breeze. Watch some YouTube videos and play with the rope to get a feel for how it works.

 

[Sdreeser]

I like a 7/16” x 80’ main line with a Factor 55 Splicer thimble and a 1/2” x 50’ extension. The short main line and extension combo is much more versatile and easier to work with versus one long main line.

My current rope is Diamond line from Custom Splice. They’re an inexpensive source for finished ropes, lots of length and diameter options. They’re a small shop and things are commonly out of stock, and order fulfillment and communication can be slow. For example, right now they’re probably out at King of the Hammers and won’t be shipping orders till they get back.

Really any brand will do, the off-brand ropes are probably all coming out of the same handful of Chinese factories, but Custom Splice does the work for you and makes it very easy to get the size and length you need with quality finishing items. The really cheap Amazon/eBay ropes come with throw-away finishing items. I wouldn’t touch the hook that comes with an $80 3/8” Amazon rope except to throw it in the trash.

If you’re going to use synthetic rope, you should get splicing tools and know how to use them. One of the big advantages of synthetic is that it is repairable, but if you don’t have the tools and know-how, that does you no good. My splice kit is a Factor 55 fast fid, $10 ceramic paring knife, permanent marker, electrical tape, a small scrap of plastic cutting board and some waxed whipping twine.


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Cool thanks for the info. That helps alot I appreciate it.