Synthetic rope vs. Steel cable

26427 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by joe002, Feb 19, 2012

burton861

Discussion Starter · Feb 19, 2012

its about time for a new cable, and im considering switching to synthetic. What are the pros and cons of both from your experiences, and which do you prefer?

opinions please!
thanks

Save

1 - 14 of 14 Posts

Here are a few off the top of my head of wire rope vs. synthetic rope. Keep in mind this is generally speaking, as not all synthetic ropes are created equal...

Wire Rope
Pros
Durable
Can Drag On Rocks
UV Stable
Abrasion resistant
Cheap
Uses either fairlead style

Cons
Weight
Stores Energy, which is dangerous if it breaks
Doesn't float
Not flexible
Steel splinters
Difficult to fix a break in the field

Synthetic Rope
Pros
Lightweight
Doesn't store energy
Floats in water/mud
Thinner diameter means more length on drum
Stronger
Can be spliced in field if it breaks
Flexible
Easier to handle long lengths off the drum

Cons
Not UV stable, requires extra UV protection (sleeve, coating, etc.)
Can melt if exposed to heat (such as brake drum)
Subject to internal fraying by dirt and sand
No abrasion resistance, needs to be protected by sleeve
Hard to visually detect weakened/damaged rope

--Sean

See less See more

Save

MTH

· #3 · Feb 19, 2012 (Edited)

I don't have a winch or any real experience on the topic, but I do know synthetic is much lighter weight and won't behead you if it snaps. It's more expensive though.

Edit: Sean answered while I was typing and his answer is way better. Listen to him. Hell, I might just write that all down . . . :thumb:

Save

3JKs1H1

· #4 · Feb 19, 2012

Syn, hands down.

Save

joe002

· #5 · Feb 19, 2012

Sean - you forgot another Pro of synthetic - it comes in lots of purdy colors.

Save

seanpholman

· #6 · Feb 19, 2012

joe002 said:
Sean - you forgot another Pro of synthetic - it comes in lots of purdy colors.

Oh yes, synthetic comes in lots of purdy colors! :dance:

--Sean

Save

fireron

· #7 · Feb 19, 2012

Synthetic is required in most competitions and to be able to participate in many Jeep club runs.

Save

SilverSport

· #8 · Feb 19, 2012

seanpholman said:
Here are a few off the top of my head of wire rope vs. synthetic rope. Keep in mind this is generally speaking, as not all synthetic ropes are created equal...

Wire Rope
Pros
Durable
Can Drag On Rocks
UV Stable
Abrasion resistant
Cheap
Uses either fairlead style

Cons
Weight
Stores Energy, which is dangerous if it breaks
Doesn't float
Not flexible
Steel splinters
Difficult to fix a break in the field

Synthetic Rope
Pros
Lightweight
Doesn't store energy
Floats in water/mud
Thinner diameter means more length on drum
Stronger
Can be spliced in field if it breaks
Flexible
Easier to handle long lengths off the drum

Cons
Not UV stable, requires extra UV protection (sleeve, coating, etc.)
Can melt if exposed to heat (such as brake drum)
Subject to internal fraying by dirt and sand
No abrasion resistance, needs to be protected by sleeve
Hard to visually detect weakened/damaged rope

--Sean

Good info. :thumb:

Save

j.luis

· #9 · Feb 19, 2012

synthetic is safer, cable can sever a body part or kill someone if it breaks/snaps. that itself is worth the expense.

Save

seanpholman

· #10 · Feb 19, 2012

j.luis said:
synthetic is safer, cable can sever a body part or kill someone if it breaks/snaps. that itself is worth the expense.

This is why you should ALWAYS practice good winch safety by keeping people clear and putting a winch weight on wire rope during ANY pull. This will absorb the stored energy and possibly save someone's life.

--Sean

Save

SilverSport

· #11 · Feb 19, 2012

seanpholman said:
This is why you should ALWAYS practice good winch safety by keeping people clear and putting a winch weight on wire rope during ANY pull. This will absorb the stored energy and possibly save someone's life.

--Sean

Yup. Learned to respect winch cables in the Army while recovering mired tanks.

Save

burton861

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 19, 2012

So synthetic sounds like the way to go, but are all of its problems such as uv, internal fraying, abrasion, and heat major issues, or can they be avoided with proper care and maintenance?

Save

Jdozer

· #13 · Feb 19, 2012

Synthetic rope, Amsteel blue or Tuff rope what do you prefer?
Or other brands.

Save

joe002

· #14 · Feb 19, 2012

burton861 said:
So synthetic sounds like the way to go, but are all of its problems such as uv, internal fraying, abrasion, and heat major issues, or can they be avoided with proper care and maintenance?

Yes, proper care and maintenance will help the most. The only issue would be abrasion if you have a really long pull over rocks. The rope comes with abrasion protector for some length (I can't remember, but it's about a full wind), but if your pull is over abrasive material where you can't protect it completely then you'll hurt it.

I have a cover for my winch - keeps the dust out of the gears and sun off the line.

Save

1 - 14 of 14 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month