Synthetic winch line vs. metal winch line??

[bldeagle10]

i dont really think they would get moldy/mildewy.

I also agree that covers should be put on your winch in general though, no matter which line you use, it just offers extra protection. and gloves should be worn in every winching scenario.

 

[Gaidheal]

Might not affect those in the sun belt but where I live it can snow for 1/2 the year. Worse, we get lots of temp swings where it will warm up and get wet, then freeze.

This is a nuisance with wire rope, but the ice isn't a total problem. I imagine with synthetic here it would end up a frozen ball of uselessness for possibly months on end.

Just a different thought I don't see mentioned in many places.

:beer:

 

[BigAl]

My winch came with steel line, which still works fine, I don't see any advantage in dropping $300 for rope

 

[cocco78]

For me it was that the rope is just so much easier to use. You can pull the rope out and it doesn't coil up on the ground like the cable does. Its lighter and easier to pull out when you have to reach that far away tree. Almost no stretch in the rope, less potential energy stored up during a hard pull. You can wind it up on the drum anyway you want, you don't have to worry about it overlapping and crushing like cable when your not pulling straight ahead. As a matter of fact I believe that steel winch line is not allowed in most rock crawling competitions, synthetic only for safety reasons.

I've had amsteel blue on my warn for probably 5 years now, its had tons of hard pulls and i've still pulled to the point of stalling the winch. It has faded from the sun but I still trust it. And if it ever does break its very very easy to weave it back together. I would never run a cover on my winch, all covers seem to do is trap in moisture and speed up corrosion. After a big wheeling trip all I usually do is pull out the rope and blast it with a garden hose to clean the dirt off it.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

.... I imagine with synthetic here it would end up a frozen ball of uselessness for possibly months on end.


:beer:

Not a problem! I use my winch the most during the winter, that's when rigs slide off the trail, get bogged down in the snow, etc.

I've never had a problem with the synthetic line, even in -20* F temps.

As far as mold/mildew, no problems there, either. Remember, the synthetic line and kenetic recovery ropes, derived from the fishing industry.

All winch line, as previously mentioned, needs inspection and maintenance, and replacement when the time comes.

As far as UV, yes it will eventually affect synthetic line, but by the time that happens, it's probably time for a new line anyway:elkgrin:

And, Master Pull has addressed that problem with their Superline XD, it has another 'cover' over the rope, also made from synthetic material.

http://www.masterpull.com/cpage.cfm?cpid=478

 

[wantabee]

I am running synthetic line. It is easier on the hands, you don't need gloves but I wear then anyway. What I really like about it is that you can coil the line up and throw it if you have to. This is handy when you are stuck in a big mud hole and you don't want to get out. Knowing I am going to get stuck in a big hole, I sometimes pay out line and keep it in the cab so that I can open the window and throw it to someone. The only downside is that it is light sensitive. you will have to replace it sooner than cable.

 

[Brigitta]

Have been running synthetic for the last 10 years on 2 different Jeeps. Won't go back to cable, safer if it breaks (although we've never broken one), can be handled with bare hands, lighter than cable, and can be repaired on the trail if it does break.

 

[bldeagle10]

hey Brigitta, since you have been running it for so long, how long has your line lasted before needing replacement?

 

[JeepDork]

I switched and gave away the wire just because you can't keep the people away when you use it. I'd hate to have it break and hit someone. That's why I switched.

 

[JPK]

You know, that is true. The bystanders are a pita. Push 'em back on one side, turn around and there they are on the other... Creepin' in to take a look.

I've done a couple of recoveries on the beaches around here, pulling out the stuck truck with my winch, and you'd think it was downtown with all the traffic from lookers, who get out to watch...

Even the Rangers can't keep them back.

JPK

 

[Brigitta]

hey Brigitta, since you have been running it for so long, how long has your line lasted before needing replacement?

Never needed to replace one. Seven years on the first jeep (this was a trail jeep and garaged when not in use), and so far 3 years on the current jeep (daily driver and trail rig, also garaged when not in use).

My current line is faded but is no worse for wear. Had to winch up 3 winch hills on Fordyce a month ago and no problems.

 

[bldeagle10]

Never needed to replace one. Seven years on the first jeep (this was a trail jeep and garaged when not in use), and so far 3 years on the current jeep (daily driver and trail rig, also garaged when not in use).

My current line is faded but is no worse for wear. Had to winch up 3 winch hills on Fordyce a month ago and no problems.

thank you for the info

 

[Mekcanix]

Sorry to drag up a way old thread but I should ask this in the right place and thread. Have any of you folks running Synthetic line in the northern climes had issues with rust from your drum damaging your line. I have a had a milemarker for less then a year and I put my synth line from my old winch on to the new one last year and now i have found the drum rusted and the line very discoloured where it has come into contact with drum body. When I pulled the line it was like pullin a carpet from a rusty floor in a old jeep. For now I put the steel line back on till I know if it is still safe to use it. Thank you

 

[jscusmcvet]

When I moved to Synth line on my new (to me) superwinch, I had to do some prodigious sanding on the drum to beat back the rust monster. As we speak my son's Warn HS 9500 is line less after 10 years of cable and it is... not rusted...

So in retrospect, I cannot help you. I have found, after 20 years of using steel cable, that so far, synthetic is holding up fine, even to my rough use (log skidding, four wheeling, brush pulling, etc...) so in my mind there is no reason to go steel... special circumstances not withstanding of course...

John

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I'm looking at an Engo 9k winch with synthetic line for under $500 shipped, they have a great reputation.