Synthetic Rope VS Cable: Thoughts?

[Sugarphreak]

I thought I would open up a discussion thread for this topic, it has sparked my interest and I was hoping some of our more experienced guys could weigh in on it a bit as well.



I am starting to see Synthetic rope more and more as an alternative option to cable for winches; I can't help but wonder if the benifit outweighs he cost. I noticed some big names getting on the synthetic band wagon lately too;  Warn, Milemarker... ect

http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/s ... rope.shtml

http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Wi ... hetic-Rope



Some of the advantages they boast are they are easier to handle then traditional wire & offer a lighter weight. Many of them claim to be self lubricating, coated in protective urethanes & highly resistant to abrasion.



One thing I noticed right away was a lot of winches that are starting to come with synthetic rope as an option don't have a roller fairlead; however the exact same model of winch with regular cable does.



So I guess the question is; do you guys think the premium price over conventional cable is really worth it?

[T.C.]

IF YOU USE YOUR WINCH LIKE I DO THEN YES...YES...YES....GO FOR IT  <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='8)' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='8)' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='8)' />....JUST MAKE SURE WHAT YOU ARE BUYING AND FROM WHO <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> ....HERE IS WHAT I WILL ADD SOON TO MY H1  <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... lleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='::)' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... lleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='::)' /> ALSO THERE ARE FAIRLEADS MADE FOR THE SYN. ROPE.....DO NOT USE THE FAIRLEADS FOR WIRE FOR SYN...... <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> :ohttp://www.masterpull.com/cpage.cfm?cpid=197





[img width=300 height=185]http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn18 ... rope-a.jpg[/img]

U.S. Made Amsteel Blue synthetic fiber rope has a higher breaking strength than that of steel cable of the same diameter, and remarkably weighs less than 1/6. It won't get all wound-up like cable when unspooled. It can't develop sharp frays, and it doesn't conduct electricity or heat (won't freeze your hands in winter). It won't rust, doesn't kink, doesn't recoil, doesn't stretch, or doesn't store energy. Need we say more!







[img width=125 height=72]http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn18 ... ope-od.gif[/img]



[img width=125 height=59]http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn18 ... ead-hd.gif[/img]

fairleads

[Sugarphreak]

Just curious, what makes a fairlead for synthetic different than ones for wire. Using rollers with synthetic is a no-no?



Wow... with that 7/8" synthetic rope you could hang 7 H3's from a tree with.

[whitehumh2]

The farileads for synthetic rope are made of polished aluminum so that there are no sharp edges that could cut the rope. Also you can run the factory roller fairlead you just have to change the rollers to polyurethane...Daystar makes the kit!



My choice is synthetic rope over steel cable any day...except when you are going to be running the cable in deep mud or across sharp rocks...then you need steel cable for its abrasion resistance. Masterpull is my synthetic line of choice and Viking is a very, very close second!



Hope this helps!



Kev

[shotgun-cam]

on fairleads rollers can jam or pinch rope ( It will flatten and get into gap at roller ends)Old rollers may even have rough spots that can cut rope. Some ropes also react to oil and gas As with all  equipement use the dic rule Dry, Inspect and Clean. Regularly