Steel or Synthetic Winch Rope

[whitehumh2]

Now I know that I have discussed this before, and I normally take the side of the steel cable, but just wondering what experiences others have with both synthetic and steel winch rope.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJ3QjvRZT0



I have had some synthetic line from Masterpull that broke way to easily imo. But I have also had to drag steel cable and after a while it does get tiring! So it would be cool to know what others experiences are.



Thanks.

[Hesh]

That is very surprising about the masterpull products, infact the first time Ive heard about it first hand. Were you running their basic line or their XD stuff (has an extra exterior sheath making it protected from UV exposure, sand & dirt breakdown, etc?



The safety of synthetic is more important to me given the fact that 98% of the time Im using it on very remote areas (trails far out of town well off the beaten path, Moab, etc) where if a steel cable were to break and cause injury, it would escalate the situation to a much more serious and dangerous level. Is it more expensive? Yes. Is it easier to break/fail if handled improperly? Yes. Is it safer? ABSOLUTELY. When I purchased my truck (nevermind entered this hobby much earlier) I knew that the expenses, expectations and life of certain offroad parts & accessories may be incrementally different than say on something like a TJ etc. That said, it made it easier to see the cost-to-safety as an absolute necessity despite the higher cost and possible earlier replacement window.



I realize that there are certain areas where steel cable is more ideal, IE: Towtrucks, where the operator is in full control of the recovery site, typically in or nearby a city/town where medical attention can be procured should a breakage cause injury, and cable longevity all do make sense from a fiscal and operational point of view.



That said, Ive had excellent results with my SuperlineXD and have converted a tonne of local boys around here as well as shops to the praises of Masterpull. I wouldnt be surprised if you contacted Masterpull if they wouldnt be willing to make things right, as theyve always been extremely reasonable and friendly as both a customer and from a re-seller perspective.



Can you provide any specifics on how or why the rope broke? Would a removable rock-sheath have protected it?

[whitehumh2]

Hey Hesh,



The line that broke was a 1/4" x50 standard replacement masterpull winchline on my ATV. It had worked great for over a year and then I had a very difficult almost right angle pull. The cable broke about 4 ft from the end of the cable. I personally think that it was the weak point on the cable since on my atv it is also used to lift and lower the blade I use in the winter. I was able to resplice it and I am still using it, but I was still surprised when it broke.



Which are you using on your H1? Any Pics or Videos??



Thanks

[Hesh]

Im using the 5/16" x 80 Masterpull SuperlineXD w/ the HD Sling Hook end, as well as two removable rock-sheaths and for other assorted recoveries I pack a 7/8' x 30' Milspec (UV protected Black) Superyanker rope too. All have been flawless in their use, and I firmly believe that had you gone with the XD rope, or a sheath over the first wrap on your winch you may have seen a better outcome. Granted my experience with ATV's is almost nill, but the beauty of the XD rope is the fact that it has a protective extra layer, and Im curious if where the rope broke was commonly exposed to the elements or UV when stored on the drum of the winch. If the rope is going to be exposed, that a winch cover, or their removable sheaths (velcro fastened) should be used, and especially on their non-XD rope. I dont have any pics or videos, but I can say that I have put it thru its paces in the two years Ive had it on the truck, and once you start watching videos of winch-cable mishaps and the lethal force they demonstrate, nevermind the gruesome and grisly photos of aftermath and injuries, the choice becomes clear. There are few other Syn-line manufacturers on the market that offer anything that compares, letalone trumps the offerings of the XD stuff, and Id urge you to take it from someone who has seen their share of recoveries and self-recoveries that the Masterpull shouldnt be overlooked just yet. Move into their higher line, it is the difference between a Cavalier and a Corvette.

[whitehumh2]

Wow, if I used 5/16th line I could probably run 125feet or more on my winch! Is the reason you run only 80ft to prevent it from contacting on the winch mounting plate?



The cable that broke on the ATV was the last 4 feet of cable and it was frequently outside being used for multiple tasks around the property, so yes UV definitely could've have been a factor.



I have the Master Pull Kinetic Tow Rope, Super Yanker 1 1/4"x30' 52,300lb

and I can tell you that despite the abuse that I have put it through in the last 6 years, it still looks like new and is not chaffed and definitely in great shape. I think that that rope is probably one of the best recovery tools that I own, especially since it eliminates any chance of damage to either vehicle during the recovery process.



I do find the steel line crushes very easily and requires frequent respooling so that you don't damage the cable. I have never had a steel cable break, and I normally use multiple cable weights, but I always replace it before it gets to the point of being dangerous. With the XD line do you have to frequently clean it? I guess I have been concerned that during winter wheeling the XD would freeze up solid and would not be usable until it thaws out, not a problem with steel cable. Is this a possiblity in your experience.



I also agree that safety is a major importance. But I frequently have to do snatch block pulls and most of the time there is a possibility of the cable contacting something during the pull, I guess by simply taking your time and making sure the rock guard sleeve is positioned to protect the cable this would not be an issue, right?



Have you ever used a snatch block with the Masterpull XD line?

[Sugarphreak]

I prefer working with Synthetic... it is just an easier product to use, and the fact it is safer during failure easily justifies it for me. Since I've switched from cable, I don't shy away from using my winch anymore.

[whitehumh2]

I was on Youtube and found this great video. It really shows the awesome abilities of the XD line and the Super Yanker. Watching the video, the XD line almost looks like steel cable but much more pliable!



Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqLYmpTyMEM

[Sugarphreak]

A little side rescue I did on my vacation road trip this year: One complaint I have about synthetic is when it gets wet and then freezes up... it can be a little tough to pull out!



[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZPS4PQzrTs[/media]

[whitehumh2]

NIck, I must say this is totally awesome!! Great Video!



About the cable freezing up, that was a concern that I had. Does it affect the cable in any way or is it simply more difficult to pull out?



Thanks Bud!

[whitehumh2]

This video really shows the ultimate strength of the Synthetic Line!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcifJkhXpMM