Winch (Cable or Synthetic Rope?)

Green_Center · Oct 17, 2007

I have been debating whether to switch to the synthetic rope from the cable on my Warn winch. Anybody have any experience using the rope.

Thanks...

Slacker · Oct 17, 2007

I've used both on my Cj5 Warn 8274. I like the synthetic for safety & weight, but the wire rope wins for durability. If you don't know how to properly (read safely) winch, and weight is a concern; synthetic is a good idea.

mocassincreekranch · Oct 17, 2007

Slacker said it all. Agree 100%

dirt clod · Oct 20, 2007

I would imagine in a few years no one will think of buying a atv winch with steel cable. It's so much easier to work with and much safer if it breaks. No sharp burs to stab your hand like cable. The rope is a much better product. It can be cut if you pull against a sharp edge, but can be retied as any other rope where it is broke. There is no recoil with the rope if it breaks under load.

dirt clod · Oct 20, 2007

You do need a smooth metal guide instead of a roller fair lead as the rope can get cought between the rollers where the stiffer cable would not.

SnowRidge · Oct 20, 2007

dirt clod said:
There is no recoil with the rope if it breaks under load.

Dirt Clod, that's an important benefit. Makes me wonder, what special characteristics of this particular rope prevent it from storing energy when it is stretched? Any idea?

FatTire · Oct 22, 2007

The rope does store some energy, but its quite small compared to wire cable.

dirt clod · Oct 22, 2007

I don't know why it does not recoil. Rock crawlers use it becouse of so many by standers around. If you can afford it get it. Its whats on my brute force atv now. This stuff you can pull out a big roll of it and walk it out real easy. The cable you have to drag it out and you get wires poked in your hands if you dont have gloves on. Its amazing how light soft and flexiable it is and yet stronger than cable. Search gorilla winches on ebay, they have very good prices on the rope with a cover that slides over it that can be used to protect the rope if you have pull against a sharp edge. I'm thinking about buying some extra for a tow rope for atvs.