Synthetic ropes are lighter, stronger, and safer than traditional steel cables. They are also rust-resistant and easier to handle, reducing the risk of injury when pulling on heavy loads.
In Australia, synthetic winch ropes have become increasingly popular, whether you're navigating the outback or tackling challenging off-road trails. In the following sections, we evaluate the key features to look for and help you find the best options to suit your needs.
Our Top Picks
STEGODON Synthetic Winch Cable
Best synthetic winch rope under $500 with 10,799.58 kg weight capacity, heavy-duty construction, premium protective sleeve, and excellent versatility.
AlltoAuto Winch Rope
Best synthetic winch rope under $150 with 11,339.81 kg weight capacity, UV exposure and chemical abrasion protection, and a safe, durable build.
Fieryred Synthetic Winch Cable
Best synthetic winch rope under $110 with 3,719.46 kg weight capacity, complete attachment kit, robust construction, and protective sleeves.
5 Synthetic Winch Ropes for Aussies
In our review of the best synthetic winch ropes, we considered each product’s tensile strength, construction materials, protective features, resistance to UV rays and chemicals, ease of installation, and overall safety.
We also prioritised ropes that demonstrated robust durability, offered significant load capacity, included safeguards against abrasion and heat, and maintained consistent performance.
1. STEGODON Synthetic Winch Cable
Best Winch Rope Under $500
STEGODON's winch cable has a heavy-duty construction of reinforced 12-thread braided nylon. The durable, rust, and water-resistant plastic cable offers consistently high performance with an impressive 10,797.8 kg. The winch cable is safer than traditional wire and does not keep kinetic energy under heavyweights, ensuring a reliable lifting performance.
The synthetic winch cable has a premium protective nylon cover that is UV and chemical-resistant. This cover protects against abrasion, sunlight, overheating, and corrosion and can extend the plastic handle's life.
STEGODON Synthetic Winch Cable can withstand all pulling forces. It's 40% stronger than aramids and 15 times stronger than steel. Its versatile design can handle various winches between 4,082.3 kg and 6,577.1 kg, making it an ideal candidate for your Jeep, 4x4 SUV, and more.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Reinforced braided nylon
- Safer than steel cables
- UV, chemical resistance
- Versatile winch range
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Limited warranty
2. AlltoAuto Winch Rope
Best Winch Rope Under $150
The AlltoAuto winch cable measures 3/8 inches in diameter and supports a minimum pulling capacity of 9,500 lbs (4,309.1 kg). Its black urethane coating protects against UV damage and chemical abrasion. The cable's unique braided design, with a temperature-resistant top layer, ensures it remains securely wrapped around the winch drum.
Weighing just over 1.8 kg—compared to about 11.8 kg for 100 feet of traditional wire rope—it significantly reduces the risk of physical strain and fatigue during use. It is also crafted from a 12-layer nylon core; the cable boasts a breaking strength of 25,000 lbs (11,339.8 kg).
The Winch Cable is easy to clean with mild water and soap. For optimal performance, AlltoAuto recommends replacing the synthetic lines every 12 months. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 24-month limited warranty, and online customer support.
Pros
- High pulling capacity
- UV, chemical protection
- Lightweight reduces strain
- Simple to clean
Cons
- Requires yearly replacement
3. Fieryred Synthetic Winch Cable
Best Winch Rope Under $110
FieryRed’s synthetic winch rope has a higher weight capacity than the Ucreative Synthetic Winch Cable. It has a breaking strength of up to 8,200 pounds (3/16 in x 50 ft). Compared to smaller ropes, FieryRed comes with everything you need—an aluminium fairlead, steel hook, rubber stopper, and protective sleeve—making installation straightforward.
The robust braided nylon thread and UV-resistant coating make this rope reliable for towing stumps or hauling stuck vehicles. The spherical stopper helps reduce rattling during operation. However, the rope may be stiffer than other brands, and the loop attached to the winch pulley could be better. Still, it's durable and smooth to operate, even under harsh conditions.
FieryRed’s hook is hefty enough for off-road use. However, if you upgrade from a standard steel cable, you’ll notice the lighter weight, corrosion-resistant material, and easier handling.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Complete installation kit
- Light, rust-free rope
- UV, abrasion resistant
Cons
- Rope can be stiff
- Loop quality lacking
- Hook size large
4. Ucreative Synthetic Winch Cable
Best Winch Rope Under $70
This 50-foot by ¼-inch synthetic winch cable has a tensile strength of 7,700 pounds (3,492.7 kg) and comes in several colours, including yellow, grey, and blue. It is also resistant to UV rays and chemicals and is designed for minimal stretching and twisting. Ideal for most ATVs and UTVs, this cable has a sturdy metal lock and a black protective cover. It's also built from strong synthetic fibres with low flexibility, making it a robust, well-constructed line.
Despite its strength, the cable remains lightweight and even floats on water, making it easy to handle and store. It can be folded or rolled to fit into compact spaces, making it useful for other tasks or as a safety rope. However, you must use an aluminium Hawse fairlead (sometimes called a “Hawse glove”) to prevent breakage under strain.
It may also be prone to failure when subjected to track jumping. We've seen reports of occasional breakage issues after a short period of use, which is an important consideration when purchasing.
Pros
- Minimal stretch/twist
- UV, chemical resistant
- Lightweight, floats easily
- Simple to install
Cons
- Requires aluminum fairlead
- Possible track breakage
- Early breakage reported
5. SINOKING Synthetic Rope
Best Winch Rope Under $55
SINOKING's Synthetic Rope has 3/8 inches, 9.5 mm × 26 m, and 8,500 kg tensile strength. It has a sturdy construction of ultra-high molecular polyethene and offers high resistance and excellent tensile strength. It features a durable nylon eye protection design for a durable and robust hook.
The rope has a urethane coating, which makes it more resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and deficient water absorption. Like the AlltoAuto Winch Rope, it also has a protective cover that protects against sharp or rough surfaces. SINOKING's Synthetic Rope is much safer than the wire. Its resistance is about 1.5 times greater than the same specification wire.
Pros
- Sturdy polyethene build
- Nylon eye protection
- Urethane UV coating
- Safer than wire
Cons
- Not for heavyduty tasks
Winch Rope Important Tips
Here are some essential tips you must know about winch ropes:
- Attaching good-quality synthetic cables may not be necessary when towing off-road vehicles. The average Jeep weighs only 4,000-5,000 pounds.
- Consider what equipment you need to secure the rope to the winch. Each winch cable has a specific size ring (usually 1/4 "to 3/8") so that you can attach it to the anchor point of the winch, and it must be the size of the screw.
- Pushing the winch cable over irregular objects can cause abrasion and increase the risk of breakage. Sleeves are the right choice if you often use the winch cable on sharp surfaces.
- Winches move with the towing, but you cannot use a winch with recovery straps. The winch cables have a design for connection to the winch, and the single strands do not work. It is also impossible to attach them to the winch drum.
Synthetic Winch Cable vs Steel Winch Cable: What's the Difference?
You can tell the difference between synthetic and steel winch cables under the following four categories:
#1. Weight
Synthetic winch cables are considerably lighter than the equivalent steel winch cable, and being lighter can be easier to control during use. Being relatively heavier than synthetic ropes, steel cables can be more challenging to attach to a towed object.
#2. Strength
While steel wins in the resistance class, it stores energy, which is finally released by the wire's explosive crack. Synthetic winches feature a design for stretching, and they can be repaired, twisted, and reused.
#3. Price
Synthetic material is generally more costly, yet the rope is sensitive to ultraviolet rays. The positives of steel cables are lower prices and less vulnerability if you leave them exposed to sunlight.
#4. Safety
The main disadvantage of traditional steel cables is that they pose a significant safety risk if they break. A synthetic winch rope is less dangerous during a break and less prone to sudden failure.
How Much Does a Synthetic Winch Rope Cost?
The price of a synthetic winch rope may vary due to its length, density, and build material. Here's a guide to deciding how much you should budget for your winch rope.
- Less than $25: The smallest and cheapest winches feature a design for use on ATVs and UTVs. These strings are typically only 3/16 of an inch thick and generally have a tensile strength of fewer than 6,000 pounds.
- $25-75: Some winch cables for larger UTVs and light trucks are slightly more expensive. They cover 6,000 to 12,000lbs winch cables and may include off-road kits with vital features.
- $75-125: Most synthetic winches fall into this price range. It includes 75- to 100-foot cables with additional features like gloves and steel D-rings.
- Over $125: Some off-road kits with superior strings are more expensive. This price also includes winches complete with synthetic lines.
How to Choose the Best Synthetic Winch Rope?
Choosing the best synthetic winch rope involves considering several factors. We highlight five such crucial considerations below.
#1 - Tensile strength
It is impossible to use a winch if you are buying a rope that cannot carry the load. Each synthetic line manufacturer indicates the tensile strength of the product. You do not want to push the line too hard, so it is important not to buy a rope that weighs close to the pulling weight. For example, do not shorten the 10,000-pound line to tow 9,500 pounds.
#2 - Length
If you can imagine the typical winch spacing, you can choose the product that best suits your requirements. You need a rope that bridges the gap between the anchor point and your vehicle, providing more workspace. Smaller winch lines for off-road vehicles are typically less than 15 meters long, while heavy truck cables can be up to 30 meters long.
#3 - Cost
Considering the price of synthetic winches is essential for your budget, as it ensures you do not spend extra money on unnecessary resources. However, be aware that breaks may still occur regardless of the product's cost.
#4 - Extra parts
One thing to consider before purchasing a new winch cable is what accessories you need. These include mounting accessories, D-rings, fixing rings, bags, and other valuable features that are generally more expensive. Consider shopping for them all together, as this can help you save money in the long run.
#5 - Warranty
The last thing you want to do is spend money on a new winch cable that will break the first time you use it. Regardless of product quality, manufacturing defects, or user errors, options with additional warranties are ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about synthetic winch ropes in Australia.
Do I need to maintain a synthetic winch rope?
Maintenance may include cleaning the winch cable, but in most cases, only a few preventive measures are necessary. Keep the rope out of direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out and keep it away from moisture to avoid damage.
What is a synthetic rope made of?
Manufacturers use various materials to make synthetic ropes, such as polyurethane, metal wire, nylon, and other synthetic plastics.
How to install the synthetic winch rope?
You must first remove any old ropes or cables from the winch. Then, connect the new line's eyelet to the winch locking mechanism. Once in place, Wrap the new thread around the winch drum, and you are ready to proceed.
Mark Thompson
Wrapping It Up
With many options for steel and synthetic winch cables, it is advisable to find one that suits your needs. We recommend the STEGODON Synthetic Winch Cable if you need a heavy-duty cable.
If you want a cheaper but high-quality product, try the Ucreative Synthetic Winch, which is 1/4-inch x 50 ft. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent injury and damage to your winch rope.
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