A winch is vital for off-road driving, towing, and even some commercial activities. Initially, only steel wire was available. Steel cables have always been used for ATV winches since their inception. The wires are adequately strong to tow vehicles and other heavy things, and some still prefer them today.
However, there is a much safer and more comfortable option that can provide even better results. This guide provides detailed information on what you need to know regarding synthetic winch ropes and cables and the best options in Australia. Let's get into it!
1. Ucreative Synthetic Winch Cable
This 50 ft, ¼ inch synthetic winch cable has a tensile strength of 7,700 pounds (3,492.7 kg) and is available in many colors, including yellow, grey, and blue. It features a design for minimal stretching and twisting and is resistant to UV rays and chemicals. It is generally suitable for most ATVs and UTVs and has a sturdy metal lock and a black protective cover. It is a solid, well-built, and robust line made of strong synthetic fibers with little flexibility.
Also, it is light and swims in the water. You can fold it or roll it in half to fit in a small truck area when you want to use it for other purposes or as a safety rope. Furthermore, it is easy to install and looks great. However, you have to use an aluminum Hawse glove for this cable, as it can break with conventional strain relief. Breaking is also possible in the case of track jumping. A break after a short period of use has become the main problem.
2. Fieryred Synthetic Winch Cable
The 10mm by 30M FieryRed rope has a breaking point of 10,950 kg and with a rating for SUVs, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles with winches weighing 9,000 14,500 pounds (4,082.3 to 6,577.1 kg).
It comprises 12 highly resistant braided nylon threads and has a chemical and UV-resistant nylon cover. It drives well when towing on a slope is excellent for removing stumps, hauling a car in a trailer, and towing stuck vehicles, and is lightweight than competitive cables.
It is also easy to install and lasts long, even with continuous usage. One issue with this cable is that it can be a bit stiff, and the loop attached to the winch pulley is not of the best quality.
3. AlltoAuto Synthetic Winch Cable With Protective Cover
The AlltoAuto winch cable has excellent biological durability, high fatigue resistance, and high resistance. It is 3/8 inch in diameter, usable with winches, with a pulling weight of at least 9,500 lbs (4,309.1 kg). It comes with a coating of black urethane to protect it from ultraviolet radiation and chemical abrasion.
The braiding type is unique, with a temperature-resistant coating on the top layer of the cable used to wrap the winch drum. It weighs just over 1.8 kg compared to 100 feet of wire for about 11.8 kg, which reduces the risk of physical strain and fatigue when using the winch.
Made of durable 12-layer nylon with a breaking capacity of 25,000 pounds (11,339.8 kg). It is easy to clean with mild water and soap. AlltoAuto recommends changing synthetic strings every 12 months. However, they promise a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 24-month limited warranty, and online customer support.
4. WARN Synthetic Rope
You can use this 100 ft, 3/8 inch synthetic cable, light, easy to handle, and flexible. It also has a protective cover against stones. Again, this WARN rope is strong, agile, of good quality, and easy to install. It fits perfectly, has excellent surface treatments, and complements old worn-out cables. The cable can pull ATVs, trucks, and other types of mud without breaking or fraying.
Besides, the instructions are straightforward. One issue with this rope is that it becomes easily brittle when wet. It can be a problem if you are using it for plowing. The cord can also wear out very quickly and not last as long as some competitive synthetic winch cables last.
5. YaeTek 95ft Synthetic Winch Rope
YaeTek synthetic rope is 95-foot, 3/8-inch with a tensile strength of up to 20,500 pounds (9,298.6 kg) for ATVs, SUVs, Jeeps, and trucks. The cord is easy to use and works at even low temperatures of around -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a protective cover resistant to UV rays and abrasion. It also has a hook attachment and a stainless steel tube.
It is a high-quality cable and will last over time. It is sturdy yet lightweight and easy to use for towing cars or logs. It sits comfortably in hand and is flexible, and the bow is durable. The eyelet is thick, which indicates its quality. Nevertheless, it does not come with a hook. Moreover, the sleeve may break after a short period of use, making the braided line wear quickly. It also frays prematurely.
6. STEGODON 100 ft Synthetic Winch Cable
It features a heavy-duty construction of reinforced 12-thread braided nylon. This highly durable, rust, and water-resistant plastic cable offers consistently high performance with an impressive 10,797.8 kg. breaking capacity. This synthetic winch cable is much safer and cheaper than traditional wire and does not keep kinetic energy under heavyweights. This aspect guarantees extremely reliable lifting performance.
It comes with a premium protective cover of UV and chemically resistant nylon cover that protects against abrasion, sunlight, overheating, and corrosion and can extend the plastic handle's life. This cable is much stronger than the wire and can withstand all pulling forces, 40% stronger than aramids and 15 times stronger than steel. It also has a versatile design to handle various winches between 4,082.3 kg and 6,577.1 kg, making this synthetic rope an ideal candidate for your Jeep, 4x4 SUV, and more.
7. SINOKING 3/8 inch Synthetic Rope With Protective Cover
It comes with 3/8 inches, 9.5 mm × 26 m, and 8,500 kg tensile strength. It is has a sturdy construction of ultra-high molecular polyethylene; it offers high resistance and excellent tensile strength. It features a durable nylon eye protection design for a durable and robust hook.
A urethane coating makes it more resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and deficient water absorption. Additionally, the protective cover protects against sharp or rough surfaces. The synthetic cable is much safer than the wire. The resistance can be 1.5 times greater than the same specification wire.
8. QIQU Synthetic Winch Rope
It is available in grey and blue, 50-inch 3/8 inch rope with a design for UTVs, ATVs, SUVs, and 4WD vehicles. This rope is sturdy, easy to maneuver, flexible, and much more comfortable to use than a steel rope.
Many people use this product in their climbing steps and tree stands. It is also very cheap. However, the maximum breaking strength is only 2,948.35 kg, which is less than that of other competing brands.
Winch Rope Important Tips
Here are some important 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, steel stores energy, which is finally released by the wire's explosive crack. Synthetic winches feature a design for stretching, and you can repair it, twist it, and reuse it.
#3. Price
Synthetic material is generally more costly, and yet the rope is sensitive to ultraviolet rays. The positives of steel cables are the lower price and much less vulnerability in case you leave them exposed to sunlight.
#4. Safety
The main disadvantage of using traditional steel cables is that they pose a significant safety risk if broken. 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 think of the typical winch spacing, you can choose the product that best suits your requirements. You require 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. Also, be aware that breaks may still occur regardless of how much the product costs.
#4 - Extra parts
One thing to consider before purchasing a new winch cable is what accessories you may need. It includes mounting accessories, D-rings, fixing rings, bags, and other useful features that are generally more expensive. Consider shopping for them all together as it helps in saving money in the long run.
#5 - Warranty
The last thing you want to do is spend the money on a new winch cable that will break the first time you use it. Regardless of product quality, manufacturing defects, or user errors, obtaining additional warranties can help.
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.
But if you are looking for a cheaper but high-quality product, try the Ucreative synthetic winch, which is 1/4-inch x 50 ft. And don't forget always to follow the manufacturer's instructional manual to prevent injury and avoid damaging your winch rope.
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