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Steel line is heavier than synthetic, but more durable and easier on the pocket book.
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Synthetic weighs less than steel, but comes with a cost.
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Synthetic Line is made from ultra high molecular polyethylene material and can be stronger than Kevlar.
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The ability to use an aluminum Hawse Fairlead further reduces the frontal weight of your rig.
Words by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Viking Off-Road, Warn, ARB USA
Welcome to another installment of “Essentials,” a basic rundown of 4WD gear and techniques for the newbie still learning the ropes (pun intended) of off-roading. The synthetic vs. steel winch line question has become a heated debate recently, as synthetic rope becomes more mainstream. However, what are the differences between the two, and what are the pros and cons of each? Well that’s what we’re here for, so let’s get down to the basics and figure out what works best for you.
Steel
Lets start out with the tried and true steel winch line. This is the winch line that veteran off-roaders have grown up with and used all their lives. When you need to take heavy loads, high-tensile aircraft-grade steel cable has been getting the job done since the dawn of time. The most obvious benefits steel has on synthetic are durability and cost. Steel wire can stand up to abrasive contact with rock or rough surfaces much better than synthetic. Also, the average cost of one hundred feet of wire is between $150 and $200, whereas synthetic rope can easily eclipse twice that cost for a good quality line.
Steel rope is extremely durable, and you are more likely to get a longer line onto your winch, but steel can also develop rust, sharp burrs and kink, making it a hassle to reel in cleanly. This is one reason why we recommend users always wear heavy gloves to protect their hands while handling the steel line and always give it a good coat of WD40. With steel line, you must also use a heavier roller fairlead. Now, just the fairlead may not seem like a whole lot of weight, but when you start to equate the heft of the winch, steel line, and steel bumper hanging well off the front of your rig, this weight can upset the balance and handling of lighter rigs.
Synthetic
Synthetic rope may not be the new kid in town, however the advancements made in the materials used for these ropes have made it a game changer. Today, a synthetic rope can be many times stronger than its steel counterpart with an equal diameter. However, the most obvious benefit of synthetic is its lightweight and safety. Further adding to the weight debate is that synthetic lines can use a much lighter aluminum hawse fairlead, further reducing the front overhang weight.
One thing that is very attractive about synthetic is that it does not store the same kinetic energy as a steel line under load, reducing the risk of a whiplash when tolerances are overcome. For those who spend a long time in the field, synthetic lines can also be repaired with simple tools and a bit of training.
Disadvantages as mentioned before include cost and durability. Synthetics are vulnerable to abrasion as well as ultra violate light and chemical exposure. These two properties will breakdown and shorten the operational life of the line, however many companies now provide protective sheathing or coatings to offset the degradation of fibres. As for cost, there are a wide variety of lines available on the market, some as cheap as steel, many even more expensive than the high quality winch they will likely be attached to. Not all synthetics are created equal, so read the fine print to ensure the line you purchase comes with all the ideal coatings and attachments needed for your particular application.
As you can tell, both products have their own benefits and drawbacks. But the simple fact is that both are equal in their abilities to get your rig out of a sticky situation. The question is which one is going to suit your purposes and budget best? No matter which line you choose, you need to follow safe winching techniques and take all necessary safety precautions.