Is your winch safe?

**Relic hunter** · 03-23-2007, 02:52 PM

Next weekend I will be installing a Warn bumper and winch. I am wondering if anyone has used synthetic rope on their winch? Do you like it, and would you use it again. I know the manufactures arguments; its safer and stronger, but I would like to know what you think?

Relic Hunter

**1911** · 03-23-2007, 04:47 PM

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Relic hunter previously said:

Next weekend I will be installing a Warn bumper and winch. I am wondering if anyone has used synthetic rope on their winch?

Yes.

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Do you like it, and would you use it again.

Yes.

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I know the manufactures arguments; its safer and stronger, but I would like to know what you think?

A lot of upsides (weight, safety, etc.) and very few downsides IMO. Unless you will be doing a lot of drag-outs and pulls rubbing on bare rock, it's an outstanding way to go.

**Relic hunter** · 03-23-2007, 05:42 PM

Do you have any suggestions as for brand?

highbeams · 03-24-2007, 02:36 AM

Relic,
first, nice choice on bumper, I run the Warn bumper also, only set up out there that allows full access to the winch
second, synth line, great stuff, have been using and abusing it for 3 years now.
Had you been at the Calico Cleanup Day with us this year you would have seen us seriously abusing my line in a way I would not have chosen to use wire rope. We recovered a hulk of a mid 70s Caprice from down a ravine and put around 7 different riggings to get it up the hill onto the road, includeing one rigging where the line was cutting earth while pulling, We were all amazed at how there was no damage to the line.
The stuff rocks. stronger than steel and has none of the stored energy issues of steel. Bottom line is I can not think of any reason to even bother with steel line anymore.
Both my Jeep and My FJC have Synth ( I recommend winchline.com) and I would never go back
for fitting reasons, order the synth line 20 feet shorter than the original line. this way you have room for a line protector. get a 30 foot extension line to make up for it. Also, winchline sells the line with a safety thimble on it. That thing is worth its weight in gold.
It is really worth the extra money for both safety and strength and ease of use.

**1911** · 03-24-2007, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Relic hunter previously said:

Do you have any suggestions as for brand?

I bought mine from Rockstomper.com and was very happy with the transaction.

DustPark · 03-24-2007, 06:58 AM

They are great when you are stuck.

Dom · 03-24-2007, 01:18 PM

I looked at it like this when I bought my syn. line...What's your arm or leg worth?? Personally I like walking on two legs and being able to turn the steering wheel and shift at the same time...Just my preference though..

fjcruzer123 · 03-24-2007, 01:37 PM

I've been using Warn winches since the early 90's and have never had a problem. I've always had cable, but just ordered the synth line. After 15+ years of use, something must be right with them! Oh, yeah, four limbs are good for me too...

Rubicon · 03-25-2007, 12:57 PM

Synthetic yes!!!

I'm about ready to swap my line out for synthetic for the following reasons.....

* Synthetic lines won't hold energy like a wire cable, so when they snap they just fall to the ground. In other words they are safer. (Even though we now know a cable will not slice off body parts or cut a person in half, they can still do serious damage. Thank You Mythbusters for confirming that one...)

* Synthetic lines are much lighter than the wire cable, Try weighing all that cable after you spool it off the drum, you'll be amazed how much it weighs. The front of your FJ will rise back up a little

* Synthetic line doesn't kink and fray like cable (Yes, it can fray, but if you run the frayed section through your hands it won't slice you open like a Ginsu)