Anyone using 5/16 winch rope... feedback?

[rosshh]

After destroying my steel cable last weekend I have decided to upgrade to synthetic rope. I think I am going to go with the 5/16 as the 3/8 seems overkill for my needs (and also budget). Anyone using the 5/16 with success or should I invest in the 3/8? Thanks. :)

[desertdawg]

If you go with synthetic I would definitely go with 3/8.

Make sure you know all the precautions when using synthetic. I learned the hard way. I went back to steel, it wasn't worth the hassle for me.

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=21593&highlight=synthetic+winch+line

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=21725&highlight=synthetic+winch+line

[rosshh]

thanks for leaving that thread up, I probally would of done the same thing when spooling the line on :o

[RokNRich]

I just bought 3/8" synthetic.

www.winchline.com

The guy who owns it is a rope guy and a wheeler.

He also sells on ebay, check out the store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Gourock-Netting-and-Rope-Products

[Sandee McCullen]

If you go with synthetic I would definitely go with 3/8.

Make sure you know all the precautions when using synthetic. I learned the hard way. I went back to steel, it wasn't worth the hassle for me.

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=21593&highlight=synthetic+winch+line

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=21725&highlight=synthetic+winch+line

Have been using ropes (3/8) for the competitions (recovery) for several years. No problems other than take care over rocks and use a shield.

[rosshh]

I just bought 3/8" synthetic.

www.winchline.com

The guy who owns it is a rope guy and a wheeler.

He also sells on ebay, check out the store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Gourock-Netting-and-Rope-Products


winchline.com is where I am going to order from.... have heard lots of good things about them... just wondering if anyone had any personal experiences to sway me away from the 5/16.

[RokNRich]

Diameter & Length: 5/16” X 100’
Breaking Strength: 13,700 lbs.


Diameter & Length: 3/8” X 100’
Breaking Strength: 19,600 lbs.

About 50 bones difference, but 50% stronger.

Jon is a great guy, if you have questions, call him. I only ordered 85 feet as most of the time I'm just pulling someone else off the rock in front of me. Less than $200 to the door, no frills.

Sandee and Dawg make good points though, we need to be extra careful with rope vs. cable in regards to rubbing against the rocks, not quite as forgiving as steel.

I'm assuming you read wayco's thread and his rope failure. It's a good read for anyone considering synthetic rope.

[Steve]

Lot's of great info on the threads pertaining to the use of synthetic vs cable. Keep in mind not only do you need to be careful with synthetic but with steel also. Steel tends to bind easily and will fray. By the way that hurts like a mother if you stick it in you. All winchlines need to kept spooled tightly and neatly.
Back to your question though. The 5/16 as stated has a faster breaking point. The 3/8 is thicker therefore you will spool a little less. The 3/8 will serve you well. Just take the precautions with the synthetic and you will be fine. "Sleeve it"

[desertdawg]

Have been using ropes (3/8) for the competitions (recovery) for several years. No problems other than take care over rocks and use a shield.

I'm just curious, how often do competitors have to change their winch lines due to damage, dirt, etc.?

[Robert Nevada]

I used steel cable for quite some time but 2 years ago installed Amsteel Blue 3/8" synthetic rope and will never go back.

[RokNRich]

Mike, I know you directed this toward Sandee, but thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here as I just made the decision to go synthetic, besides, I like webwheeling ;)

After we ran Martinez a few weeks back, I pulled my wire cable to respool it. My cable has been on my jeep for a few years and has been used regularly. I was pretty shocked to say the least, it had 3 or 4 good kinks and a couple of flat spots on it.

My cable has been used, on your Jeep on more than one occasion, and in reality probably still had quite a few good pulls on it, but I'm also trying to get set up to take my daughter out on some wheeling trips, and the thought of a wire cable breaking and cutting someone is not one that I want think about.

From my research, rope requires a little extra care, but is worth it when it comes to the safety aspect. Besides, if you are using your cable regularly, you need to replace it every so often anyways. My cable needed replaced anyways. Rope, if abused will break easier than cable.

I'm also looking at getting some additional protection, we use this stuff to protect cables that are subject to chaffing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120069969121

Easy to put on and remove.

I believe you went back to cable, right ?

In my limited experience, it seems like cable will probably last longer and will take more abuse. Rope is safer and easier to deal with, 6 of 1, half a dozen of another, but currently I'm trying to set my rig up to be as safe as possible to compensate for my crappy driving :o

[GRUNT]

Very good points. I have had my winch about 1.5-2 years and only used it 3 times. (saving other people) I would like synthetic but cannot justify it yet... $$$$$

[RokNRich]

I used steel cable for quite some time but 2 years ago installed Amsteel Blue 3/8" synthetic rope and will never go back.


Not to be a d i c k, but what's your wheelin' background ? Name sounds familiar, hmmm............

;)

Boner...

[1BLKJP]

I've only had my winch for a few months and have only had to use it 2 or 3 times on the same D*mn waterfall. :D But I'm very happy with the 3/8ths rope that I have on there. I also know that everyone is happy with it re-spooling it for me after the use. :D

Like Sandee said, keep it of the rocks and if it has to be use something to protect it. Rope might have just as strong pulling strength of cable, but it's not nearly as abrasion proof.

[AZXJ]

3/8ths is the way to go.. and of course you knew we are a dealer right ?? :D


Dave
480-288-4213

[Wayco]

Like RokNRich said, I posted a thread called Hyjak's Moab adventure:
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=21550
Probably one of my best photo essays, my only regret was that it came out before we could get Reputation points. It's a great read, but if you don't have time for it, here are my conclusions. Synthetic winch line, when used properly, is safer. Anybody who uses their winch regularly, should use it. If you are using a winch in Arizona, in a rocky environment, either sleeve it or use Masterpull Superline XD.:http://www.masterpull.com/item.cfm?itemid=20017
My first line failed because it was drug across a sharp rock while Hyjak was sliding down a 30 ft. ledge. I don't think anything can withstand the forces that a 5000 lb. Jeep can put on a line in this situation. I upgraded because I don't want to ever be responsible for hurting another Jeeper like what happened in Moab. Masterpull Superline XD is sheathed it's entire length, Don (SavageSun) has one on his winch that is two or three years old and still serviceable.
I'm using a Warn 9.5 ti winch and have used a snatch block to double it's strength, anything less than a 3/8" rope would be pushing the max strength rating.
Read my thread and draw your own conclusions. :)

[mingoglia]

I'm using a Warn 9.5 ti winch and have used a snatch block to double it's strength, anything less than a 3/8" rope would be pushing the max strength rating.

Technically not... the load is spread among the two legs of the winch line in this situation.... but I agree that 3/8" is definitely the way to go for winching applications.

Mike

[Sandee McCullen]

I'm just curious, how often do competitors have to change their winch lines due to damage, dirt, etc.?

Competitors don't use winches very often......... other than too pull their front ends or back ends up or down for stability. The recovery vehicles use their winches a dozen or more times each competition. The first year using a rope we went through 2.............. with the 3/8 plus a good shield we've been running the same one for 3 years. A huge difference in weight.

[desertdawg]

Mike, I know you directed this toward Sandee, but thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here as I just made the decision to go synthetic, besides, I like webwheeling ;)

After we ran Martinez a few weeks back, I pulled my wire cable to respool it. My cable has been on my jeep for a few years and has been used regularly. I was pretty shocked to say the least, it had 3 or 4 good kinks and a couple of flat spots on it.

My cable has been used, on your Jeep on more than one occasion, and in reality probably still had quite a few good pulls on it, but I'm also trying to get set up to take my daughter out on some wheeling trips, and the thought of a wire cable breaking and cutting someone is not one that I want think about.

From my research, rope requires a little extra care, but is worth it when it comes to the safety aspect. Besides, if you are using your cable regularly, you need to replace it every so often anyways. My cable needed replaced anyways. Rope, if abused will break easier than cable.

I'm also looking at getting some additional protection, we use this stuff to protect cables that are subject to chaffing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120069969121

Easy to put on and remove.

I believe you went back to cable, right ?

In my limited experience, it seems like cable will probably last longer and will take more abuse. Rope is safer and easier to deal with, 6 of 1, half a dozen of another, but currently I'm trying to set my rig up to be as safe as possible to compensate for my crappy driving :o

Yes I went back to cable. I probably would have kept the synthetic if the company it was sent back to for repairs would have repaired it correctly. It took several weeks to get it back and when I did there were several areas of concern that were not addressed by the company. I pretty much got frustrated and just went back to cable.

After Wayne's unfortunate incident and my dumb *** mistake, I learned a great deal about synthetic winchline that I didn't know prior to purchasing the line.

You know how it goes when you're on the trail and you need to pull line to get out of a situation and somebody else pulls the line for you. I don't want to have to worry about telling the guy pulling my line not to lay it on rocks or not to get it dirty, etc, etc. I just want to hook up and go. All I have to do with the steel cable is educate the guy (Kevin :rolleyes::D) who is respooling it to do it correctly to avoid those kinks and flat spots you were talking about.



That's just my personal opinion.:)

[Steve]

Both of your incidences were very unfortunate. Here is something to think about; What if both those lines were steel (cable) and had broke? Things would be much different I assure you.:eek: We would've been giving condolences rather than it being a lesson learned.:rolleyes:
I used the steel lines for years and have seen what the whiplash affect is like when they break. The cable takes almost as much proper care to keep them from flat spotting, fraying, etc. Truth be known most people are not caring for there cable lines properly either. Not to mention the weight of the cable is much heavier.
With this said I totally understand your frustration with the company not repairing the synthetic properly. I most likely would have switched back to the cable able. :D;)

[rosshh]

I have read all the reads here on rope.. the moab thread was one of the best reads I have had on the sights (and the pics were great).

What I am thinking is it does not matter if it is 5/16 or 3/8 as long as you take care of it. I still have not heard of anyone breaking 5/16 because they exceeded the strength rating.... ?

Either way I probally go with 3/8 just to be safe. :)

[Robert Nevada]

Not to be a d i c k, but what's your wheelin' background ? Name sounds familiar, hmmm............

;)

Did you hear the news, the sheriff is GONE !!! :cool:

I've been out a few times. Who is the sheriff.

[mingoglia]

I've been out a few times. Who is the sheriff.

http://theboxset.com/images/reviewcaptures/144cap005.jpg

[Robert Nevada]

http://theboxset.com/images/reviewcaptures/144cap005.jpgThe sheriff is a ding? I'm not sure what this has to do with winch line.

[RokNRich]

Sheriff ????
Must be some Boner.....

My buddy Greg took this pic of Jon using his product at Moab a couple of years back.

http://www.winchline.com/pics/mht2006-ejs800.jpg

Real, not staged picture of the ecalator :eek:

[Steve]

Sheriff ????
Must be some Boner.....

My buddy Greg took this pic of Jon using his product at Moab a couple of years back.

http://www.winchline.com/pics/mht2006-ejs800.jpg

Real, not staged picture of the ecalator :eek:


Nice pic.;):D Any others to go along with what had happened.

[Stu Olson]

What I am thinking is it does not matter if it is 5/16 or 3/8 as long as you take care of it. I still have not heard of anyone breaking 5/16 because they exceeded the strength rating.... ?

Either way I probally go with 3/8 just to be safe. :)
If would be tough exceed the rating of 5/15" rope using a 8,000 or 9,000 pound winch (assumption is that you are referring to winches commonly found on a Jeep) as the winch would stall before hitting the failure rating of the rope.

That being said, I opted for 3/8" rope simply because it allows me some extra safety margin when something unexpected happens to the rope. I try to "take care" of everything on my TJ....but sometimes the unexpected happens and its nice to have the deck stacked in my favor. ;)