Whether taking on a desert trail by 4×4 or exploring dizzier heights during your quest for adventure, having the right recovery equipment is crucial to your success and safety.
As well as choosing the right size for your off-road winching needs, you’ll need to select the material that works for you and your vehicle. So, which comes out on top – the synthetic winch rope or steel winch rope?
For the traditionalist
A steel winch rope – or wire cable as they are often referred to – is seen as the traditional choice for off-road driving enthusiasts. Its strength and resilience are of course undeniable, with its steel consistency offering increased durability when compared with the synthetic winch rope.
Contrary to popular belief however, a high-quality steel winch rope can be just as vulnerable to damage as Offroading describes:
“So, if it doesn’t easily break, you might be wondering, what makes it weak eventually, to the point that it can finally break? The primary reason wire rope breaks is because of rust. This is because rust eats portions of the wire cable, when left unchecked for a very long period. Another unpleasant thing to note about a wire cable is it develops sharp burrs or splinters over time that can cut or hurt your hands.”
Despite being difficult to handle in both hot and cold temperatures, the steel winch rope remains a popular choice, with its robustness able to hold firm in the toughest, roughest and rockiest conditions. For those looking to explore warmer climates, the steel winch rope’s UV resistant nature is another plus-point worth mentioning.
Budget wise, wire cables also tend to be less costly and easier to maintain than synthetic winch ropes. The added burden of additional weight however can be a bitter pill to swallow for many.
For the forward thinker
If you’re thinking ahead to future changes and weight additions, the lightweight nature of a synthetic winch rope will certainly appeal.
It’s generally unaffected by temperature changes making it easier to handle, whatever the surrounding conditions. Beware wet weather or water in general however. Synthetic material is absorbent, which means it will soak up moisture that will freeze in cooler temperatures and compromise the rope’s integrity as a result. Synthetic winch ropes are also easily damaged by sunlight.
Despite appearances, synthetic rope is stronger than steel winch cables – 15 times stronger to be exact! While easier and safer to handle than steel, you should still exercise caution and wear appropriate protective equipment (like gloves) during use.
Synthetic or steel winch rope?
Both synthetic and steel winch ropes have their pros and cons. With this, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. In fact, your choice comes down to which option is best for you.
When choosing a winch rope, consider your vehicle and your unique requirements. For a budget-friendly, robust winch rope, choose steel. Alternatively, you may want to consider a synthetic winch rope if you’re looking for a safer, easier to fix and handle, lighter solution.
Shop our full range of winch ropes today to find the recovery essential you need in your rig.
