A winch is only as good as the rope it is paired with. The two can come in handy and save the situation when they are required. High-quality winches are necessary for towing, off-roading, and other work-related projects. A few years back, the only tow ropes that were available were made of steel cable. Thankfully, today, there is a much easier and safer alternative that delivers even better results; the synthetic winch ropes.
Many brands have specialized in the manufacture of these synthetic winch ropes, so you are guaranteed to get the best in terms of strength, durability, and quality. This guide outlines the five best synthetic winch ropes on the market. Moreover, it includes a buying guide, so you know what to focus on when looking for the ideal winch rope, complete with frequently asked questions about the same. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the best synthetic ropes for winches.
Table of Contents
Who Makes the Best Synthetic Winch Line?
Many brands have specialized in manufacturing synthetic winch lines, but among them, two stand out. These are the Offroading Gear and SmittyBilt.
Offroading Gear
The Offroading Gear is a Canadian company renowned for making the best synthetic winch lines in the market. Besides winch lines, they produce a wide range of products for off-ranging vehicles such as Jeeps, SUVs, trucks, ATVs, and UTVs. The company tests each of its products in the harshest of conditions to ensure that they deliver as promised.
You can count on their products for quality, a long lifespan, and superior performance. On top of that, this company has over 30 years of experience that is translated into their products. It reliably produces high-quality and heavy-duty winch products like its synthetic winch rope as well as winch covers.
SMITTYBILT
Smittybilt has become a household name when it comes to off-road gear. It produces various off-road gear, such as camping refrigerators, Jeep armor, and the popular synthetic rope winch. The company’s name is from the founder, Basil Smith ‘Smitty,’ who came up with a four-wheel-drive equipment company in the 1950s. They, therefore, have many years of experience when it comes to off-road products. Their synthetic rope winch is of high quality and has a long lifespan.
Types of Winch Ropes or Synthetic Winches (Rope vs. Cable)
There are mainly two types of winch ropes; metal (steel) cable and synthetic winch ropes.
Synthetic Ropes
Synthetic tow ropes were first introduced in the 1990s as a safer and more robust alternative to steel ropes. The materials used may vary depending on the manufacturer. However, the common materials are nylon and Dyneema fibers made in the form of braided strands for increased strength. However, the synthetic winch ropes tend to be more expensive, and the ripe is vulnerable to UV light.
Steel Cables
Steel cables have been used in off-road vehicles since they were introduced to the market. The steel wires are strong enough to tow vehicles and other heavy equipment. Some people today still prefer this product. However, safety is a matter of concern as steel tends to store energy when stretched and when it fails, it can snap and lash out, posing danger to those in the vicinity.
Compared to synthetic ropes, steel is a better option when it comes to price and weatherproofing. It is less vulnerable to sunlight. However, they are applicable in all situations. Firstly, steel is heavier and less robust than synthetic winch ropes. Also, they are harder to connect to the object you are towing.
List of The Best Synthetic Winch Ropes
1. FieryRed Synthetic Winch Rope
FieryRed has come up with a sturdy and thick cable that can work with virtually any winch. This winch rope is made of a reliable, heavy-duty material that is wound tightly into 12 strands. You can count on its strength as it is designed to hold much more weight- approximately 8200 pounds, making it the best winch rope overall.
Also, you don’t need to worry about it buckling under pressure since the cable features a coating of treated fiber that offers protection against wear and tear and high temperatures. This synthetic winch rope is available in bright orange and black, giving customers an option of the two. Many may opt for the orange since it sticks out, so you can always tell where it is quickly.
On top of that, this synthetic winch rope was designed with your safety in mind. It stores energy differently from steel ropes – it is highly tensile and does not store kinetic energy when stretched, such that, if it fails, it just falls and does not snap or lash out. It is a capable winch rope, conveniently stretchy, and comes at a reasonable price. This synthetic winch cable is highly durable and can be used in a variety of demanding conditions. It comes with premium winch accessories such as a chemical and UV-resistant nylon sleeve and a super tough loop eye.
Conversely, the trade-off of this synthetic winch rope is that you may notice slight fraying when repeatedly used to pull heavy equipment. There are also complaints about the eyelets that could easily detach from time to time.
Features
- 50 ft rope length
- It is made of hi-tech polyethylene
- 12-strand tough construction
- Ballistic nylon sliding protective sleeve
- Extraordinary versatility
Pros
- Water, moisture, rust, corrosion, and UV resistant
- Ultra-reliable performance
- Surprising Versatility
- Tough loop eye
Cons
- Shorter than advertised
2. Ucreative Synthetic Winch Line Cable Rope
The Ucreative Synthetic winch line cable rope is a great winch rope. It is much more flexible and makes the winching process easier. This ¼-inch by 50-foot rope is designed to deliver a breaking strength of 7700 pounds. It comes in a variety of colors, offering more options for customers.
This winch rope is also chemical and UV-resistant, lasting longer when used in harsh conditions. It is designed to produce non-rotation and minimal stretch for safety purposes. It is the ideal synthetic winch rope for ATVs and UTVs, and it comes with a black protective sleeve and a solid metal loop.
In addition, this winch line has a good and sturdy construction with durable solid strands of rope that guarantee long service use. It is made using heavy-duty synthetic fiber, offering low stretch yet conveniently lightweight.
Besides that, this synthetic winch is safer than steel cable. Once you are done using it, you can roll it and fold it halfway, allowing it to take only a tiny area in the truck. This makes it easy to carry it around for other purposes, such as a safety line. Its installation is also a breeze, and with the color options, it looks good.
Nevertheless, the downside of this winch rope is that you need to strictly use it with an aluminum Hawse Fairlead as it is likely to snap when used with a traditional fairlead. Additionally, it tends to fray if it jumps the track.
Features
- Solid metal loop
- Heavy-duty synthetic fiber
- 5 feet black protective sleeve
- Strong durability and stronger abrasion
- High UV/Chemical resistance
Pros
- Heavy-duty synthetic fiber
- Strong durability and stronger
- High UV/Chemical resistance
- Safer than steel cable
Cons
- Aluminum Hawse Fairlead needed
- Minimal stretch required
- Nonrotational
3. Off-roading Gear Synthetic Winch Rope
From customer reviews, it is clear that the Offroading Gear synthetic winch rope delivers on expectations. It is a universal rope that is designed to work with any winch, including Power Winch, ARB, and SmittyBilt.
Likewise, the Offroading Gear offers various options for this particular kit, so you can always find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each rope comes with a stainless steel snap hook, a protective sleeve, and a rubber stopper. Among its accessories is a bag that comes in handy during storage and easy transportation. It also works to protect the line against the elements.
The Offroading Gear winch rope kit is convenient due to its availability in many options that ensure you get the perfect product. The synthetic ropes are available in two sizes; a 3/16-inch by 50-foot cable with a breaking strength of 4400 pounds and a 3/8-inch by 95-foot cable capable of pulling 18,500 pounds. You can choose according to your wants.
Additionally, this winch rope is best suited for 4×4, ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps. It offers the ultimate strength as it is tested and proven in the most rugged conditions. The protective sleeve is handy as it offers protection against over-heating, slippage, and fraying. The snap shackle and rubber stopper are heavy-duty and galvanized for enhanced strength and durability.
It is the ideal and ultimate winch package for those looking for a winch rope replacement. The downgrade of this winch rope is that it is on the expensive side. The 3/8-inch by 95-foot is the most expensive on this list, and the other size option is also pricey for its size. Moreover, the 18,500-pound rope still has lower tensile strength compared to other competing ropes.
Features
- Heavy-duty and light
- Snap hook and rubber stopper
- Heavy-duty protective sleeve
- It is straightforward to handle
- Convenient carrying bag
- Universal fit
Pros
- Easy and flawless retract and release
- Heavy-duty and light
- Easy installation
- Universal fit
Cons
- Great for light use but start fraying on heavy applications
4. OFF ROAD BOAR Synthetic Winch Rope
The OFF ROAD BOAR Synthetic winch rope is a lifesaver and the best synthetic winch rope for the money. This winch rope is 3/8-inch by 92 feet with a breaking strength of 18000 pounds. Furthermore, it is designed to be compatible with winches offering a 25,000-pound pulling capacity. The rope is well suited for a wide range of Jeeps, SUVs, trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and the AC-DK, ARB, WARM, Power Winch, and SmittyBilt winches.
Besides this, the unit features 12 solid braided Dyneema strands with a diameter of ¼-inches. This heavy-duty nylon rope also features a black prot4ective sleeve that is water-proof, UV-resistant, weather-resistant, and chemical-resistant for enhanced durability even when used in rugged conditions and harsh weather elements. Customers tend to opt for this product since it is strong, safe, and conveniently lightweight.
What’s more, this winch rope is well constructed for the price and is of good quality overall. Also, it spools up nicely. The heat-resistant sleeve protects the end rope from high temperatures. It is also easy to handle and splice and produces minimal stretch and non-rotation. This winch rope was designed with safety as a priority as it does not accumulate power and is therefore safer than steel wire ropes.
However, many complaints have been received concerning the shipping as it tends to arrive scuffed up due to insufficient packaging. Also, many customers expressed their disappointment that the winch rope is only available in black color.
Features
- Wide applications
- High-quality claw hook
- Superior protection sleeve
- UV and corrosion-resistant
- Easy installation
Pros
- Rust-proof and waterproof
- Resistant to UV, chemical, and weather
- Withstands to wear, sun, overheating, and corrosion
- Stronger, lighter, and safer
- Easy installation
- Widely Fitment
Cons
- The extra care required.
5. BUNKER INDUST Synthetic Winch Rope
The BUNKER INDUST Synthetic winch rope has made its mark in the industry. This 3/8-inch by 85-foot synthetic rope offers a maximum breaking strength of 26000 pounds- the highest in this list. It is well suited for use with trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and ATVs.
Furthermore, this rope is easy to work with and can perform well in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a protective sleeve that is abrasion and UV-resistant. Other premium accessories include the hook attachment and a stainless-steel tube thimble.
Moreover, the cable is high-quality and holds up well with extended use. It is made with SK75 Dyneema fiber for durability. It is heavy-duty yet conveniently lightweight for enhanced user-friendliness. You can use it as a synthetic tow rope for pulling a vehicle or other tasks, such as pulling logs and heavy equipment. It is designed to be gentle on your hands and is very flexible.
What’s more, it comes with a durable end loop and a thick eyelet that speaks volumes of its quality. The included nylon sheath protects the winch rope from abrasion, chemicals, corrosion, and sun exposure. The red jacket helps offer protection against drum heat and abrasion.
A trade-off for this product is that the hook is not included. Furthermore, the sleeve has a short lifespan, hence it tears after a short period of use. This exposes the braided line to wear and tear. Customers also noted that the product frays prematurely.
Features
- 5ft protection sleeve
- Stainless steel loop eye
- High strength and a long lifespan
- High-quality synthetic winch rope
- Wide applications
Pros
- Wide applications
- High strength and long lifespan
- Extra protection against chafe and wear
- Up to 26000lbs breaking strength
- Universal fitment
Cons
- The hook is not included
Best Synthetic Winch Rope Buying Guide
Today, there is a wide range of synthetic winch ropes available in the market. They all differ from each other in terms of strength, brand, weight, and so on. Choosing an ideal one can be a daunting task for first-time buyers. But not to worry. Below are some essential factors you need to focus on when in the market for a synthetic winch rope.
Strength
Nowadays, many people prefer synthetic winch ropes over their steel counterparts for a good reason. Synthetic winch ropes are sturdier than steel cables by far. Also, steel tends to store energy when stretched, which is released through an explosive cable snap. Synthetic ropes are made to stretch. With that said, different synthetic winch ropes offer different maximum loads.
Some have a maximum breaking load of as low as 4400 pounds, while others can offer over 20,000 pounds. Therefore, depending on your needs, you can determine which one will work best for you. Also, these winch lines are strong yet conveniently lighter than steel cables. This feature makes them easy to maneuver and provides more accessible storage.
Length
Synthetic winch lines are available in different lengths. They range from 50 feet to 100 feet. It would be best to choose one that will fit your needs. You need one that will perfectly bridge the gap between your vehicle and the anchor point, and at the same time, give you extra working room. The smaller winch lines made for ATVs are usually under 50 feet, while those suited for trucks can be up to 100 feet.
Included parts
Any time you consider investing in a synthetic winch line, it is also essential to consider the additional pieces with different winch ropes. These parts may include installation hardware, snap hooks, carrying cases, D-rings, and other valuable features. The products with included parts may come at a higher price, but it is cheaper to buy them all at once in the long run.
Cost
Synthetic winch ropes vary widely in price. This factor is crucial because you need one that fits your budget and helps you ensure that you do not spend money on extra features that you may not need. The best synthetic winch lines that are longer and have high breaking strength tend to be the most expensive.
Warranty
Imagine the disappointment that comes with spending a lot of money on a new winch rope, and it happens to break the first time you use it. This could result from user error, manufacturing defects, or product quality—whatever the case, additional guarantees that a warranty offers could go a long way. The warranty period and terms vary with different brands.
FAQs:
When should I replace my synthetic winch rope?
Synthetic winch ropes require constant maintenance and sometimes replacement. Replacement will be necessary when the rope starts fraying out or experiencing wear and tear that may alter its performance.
How to install a synthetic winch rope
Firstly, you need to get rid of any old cable or rope, after which you can attach the new line’s eyelet to the locking mechanism of your winch. Once this is secured, the new cord can be wound up on the winch drum, and it is ready to go.
Final Verdict on Choosing The Best Synthetic Rope for Winches
Winch ropes are a necessary addition to any off-roading gear. Synthetic winch ropes, in particular, work as promised, are sturdier, safer, and more durable. It is high time you got one for your off-road vehicle.
