You should be careful when choosing between a steel cable and a synthetic rope. Both will help you solve the issue of recovering your vehicle, however, synthetic ropes are better for people using their winch more frequently. Welcome to our Best Synthetic Winch Ropes Review!
Quick Answer – Best Synthetic Winch Rope:
Synthetic winch ropes weigh less, don’t store a lot of potential energy when under load, and aren’t prone to rust or sharp burrs. You might want to check for frays and damage areas on your synthetic winch rope every now and then, but all things considered, it is the better choice in terms of how easy it is to handle.
We have compiled a list of best synthetic winch ropes based on their feasibility, weight, ease of use, and cost. You will also read a Cable Rope vs. Synthetic Rope analysis after the individual reviews.
Best Synthetic Winch Rope Reviews
Best Synthetic Winch Rope Reviews
Review of The Offroading Gear Store Synthetic Winch Rope Kit
This synthetic winch rope comes with a heavy-duty snap shackle, rubber stopper, and a carry bag. The issues of fraying and over-heating are tackled with the use of a heavy-duty protective layer.
All sorts of trucks and vehicles can be recovered with this rope, and despite its small weight of 2.4 pounds it has high strength and is quite durable.
The retraction of the rope is flawless. As it comes in three different sizes and breaking strength, the appropriate type will fit most winches on overland rigs and offroad trucks, ATVs, UTVs, etc. winches including Smittybilt, ARB, Power Winch, etc.
It comes in the 50’X3/16”, 50’X1/4” size as well as the 95’X3/8” size. The latter weighs 5.5 pounds while the former models weigh 2.4 and 2.0 pounds respectively.
Their respective breaking strength are 4400 lbs (3/16”), 6400 lbs (1/4”) and 18,000 lbs (3/8”).
What Previous Buyers Said?
All the people who use this product get what they expect from the pictures, and nobody is left unsatisfied. They have also added that there is a minimal stretch when the rope is under load, and it is quite easy to handle.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: three versions – 3/16” x 50′; 1/4” x 50′; 3/8” x 95′
- Breaking Strength: 4400 lbs (3/16”); 6400 lbs (1/4″); 18,5000 lbs (3/8″)
- Shackle Size: 3/16″ Rope – 1/4 Shackle; 1/4″ Rope – 5/16″ Shackle; 3/8″ Rope – 3/8″ Shackle
Review of California Cordage DynaTech UHMWPE Winch Rope
The words “don’t judge a book by its cover” fit perfectly when talking about DynaTech UMHWPE winch rope. It looks quite unimpressive when you first unpack it, but when you take it out on a trip, you realize how handy it is.
Customers reported that it looks like a cheap nylon rope but is in fact quite durable and the strongest version can withstand weights up to 29,700 pounds. The Ico-Thane 10 coating makes it impervious to abrasion and UV radiation.
To make it as simple and long-life a product as possible it comes with a protective sleeve, and the drum end has a special heat sleeve. You have choices between six sizes and eight colors.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Anyone who uses it for the first time is pleasantly surprised by the quality of the product. They are also happy with the length of the synthetic rope and the high tensile strength.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 1/2” x 100’; 1/4“ x 50’; 3/8” x 100’; 3/16” x 50’; 5/16” x 50’; and 5/16 x 100’
- Breaking Strength: 6,380 – 29,700 lbs
- Shackles: G80 forged hooks
Best Synthetic Winch Rope For The Money – Review Of Yoursme Nylon Synthetic Winch Cable Rope
The 1/4” X 50’ variant offered by Yoursme is one of the most lightweight synthetic winch ropes you will find, yet the 10-ounce weight comes with a great 7,500 lbs breaking limit.
It provides strong abrasion, UV, and chemical protection. The black protective sleeve that comes with the orange rope makes it less prone to slippage and overheating. Not for those using the heavy pick-up and 4X4 trucks with its 7,500 lb rating but it is much easier to install and lasts much more than you would think initially.
For smaller cars and UTV’s, ATVs would be a great choice! It comes in two colors: orange and blue.
What Previous Buyers Said?
The previous buyers liked the budget-friendly pricing of this synthetic rope for winches. They also said it is very easy to use and install.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 1/4” x 50′
- Breaking Strength: 7,500 lbs
- Shackles: unfortunately a shackle is not provided
Review of Hooai Synthetic Winch Rope
This is another low-cost option for those looking for the best synthetic winch rope. It has all the benefits of a synthetic winch rope against steel ropes and works for a long time.
You can use it on most vehicles since it is quite long and weighs only 13 ounces.
The 7,000 lb rating is a limitation that won’t fit many overland rigs, but for your UTV and ATV winch, it’s more than enough.
If you have a small 4X4 vehicle, you can also consider it. The package does not come with a hook so may want to buy that separately. But apart from that, it is easy to handle and has no sharp frays. The black heatproof cable is another plus point for using it.
What Previous Buyers Said?
All in all, the past buyers are satisfied with the low and affordable price tag of this synthetic rope for winch. Also, they have stated that this winch line is very lightweight and easy to handle.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 1/4” x 48′
- Breaking Strength: 7,000 lbs
- Shackles: unfortunately a shackle is not provided
Review of Warn Spydura Synthetic Rope
Given Warn’s name on the market and its proven track record in the off-road and overlanding world, the product reviewed here is a bit pricey, so it may not be for all the users in the market.
However, anyone who opts for this winch rope does not look for another in his entire life. The rope comes with a lot of add-ons like the polythene material it is made of.
The ultra-high molecular weight provides a lot more tensile strength as well as protection against abrasion.
Even the ballistic nylon sliding sleeve provides protection against abrasion. It is slightly overweight at 7.3 pounds, but the urethane coating helps you fight off UV as well as chemical resistance without a problem.
It comes in three size and strengths versions. Please see the specifications below.
What Previous Buyers Said?
The majority of the buyers seem to agree that it is a pricey option. However, anyone who makes the decision to spend the relatively higher price for Warn’s offering doesn’t regret it.
They are admiring the tensile strength and the premium quality of the winch rope from Warn.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 3/8” x 80′; 3/8” x 90′; 3/8” x 100′
- Breaking Strength: 10,000 – 12,000 lbs
- Shackles: heavy-duty Warn shackle
Review of AUXMART Synthetic Winch Rope
This is another product that is slightly costlier, but again, it is from a quality manufacturer. The AUXMART synthetic winch rope paired with a great winch can help you in tricky situations.
It is strong and durable but light enough so that it doesn’t add too much weight to the front of the vehicle.
The cable does not have any frays or splinters. The protective sleeve that the rope comes in is quite protective against heat, slippage, and sharp surfaces.
The 20,500 lbs rating makes it suitable for most vehicles and installing it is quite easy. It’s about 4.6 pounds in weight.
What Previous Buyers Said?
Customer satisfaction is overwhelmingly positive about this heavy-duty synthetic winch rope.
They have liked the addition of the sliding sleeve to the winch line. And, the higher breaking and tensile strength also received much praise from the users.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 3/8” x 95′
- Breaking Strength: 20,500 lbs
- Shackles: it doesn’t come with a hook
Review of Smittybilt 97710 XRC Universal Synthetic Rope
This product by Smittybilt is one of the best synthetic winch ropes. There are many factors in deciding that. It is not one of the cheap ropes but isn’t the costliest either.
It isn’t one of the lightest ropes but isn’t the heaviest either. This Smittybilt winch synthetic rope weighs a lot less than a typical steel cable, up to 7 times less.
There is protection against UV and chemical radiation, overheating, won’t have any kinks or frays, and is specially coated to prevent slippage of the winch drum.
All the little details are covered to give you a finished product.
What Previous Buyers Said?
The current users are overly content with the performance of this winch line synthetic rope from Smittybilt.
They have liked the addition of the protective sleeve and the safety hook for free with this synthetic winch rope.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: 25/64” x 94′
- Breaking Strength: 10,000 lbs
- Shackles: safety hook with connector link provided
Review of ORCISH Synthetic Winch Rope 3/8″ x92′ – 23809 Ibs
When it comes to affordable synthetic winch rope, ORCISH is a popular brand. This winch rope synthetic cable comes with a host of features.
This synthetic winch rope has a diameter of ⅜ inches and length is 92 feet. The breaking strength of this cable is up to 23,809 lbs.
You can see that it is a heavy-duty winch rope. However, it only weighs 6.43 lbs. So, it will not add a lot of load to the front of the vehicle. This one features a nylon protective sleeve.
This nylon sheath will protect the cable against sharp or rough surfaces. At the same time, it will not curl, kink, or overheat due to the construction material of this winch rope. It is suitable to use even under -20 degrees Celsius temperature.
Also, it is compatible with most vehicles. You will also like the 1.5-meter heat guard that will keep the winch line intact against extreme heat produced by the winch drum and brake mechanism.
Added to that, it also comes with a heavy-duty stainless steel safety hook for free. Overall, for the price, this could be one of the best synthetic winch ropes available out there.
What Previous Buyers Said?
This winch rope is a popular one for users. They have mentioned the reliable quality of the cable.
They are also satisfied with the cost to performance ratio of this synthetic winch rope. On top of that, they also praised the addition of a free protective sleeve and the steel winch hook.
Specifications:
- Diameter X Length: ⅜ inches x 92 feet
- Breaking Strength: 23,809 lbs.
- Shackles: comes with a heavy-duty steel winch hook
Other winch guides you may be interested in:
synthetic vs. steel winch cable
Is a synthetic winch rope better than steel cables? Well, both types have advantages and disadvantages.
Heat and Weight
Cable ropes allow heat to escape from the inner brake winch drum and are considered quite durable and long-lasting. However, despite its cheaper pricing, they are heavier and a lot more difficult to handle than synthetic ropes.
Durability
Formation of rust and kinks on a cable rope is quite ordinary, which makes it difficult to fix it when you are on the trail and want to use it. This is where synthetic ropes prevail.
How to maintain a synthetic winch rope?
If you don’t take care of the drawbacks of synthetic winch ropes with an additional coverage, you will be in trouble.
Since there is no escape of heat, they are more prone to abrasion and freezing by trapped water. Sunlight and debris also play a part in spoiling an unprotected synthetic winch rope, while UV radiation is another factor to take care of.
Sand and dirt can result in internal wear and tear of the rope, which is something you will have to clean yourself.
Compatibility
The rope you’re purchasing needs to be compatible with the rope attachment method of the winch on your vehicle. There are winches that use a lug on the end of the rope attaching to the drum or drum flange.
On others, the winch rope is fed through a hole on the winch drum. A ‘tail’ is placed down the drum, and the rope is wound on. Make sure you check yours before buying.
Buying Guide – Best Synthetic Winch Rope Reviews
How to Buy the Best Synthetic Winch Rope
Here are a few things you should consider while buying your next synthetic winch rope.
Breaking Strength
Every winch rope comes with a particular breaking strength. It denotes the maximum load it can take until it snaps.
So, make sure you are getting the winch rope with the perfect breaking strength for your vehicle. And, the perfect breaking strength will depend on the vehicle and the winch of yours.
The rope’s rating is especially important if you need it for the best 12000 lb winch that your rig is equipped with.
Length
Another important factor to consider to select a winch rope is the length of the cable. Winch ropes come in different lengths and diameter.
As you can see above, some synthetic winch ropes are 50 feet whereas some are up to 100 feet. Normally, the longer the length the better.
Again, if it is too long, it might be cumbersome to use it in different situations. Thus, based upon the situation, type of vehicle, and winch, the suitable length of the winch rope would vary.
So, make sure you are researching carefully on this topic before you commit to buy the next winch rope.
Cost
Admit it or not, the price of the synthetic winch rope is also a vital factor to consider. This type of winch ropes come in a broad price bracket. You can get one for a small amount of money.
However, keep in mind that the best options from the best brands will be a bit expensive anyway.
So, for the best result, you should spend a bit more and get a synthetic winch rope from a reliable brand with premium quality.
Included Parts
The best synthetic cables will come with a safety hook. Also, they will feature protective sleeves and heat guard.
The hook should be coated with corrosion-resistant coating. And, the top quality safety latch hooks will come with stainless steel or aluminum construction.
The protective sleeve would be made of nylon or other heavy duty material. It will save the winch rope against slippage, overheating, abrasion, and damage against sharp and rough surfaces.
Warranty
Like any other safety equipment, you should get your synthetic winch rope from a reliable brand. That way you will be backed up by the best warranty policy.
Yes, those winch ropes from top brands might get expensive. But, an extra period of warranty will offer you peace of mind and additional safety in the long run.
What Is Synthetic Winch Line Made Of?
They are made from polypropylene material which makes them lighter. And as a result rust and kinks don’t come into play.
They are of the same lengths compared to steel cables but are a lot easier to use and carry, and you have a lot of options in different colors to choose from.
Additionally, most of the best ones come with a special coating that makes them waterproof and resistant to UV rays.
Due to the lightness of synthetic winch ropes, they float on water. This will come in handy while you are recovering your vehicle in watery or muddy conditions.
Synthetic Rope Vs Cable For Winch – Which is better?
This is one of the most prevalent questions we get from many overland enthusiasts. Thus, you might also think about whether synthetic ropes are better than steel cables.
Simply put, synthetic rope is the best option for your winch. There are many pros of using the synthetic variation of ropes compared to steel cables.
For instance, steel cables are prone to breaking in the middle of use. And, a flying steel cable could be deadly with all the potential energy stored on it.
Also, synthetic winch ropes tend to be lighter than steel cables. Thus due to the heavier weight, a steel cable would drown underwater while most synthetic cables won’t. Add in the fact, steel cable is more prone to rust, corrosion, kinks, fray, sharp burrs, etc.
On top of that, the Synthetic ropes will not recoil in the event of accidental breakage as they are made with low stretch materials.
However, typically a synthetic cable would be pricier than a steel cable. So, you might be tempted to opt for the cheaper option. But it is always the best to opt for the winch with synthetic rope.
Is Synthetic Winch Rope Worth It?
It is evident that synthetic ropes are expensive compared to steel cables. And, you might be thinking whether it is a good winch investment or not. In short, we can say that it is totally worth it to go with a synthetic winch rope.
Above, we have discussed the pros of using a synthetic wire compared to a steel cable.
And, you can see that synthetic cables are lightweight, corrosion/rust-resistant, easy to handle, safe to use, and reliable in recovering your stuck vehicle in many ways. So, yes, synthetic winch rope is definitely worth it.
Can I Use A Roller Fairlead With Synthetic Rope?
Unfortunately, roller fairlead is not compatible with synthetic ropes. You have to use an aluminum hawse fairlead with synthetic ropes. Rather, a roller fairlead is recommended to use with a steel cable.
You might still try to install the synthetic winch rope to your existing roller fairlead. You might technically use it, but it will not offer you good service.
The synthetic rope will be damaged after a few uses. So, we would suggest you buy a universal aluminum hawse fairlead to use with your new synthetic winch rope if you haven’t already.
Conclusion – Best Synthetic Winch Rope
The Warn, Smittybilt, and Yoursme Nylon synthetic winch ropes are the best of the lot we discussed in this article.
While the first two have a lot to offer than the others because of the price they charge, the third has a lot of add-ons which make it one of the best options for those running on a strict budget.
All these three are extremely easy to use and you get exactly what you see in the manual and pictures when you order these products.
They will go well with all your existing winch and give you a much better alternative than steel cables with their lighter structure.
For a full understanding on winches and other important factors around winch ropes, please read our comprehensive guide: Winch Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best 4×4 Winch
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