Synthetic Line

[Nissanclay]

I've been looking at some synthetic whinch lines on ebay and came across two different versions at two different prices.

The first is what I have been seeing just about everywhere. Its the standard Amsteel line.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-16-X-100-Synthetic-Winch-Line-Rope-Cable-Amsteel_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6779QQihZ020QQi temZ300067046959QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

The second is similar to the Warn line that sells for $700+. Its first 25ft are fire line and are less vulnerable to heat. The remaining 75 is the Amsteel
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-8-X-100-Synthetic-Winch-Line-Rope-COMBO-LINE-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6779QQihZ020QQitemZ 300058184134QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

What one is the best to use? Is the second one worth the extra $$$? Its $140 difference between the two, I don't mind paying the extra cash if its worth it.

[ChefTyler]

Dude, call Allphase...the synthetic line I got from them didn't cost me $540...it was like $300. Only deal is ya gotta ask for a hook on the end :D

[Nissanclay]

Dude you didn't even click on the links. The more expensive of the two lines I just posted up is $260 (the one with the fire line). The cheaper one is $130 and they both include a hook on the end?

Basically, I'm wondering how important the fire line is?

[tmorgan4]

Just read something about this last night. Seems like it should be reliable information since it's on the Rockstomper website.

What about heat from the winch drum?
Heat is generated in planetary winch drums (Warn laydown-style, Ramsey planetary winches, most Superwinches) only under "Power-Out" condition. This type of use drives the winch motor against the brake (note references by winch companies about "Automatic Load-Holding Brake"). This is similar to driving your vehicle with the parking brake engaged.
Doing so will generate heat if you were to use it extensively in this mode. Similar to driving your vehicle with the parking brake engaged, you can drive out of a parking space without causing problems, but if you drove for significant distance, you would quickly wear out the brake. The same is true for your winch. The "Power-Out" function should be used for relieving tension on the rope, not for extended distances, nor for lowering a load--4WD winches are not designed to be used as hoists. Our testing has shown that powering out for 10-20 feet is not a problem, but will cause excessive wear to the winch brake, so we recommend using the "Power-Out" to relieve tension only.
No winches currently made, if used correctly, will heat the drum on "Power-In" use.



http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/recovery/ropes.htm

[Nissanclay]

Just to clarify, I've never had a winch before so this is new to me, using the winch to pull me up a hill or recover someone will not heat up the drum. Right? Did I read that correctly? It only heats up if I were to lower a vehicle down a hill. If this is the case then the more expencive line is not worth it.

[CurleyMan]

I have never had my wich drum heat up, infact i'm willing to bet it's the coldest part of my winch. I could see the fairlead heating up on a hot summer day and that may put the winch line at risk. And of coarse the motor and gears get pretty hot but the drum never.... Personally i really don't think you are supposed to use a winch to lower a vehicle down a hill. That's what brakes are for and if someone doesn't have brakes they should use the tranny or e-brake. What the quote above is saying is that you must not use the power out to unspool your winch. The proper way to unspool a winch is to disengage it and pull the cable out. However sometimes the winch gets cought up a little or gets stuck in gear because it has too much tention on it. This is caused from when you stored the cable or recent winching.

[CurleyMan]

The quote is not talking about the line it is just refurring to the winch brake....or atleast that is the way i am reading it

[CurleyMan]

And synthetic is an attractive choice because it is safe. If it brakes it will fall to the ground. Steel cable on the other hand will whip back and most likely injure anyone it touches. I use steel becouse i always end up putting the cable on rough spots. Before my sas i had to attach to stairs inside a manhole and well i was glad i had the steel line. But I think most people use synthetic with great success.

[CurleyMan]

oh and did you notice both of those lines where different. One was 3/8 and the other 5/16 be carefull the 3/8 may not fit on your winch......

[ChefTyler]

Nope, didn't click on your link, brother, too lazy :D Just saw you posted something about $700...I was taking an AV Industry certification test on my other monitor at the time, so I was a bit distracted :D

[tmorgan4]

What size is your line Tyler? 5/16 or 3/8? And how many feet?

[NissanNut]

That $120 version sounds good. Why cant I use the hook from my wire rope? Do I have to use a special hook with synthetic line?:confused:

[Alpine Spirit]

I am pretty sure tylers is 5/16. As for using the hook I dont see why not... just have to have the correct loop end on the rope.

[Alpine Spirit]

Oh Allphase Offroad used to have an awsome sale on the synthetic rope and get what ever length you want.

[tmorgan4]

That is no longer going on?

[Nissanclay]

14,400Lbs is my steel line rating. Will the 13,700lbs line be sufficient?

[Nissanclay]

Oh yeah, 3/8" is the stock cable size.

[Alpine Spirit]

I dont know if the sale is still going on but if anyone is interested just give them a shout.

[tmorgan4]

What kind of winch is it going on? Kevin, you should get Allphase on here as a forum sponsor, with discounts. :D

[CurleyMan]

Hell yea that would be sweet i spent alot of money at all phase last year. They did sas my truck and build my axles so i'll try to push it if everyone else wants it. They sponsor colorado 4x4 so.....

[tmorgan4]

I've never bought anything from them, but it is nice to see a shop that is willing to work on something besides a Jeep. :D

[ChefTyler]

Mine is 5/16th line and I want to say I have 150 ft...on a Warn XD9000.

Call up All Phase, Kev and Clay, and get us sponsored and get you some winch line :D

Clay, the tensile strength of the synthetic line will work just fine for you.

[CurleyMan]

Maybe it's poll worthy but i think it is the best 4x4 shop in the area. They are local fun to chill with and they go wheelin with customers. Also the two owners Dave and Voughn both work in the shop and always answer the phone.

[Alpine Spirit]

Actually when they get a jeep they say uggghh another JEEP!

Vaughn has an awesome Bronco and Dave started with a Toyota... its now a tube buggy.

[NissanNut]

Wow I like allphase. Never heard of them before but they have a nice website.

This is what I want.

5/16 100' I really want 150' But I think I will get the 50' extension. 100' is not enough some times for Me.

http://www.allphaseoffroad.com/products.html?id=178

Why do they make synthetic extensions but not wire rope ones?

[CurleyMan]

You cannot splice wire it's too much of a liability..........

[NissanNut]

You cannot splice wire it's too much of a liability..........

I mean extend with hooks or whatever.

[Packman5280]

because hooks kill people when the wire breaks

[NissanNut]

Thats the main reason I want to get rid of wire rope. Its too deadly.

That would be another great reason to go synthetic. The fact that you can extend the length safely. Its hard to winch someone up a steep hill, if you are still on the same steep hill.:)

[CurleyMan]

Yea i had to do that last yea it sucked 350 feet or so on like a 10 degree dirt hill. I tried pulling him up but i tore his tow hook off his unibody jeep cherokee. So I flipped it around and had to winch for 100 feet then back up/unspool and repeat the process three times. Well my girlfriend actually did the winching i just supervised :)

[Steel_City_X]

Check out Winchline.com,

They had good technical information.

Todd

[Nissanclay]

What kind of winch is it going on? Kevin, you should get Allphase on here as a forum sponsor, with discounts. :D

MM 9500