Best Synthetic Winch Rope Review Guide For 2022-2023

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Best Synthetic Winch Rope Review Guide For 2022-2023 – 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.

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. To find out even more keep reading our Best Synthetic Winch Rope Review Guide For 2022-2023.

The Offroading Gear Store Synthetic Winch Rope

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.

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”).

Product Details:

• INCLUDES ROPE, SHACKLE, & STOPPER – Comes with synthetic winch rope, heavy-duty snap shackle and rubber stopper. Each rope also includes a spliced eye on one end and a terminal end on the other (terminal end can be removed if not required by winch)
• PROTECTIVE SLEEVE – Comes with a heavy-duty protective sleeve to protect against fraying, over-heating, and slippage.
• UNIVERSAL FIT: Will fit most winches on SUVs, Jeeps, Trucks, ATVs, UTVs, etc. including SmittyBilt, ARB, Power Winch, etc.
• HEAVY DUTY & LIGHT – Offroading Gear Synthetic rope is heavy-duty yet light and has minimal stretch. This synthetic rope constructed from heavy duty UHMWPE and is extremely easy to handle on the hands compared with wire rope. It easily and flawlessly retracts and releases on almost any winch. It’s the ultimate trail insurance and replacement for your steel cable!
• EASY INSTALLATION: Includes convenient terminal end for easy installation on any winch (terminal end can be removed if not needed).

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

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.

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.

Product Details:

• STRONG – 20,680 lb. Breaking Strength for the entire assembly
• LOWEST STRETCH – DynaTech 12-strand single braid , stronger than steel with less stretch. Ico-Thane 10 coated to reduce abrasion while increasing UV protection
• DURABLE – Black powder coated stainless steel tube thimble and G80 forged hook with forged gate
• PROTECTION – Comes with protective abrasion sleeve and a separate heat sleeve on the drum end
• MORE CHOICES – 6 sizes and 8 colors to choose from, including CAMO!

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

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.

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, ATV’s would be a great choice! It comes in two colors: orange and blue.

Product Details:

• PREMIUM QUALITY: Made of high standard heavy duty nylon synthetic material with solid metal loop and high quality black protective sleeve, this blue winch cable has 7500lbs breaking strength with strong durability and good flexible buffer performance. Plus, it is quite effective for stronger abrasion, high temperature, UV and chemical corrosion protection.
• WINCH CABLE SPECIFICATION: Yoursme blue winch cable consists of 12 stranded ropes and is 1/4″ thickness x 50′ long with 1.55m black protective sleeve. And the blue color uses several refined dyeing processes to make, which is good for fade protection. Please allow 1-3cm error of the cable due to the manual measurement.
• EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: This synthetic winch rope is extremely lightweight to easily handle and splice, which will not kink and has no sharp frays like steel wire rope, more safer and stronger than steel wire rope. The black protective sleeve to prevent overheating, slippage, rough or sharp surface and the embedded metal loop makes things way easier. Plus, the bright blue color has high visibility for easily finding.
• GREAT COMPATIBILITY: Great works for SUV ATV UTV Winches Truck Boat Ramsey Car on extreme condition or daily work etc.
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE & 3 YEAR’S WARRANTY: We aim to give our customers the best products and services. If you’re not 100% satisfied with this blue winch cable, simply return it for a full refund in 30 days, no questions asked money back guarantee with 3 year’s warranty.

Specifications:

• Diameter X Length: 1/4” x 50′
• Breaking Strength: 7,500 lbs
• Shackles: unfortunately a shackle is not provided

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.

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.

Product Details:

• Synthetic Winch Rope can bare Average of 7000 lbs strength cable
• Designed with Heavy Duty nylon eye guard for Hook Attachment , solid and longlasting!
• Synthetic Winch Rope with 1.55m Protective Sleeve for SUV ATV UTV Jeep Truck Boat Ramsey.1/4″ thickness x 48′ Long, with 1.55m black heatproof cable.
• Synthetic rope is easy to handle, splice, with no sharp frays
• Package comes the Synthetic Winch Rope as pictured! HOOAI provides 90 days carefree return & lifetime warranty against manufaturing defect!

Specifications:

• Diameter X Length: 1/4” x 48′
• Breaking Strength: 7,000 lbs
• Shackles: unfortunately a shackle is not provided

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.

Warn Spydura Synthetic Rope

Given Warn’s name on the market and their 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 specifications below.

Product Details:

• 80 feet by 3/8 inch synthetic rope. For mid-frame winches up to 10,000 lb. (4535 kg) and large frame winches up to 12,000 lb. pull ratings or less
• The unique ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material delivers high abrasion resistance and excellent tensile strength
• Coated with urethane for increased UV and chemical resistance
• Includes a high temperature resistant sleeve on the first layer, and a unique self-tightening rope attachment designed to hold the rope secure on the winch drum
• A ballistic nylon sliding sleeve provides extra protection against abrasion

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

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 teh premium quality of the winch rope from Warn.

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.

Product Details:

• 【DURABLE RUGGED CONSTRUCTION】AUXMART synthetic winch rope made from pre-stretched and heat set dyneema fibers, which repel heat and cold, providing superior performance in poor climates.
• 【3/4-INCH D-RING SHACKLE 】 Expertly crafted from high-strength forged steel, It has a screw-in pin for hassle-free mounting.
• 【PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 】Comes with a 9.84ft long protective sleeve, it not only can be used or positioned in hazardous areas. but also can work as tree trunk protector avoid damaging trees during recoveries.
• 【20500 POUNDS OF POWER】 AUXMART winch cable has a breaking strength of 20,500 lbs, It’s not only stronger than traditional steel cable, it’s also much lighter and a safer.
• 【VERSATILE DESIGN】Its 3/8 inch thickness, 95 feet long design is versatile, perfect for many applications. you can use it in pulling, hauling, dragging or lifting. The design has a universal fit.

Specifications:

• Diameter X Length: 3/8” x 95′
• Breaking Strength: 20,500 lbs
• Shackles: it doesn’t come with a hook

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.

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.

Product Details:

• Includes stainless steel thimble and coated hook with spring clip
• 1/7th the weight of steel cable, floats, minimal weight, torque free
• No kinks, curls or wire splinters to deal with minimal stretch and non rotational
• UV and abrasive resistant, specially coated to prevent slippage of the winch drum
• Comes with a protective sleet to prevent overheating

Specifications:

• Diameter X Length: 25/64” x 94′
• Breaking Strength: 10,000 lbs
• Shackles: safety hook with connector link provided

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.

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 the 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.

Product Details:

• ▶Packet contains: 1pc of 100′ x 3/8″ Winch Rope Cable w/ Protective Sleeve and D-ring
• ▶Including 3 meters RED Heat Guard to Keep the rope save from excessive heat
• ▶Compatible with most Truck, Ramsey, KFI, ATV, UTV, Boat and so on
• ▶Very Lightweight, Can be Floated In Water. Minimal Stretch And Non-Rotation
• ▶Removable Rock Guard included for extra protection against chafe and wear

Specifications:

• Diameter X Length: ⅜ inches x 92 feet
• Breaking Strength: 23,809 lbs.
• This synthetic winch ropeShackles: comes with a heavy duty steel winch hook

What Previous Buyers Said?

This winch rope is a popular one to the 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.

Best Synthetic Winch Rope Buyers Guide For 2022-2023

Cable Rope vs. Synthetic Rope:

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.

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 Rope 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.

Is Synthetic Winch Rope Better Than Cable?

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 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:

The Warn, Smittybilt, and Yoursme Nylon synthetic winch ropes are the best of the lot we discussed in this Best Synthetic Winch Rope Review Guide For 2022-2023.

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. Thanks for taking the time to read our Best Synthetic Winch Rope Review Guide For 2022-2023.