Synthetic Winch Rope

Yes, absolutely. However, you cannot simply spool synthetic rope onto a winch that has been running steel. Steel cables leave tiny metal burrs and gouges on your winch drum and roller fairlead. To safely switch, you must sand the winch drum completely smooth, and you must replace your steel roller fairlead with a smooth aluminium hawse fairlead to prevent the new rope from being instantly shredded.

Yes, size-for-size, high-quality synthetic UHMWPE rope often has a higher breaking strain than traditional steel wire cable. However, it is more susceptible to abrasion. If you are winching over jagged rocks or sharp edges, you must slide the included protective abrasion sleeve over the contact point to prevent the rope from fraying.

Unlike steel cable which requires oiling, synthetic rope just needs to be kept clean. After a muddy off-road trip, unspool the rope and wash it in a bucket of warm water with a mild soap. Do not use harsh degreasers or pressure washers, as this forces grit deeper into the fibres. Let it air dry completely before spooling it back onto your winch under light tension.

Yes, but you must use a snatch block designed specifically for synthetic lines. It must have perfectly smooth, unblemished pulley sheaves. If you use a snatch block that has previously been scored by a steel cable, those microscopic metal edges will cut your synthetic rope under heavy tension. Browse our Snatch Blocks to find a compatible pulley.