Synthetic Winch Line Vs. Steel Cable

So, it's time to replace your winch line, and you are wondering whether to shell out the extra cash for synthetic line, or go with the tried and true cable. An avid off-road enthusiast myself, I have compiled some pros and cons of both choices so that maybe you can make a better-informed decision.

Synthetic Line

Choosing synthetic line does have its advantages, but price is not one of them. Synthetic nylon winch line costs about twice as much as traditional steel cable for the same length. However, its light weight and compact properties allow for more line on the spool, which means reaching extraction points that are further from the vehicle if necessary.

Nylon winch line is also much safer in general, because if it should happen to snap during an extraction, we do not have to worry about it coming through the windshield or injuring a bystander. Steel cable stores energy, and when it snaps things can get very violent very quickly. Nylon winch line will simply fall to the ground.

We are also less likely to receive cuts from nylon line, because if it frays there aren't any sharp edges protruding. Steel cable can cause some pretty nasty slices if heavy gloves are not worn. However, it is still highly recommended to wear gloves during any extraction.

Steel Cable

Steel cable winch line is heavier and does not compact well like synthetic line, which equates to less recovery distance. However, most of us like it because it is what we have always known, and it's relatively cheap and very strong.

As mentioned, steel cable can be very dangerous if it snaps. However, if used correctly and safely, accidents rarely happens. It is good practice to use a line weight (such as a heavy jacket or backpack) while winching to prevent injury from wildly flying cable. And because cable frays are very sharp, we have to be on our toes so that we avoid getting cut.

Also, when re-spooling the cable onto the winch drum, we have to be careful that we reel it in side-to-side to avoid lumping it up on one end of the spool and tangling it horribly. While the same basic idea applies to nylon winch line, it is far less likely to become a bird's nest mess in an extraction.

Summary

In the end, synthetic nylon winch line is totally the way to go, if you have the means. It's lightweight, safe, and strong. Steel cable is of course still a wonderful tool, and will continue to be the favorite of many off-road enthusiasts. It won't rust, it's extremely strong, and it won't break the wallet like nylon line will. Whichever decision you make, be careful out there, and keep safety in mind. Wheeling is a blast, and getting back to camp in one piece is even cooler!