Synthetic winch ropes vs Steel Ropes

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Johann
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I have read up a lot about Synthetic winch ropes and a friend of mine says it all looks too good to be true,where is the catch?
Are there any reasons why one shouldn't use a Synthetic winch rope?

Thanks
Johann

Bill Moss
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Winch ropes

Following several very dangerous failures with synthetic ropes in particular kinetic types, they have been banned by the AWDC.

Bill Moss

Russ280
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Synthetic winch ropes vs Steel Ropes

Quote:
dangerous failures with synthetic ropes in particular kinetic types,

I can understand kinetic failures (impressive in the right hands) but what sort of failure with normal winch rope? Steel if not looked after can be dangerous but maybe stands more abuse?

Russ

Bill Moss
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Synthetic/kinetic ropes

The stored energy in a synthetic or kinetic rope is far greater than a steel. the most recent catastrophic failure of a kinetic rope was at Slab Common when the tow ball of a vehicle was used for recovery it sheared its hard point and the hitch was propelled through the rear window of the pulling vehicle through the dog gaurd and through the front window passing between the two occupants. Call that one a near miss.

Bill Moss.

Russ280
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Synthetic winch ropes vs Steel Ropes

umm that would sting!!!!

Have seen similar near misses with kinetic ropes on a couple of occasions.
Did use them myself in the past but would not go near them now. Have not heard of problems with synthetic winch rope though. Just interested in that I have the offer of a winch that will require new rope.