Dyneema, leaving the metal at home,

[PsyPhin]

To me this is a new direction I predict the whole 4x4 world will eventually adopt. Using dyneema rope instead of metal.


[Note: Kevin is referring to a Winch Rope/Cable]

Safer, lighter, smaller, cheaper (in the long run, not requiring extra safety measures), repairable, user friendly, snatch block friendly for redirects.

I have learnt a lot recently and would like to share my learnings and maybe argue if need be.
The usual 5m pull strap and steel bow shackle is now old tech, and soft shackle on a dyneema rope is the replacement.

There is no metal in the setup so safety lanyards and blankets arent necessary. With a safety factor of 5:1, a 2 T WLL rope will be more than enough for any pull.

This is a 5m Pull strap weighing 1.7kg next to a 30m dyneema rope at 1.5kg. Similar Load Limits

Then a 167g soft shackle next to a 576g bow shackle

Basic recovery kit with 1x rope and 2x shackles would be about ~630g and can be stuffed into small areas
vs
pull strap and bow shackles at 2.8kg

I know some people use this setup already, but for those you dont, would you convert?

[iandvl]

Nope. Sorry.

[PsyPhin]

Nope. Sorry.

Why nope? I want to know

[iandvl]

I'm not a fan of synthetic rope for winches. There are benefits, but there are negatives as well.

Only benefits synthetics could possible have are the space and weight, as well as less inertia should equipment fail. For the inertia, I've got my recovery blankets etc. The weight associated with steel shackles / cable does not bother me, and I have space to store the stuff I need.

I am just put off by the extra care that synthetic gear needs.

[Prof]

Well I am somewhat with Ian.

I grew up with only knowing steel rope winches and graded bow shackles. And those shackles is my go to...
Once was offered some soft shackles and 'softly' declined, how the hell can those handle the forces subjected to them.

Another analogy....I understand Lead Acids fully, but Lithium's not so much. Same with steel shackles.
Or using synthetic oil vs mineral oil

The problems always start, not with shackles, but the mounting points. Another matter...

So I must say it is a mindset rooted in past exposure. I am open to new tech, but need to be convinced, winch rope not that much, but soft shackles....
Gonna get some and we will see...

[Martin de Jager]

I can honestly say, Rope is by far best, cable by itself is dangerous. Ask Manny, he had to endure 4 hours plus winching. One metal C shackle failed, and one webbing sling failed.
I replaced my rope eventually, still intact and it retained all its values.

[PsyPhin]

What extra care is needed for it? Apart from being a bit more fragile from rubbing against rocks for instance

[Martin de Jager]

Clean it when going through mud, that's it, avoid sharp rocks.

[Martin de Jager]

If ever you wanted to see the how a proper safe recovery should be done, this is it. Typical Jeeps over estimate their ability, and someone needs to rescue them.
Mats recovery demonstrate a triple snatch block recovery, the synthetic rope snaps, no injury, he continues until the Jeep is out.
https://youtu.be/hrU9Q1LSLDQ

[Jadranko]

i like Mats videos and i'm sure Mat does more recoveries in a weekend than someone in a life time.
thing to remember is,he was not born with all that knowledge. experience and practice made him who he is now.
all respect he gets he deserves.

PsyPhin,i'm with you on synthetics,as they are just easier to handle.


everyone should brush up on newton laws and practice.
if things start looking difficult and confusing average joe always remind one self that
people build pyramids using sticks and pebbles.on top of that all the ropes there were made of grass.

it makes things go easier...

[grips]

Anything with sharp edges kills soft shackles and synthetic ropes.

Very few recovery points on bumpers have been designed for soft shackles. Have seen a soft shackle being cut like a knife through butter by the sharp edges of a recovery point on a bumper. It does not make sense to add a bow shackle to a recovery point and then a soft shackle onto it.

Have witnessed on two occasions damage to synthetic winch topes. Sharp rocks and a tree branch ate them away. I have had my share of recoveries involving 4x4`s, trucks and heavy equipment. Working with winches since 1984. Still think steel is the safest choice

Have yet to see a rated bow shackle fail. When I were still working for the old Iscor we did lifts up to 160t and never had any failures. Cannot say the same of webbing type slings. Slightest damage and they are bound to fail.

Call me old school but I will stick to my steel stuff.

[Jadranko]

It does not make sense to add a bow shackle to a recovery point and then a soft shackle onto it.

here in the dorp is easy.no need to add it.
everyone drives around with bow shackles .i seen red,blue,purple and yellow ones.
it's kind of like jewelry here.
also nothing smaller than 4.75t .

while trying to prank guy at work i sweat like pig trying to undo one of those as it was rusted solid.
after removing all 4 i replace them with small 0.5 ton and attach them with cable ties.
he didn't realize anything for a week.


to add:
for best place to get shackles,bow and D,all rated , look here https://shutterlock.co.za/.
all drive there(randfontein)

[grips]

Just out of interest does soft shackles comes with load test certificates ?

[Jadranko]

i dont think so grips.
they have specified breaking strength and not WLL and safety factor as steel shackles.so before one use it one should do some homework.

as i understand , dyneema use on land started when some oke asked :

if its strong enough for naval use why not use it on 4x4?

[PsyPhin]

Just out of interest does soft shackles comes with load test certificates ?

I am going to ask, I want to know too