Soft shackles - tell me what I need to know

[Redman]

I started building my new recovery kit here in Kangarooville from scratch...

Apart from the usual items I've decided to go for soft shackles... Both my recovery points in the front as well as my hitch at the back are soft shackle compatible (safe). I'm quite pedantic about my gear and the condition that I keep it so would really like some feedback from those that own soft shackles. Anything to look out for?

I'm used to bow shackles, but looking at these soft shackles they seem pretty straight forward. Any known issues with them etc.?

[Mad Manny]

Soft shackles are surprisingly expensive.

[jakeslouw]

I've been watching the yanks with their kinetic ropes and soft shackles: bloody impressive kit. So can't give first hand experience, but I'd try them out.

[Jadranko]

i find them to be more versatile than bow shackles(i carry those too) as they can hook or wrap around more points.axle casing,rock slider....
during recovery where your anchor and recovery points are difficult to reach you will be glad to have them .
you can use them as a point to double up the rope,for increase in winch power and or for relieving stress on recovery points.
3 of them together can extend your rope for a meter.
they are expensive to buy,dyneema is expensive,buy rope and make it your self.
"eye"and diamond knot are easy to do.you will need about 1.5M per one for decent length shackle.
while in use they get harder but will relax to original state.

get any cheap rope to practice knots and to find required length.

i hope this help.

[Redman]

Thanks for the input Joe, helped a lot.

I currently have 3 in my kit so the bit about linking them together is especially helpful.

I've had a look at some videos on how to diy them. I'm a bit cautious when it comes to recovery gear so will stick to my bought ones, but I like the eye and diamond know and see a few uses for it (washing line, load securing etc.) Will be playing with a few ideas. Also looking at making some to attach to my Maxtrax to help with handling and then to have a "spare set" for general non recovery use...

Biggest bonus so far is that they don't rattle against each other in my recovery bag...!

[Bugger]

Have seen some good Reviews on the net

[Rechardt]

I have a set of Iron man Soft shackles, they are very thick.. yes strong I suppose, but they do not fit into any of my recovery points because of the thickness.
note, one end has a loop and one end that big knob that you thread through the loop. They are okay for using it to extend a winch or recovery rope, or to hook your winch onto your tree protector, but you will battle to get them into some recovery points.
Tried them on a Patrol recovery point as well last week and it could not fit.
Best to keep steel shackles as back up.

[Jadranko]

all points you made are valid.
99% of 4x4s have recovery points design for steel shackles.Redman makes other 1%.
in my case,same,steel at car side and rope at anchor.
i also think your soft shackles are 16mm with breaking load of 20 tons.i use 10mm ones(8 ton).


Patrol and Hilux don't get stuck

[Jadranko]

this is my quick to make soft shackle.2 minutes.
material: 1.7m of 10mm super 12 uhmwpe. edited:must be 1.7m not 1.9m