What is main difference ? Why is synthetic an option.
What are the ups and downs to either one? Getting my bumper the 19th and want to know what type of cable or rope i want for my winch.

 

Ups of cable -cheaper. Also, I think it is a little tougher when it comes to rubbing against rocks and such during pulls. It loses less structural integrity in weathering.

Ups of rope - it's lighter and stronger. If it should snap under load, it loses its energy quick, and is therefore much less hazardous. Although it is important to note breaking either is unlikely. Speaking of hazard, rope also does not splinter the same way, so is less likely to cut you up when handling it. With rope, you use a hawse on the front instead of rollers, which gives a better approach angle.

Overall, cable seems to be lower maintenance and cheaper.

Using a cover on your winch will allow both to stay in better condition.

 

Alright thanks. im just gonna go with cable i guess.

 

Another drawback to cable is that it is heavy. UV light will damage rope after a period of time. I like rope, but I don't have a winch so my opinion means nothing.

 

will the UV light just discolor it or actually damage it ?

 

Synthetic is made out of modified plastic fibers, so the UV rays will actually damage the fibers the same way it will damage anything made of plastic. The main problem though with synthetic rope is when used in mud the dirt will get into the strands and actually cut the fibers.

I use synthetic rope, I use it because, I didn't want to weigh down the front with the steel cable, and I don't go mud bogging. Most of my wheeling is trails and my favorite is snow, pulling 80 or so feet of steel cable in 4 foot of snow is a pita when compared to the same amount of synthetic rope.

 

If you like going fast at the dunes then go synthetic and get that weight off your front end. if you are just crawling, cable is fine.