New winches have now been introduced in the market with Synthetic Rope.
Little research on the net gave the following:
Safety
Synthetic cable stretches very little when under pressure, and also stores less kinetic energy than steel cable, so it's not as dangerous if it breaks. Steel cable can build up a large amount of kinetic energy when it is being pulled, and because of its weight can be extremely dangerous when it breaks, potentially causing very serious injury to people nearby.
However, synthetic cable can be dangerous for a few reasons. First off, unlike steel cable, it cannot be placed even close to any sharp edges, as it can be easily cut or frayed. Also, if it is connected to the winch with a chain or a tree strap, these two tools will stretch some and could turn the rope into a projectile.
Ease of Handling
Synthetic cable is less of a hazard for rope burn, because it lacks the small broken strands that can make steel cable dangerous for uncovered hands. It is also lighter and more flexible than steel cable, and therefore easier to manipulate by hand. Steel cable is constructed of tightly wound-together strands of metal that can easily break off and create small strands that can be a hazard. It can also kink with time, making it hard to straighten out.
Strength
Synthetic cable has a higher tensile strength than steel cable. Some brands test at 15 times the strength of quality steel cable, or 25 to 40 percent stronger. For example, a 9,500-pound capacity winch will have roughly a 9,500 to 10,000-pound capacity steel cable. A synthetic line would be 5/16 of an inch (7.9 millimeters) or 3/8 of an inch (9.5 mm.), much thinner than the steel cable, resulting in higher tensile strength.
Durability
Frayed steel winch cable
Over time, steel cable will develop crimps, kinks, spots of rust and small broken strands of steal that can be be dangerous or just irritating. However, synthetic cable can fray more easily than steel cable if it is run along a sharp edge for too long. If you see that the cable is going to have to pull over rocks or other rough surfaces, make sure that you put down a heavy blanket or some other form of padding between the rock and the rope so that the rope doesn’t rub against the rock.
In general, steel cable can take more punishment in the short term than synthetic cable, but if you are careful with synthetic cable, it will not sustain as much damage in the long run.
Maintenance:
Keeping your synthetic winch cable clean and dry will also increase the life of your synthetic rope. A wet and muddy winch rope that is left on the winch drum could make your rope susceptible to rot. To clean your rope after a muddy ride, spool out the line, rinse it with a hose, and let it dry completely before respooling.
For the wire rope, If the wire is muddy unspool the rope, clean it using a jet spray, then spray generously with WD40 or cover with grease.
Conclusion
For all these reasons, synthetic cable is now mandatory in all events sponsored by the major off-road racing bodies. In general, it has proven to be stronger, safer and more durable and easier to work with than steel cable, a definite improvement over its successor.
Major brands of synthetic cable include AmSteel, Dyneema and Viking Fire Line. They all have various models of synthetic cable intended for different uses.
Source:
Synthetic Vs. Steel Winch Cable | eHow.com
Synthetic Vs. Steel Winch Cable | eHow.com Using Synthetic Winch Cable with Your 12V Winch | 12V Winch Guide Synthetic Winch Rope Tips
A few posts from:
Winch steel cable vs winch rope @ ExplorOz Forum Quote:
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Haven't personally had any experience with rope type but know some people who compete in competitions with it. There opinion is that for comps etc its worth the extra cost because of the ease and speed to use it but as for on an every day 4x4 doesn,t pay to spend the extra because if it gets a slight cut or freigh it will break and also apparently doesn't like sitting in the sun on your vehicle for an extended time as it is not uv stabilised and thus looses its strength also. as i said no expert but that is what i have been
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Quote:
BTW, before anyone mentions it - not sure whether it would melt powering out re: the heat generated by the drum brake - will never find out as, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, I will never power the line out for extended periods - I will freespool it. No heat is generated in the drum powering in.
I reckon the Amsteel Blue is good stuff. It also comes standard with a 10 foot sheath to protect the rop from rocks, which neatly winds onto the drum with the rope.
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So, now i'm more confused regarding which winch to get. the price difference is ~$200 (synthetioverc being more expensive). However, i'm leaving towards the wire one personally due to the fact that a lot of times, our winch happens with the cable running some edge and also the fact that the wire one is tried and tested.
10th September 2010, 12:06
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Thanks
