ATV Winch Cables: Wire Cables and Synthetic Cables Compared

ATV Winch Cables: Wire Cables and Synthetic Cables Compared

ATV winch cables come in two general forms: wire and synthetic. Wire rope is the time-tested option, but synthetic winch cables are becoming increasingly popular among ATV winch owners. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for you will likely come down to which set of disadvantages seems least inconvenient.

Pros and cons of wire ATV winch cables

Wire ATV winch ropes are usually constructed of multiple strands of galvanized, aircraft-grade cable. The primary advantages of this material are that it's inexpensive, readily available, and reliable. Wire rope can withstand high temperatures and other harsh conditions associated with ATV winching. The drawbacks of using a wire ATV winch rope, however, are not insignificant. Wire rope is heavy and cumbersome. It kinks easily and is prone to rust. Over time, a wire ATV winch rope can straighten out and become more difficult to spool up cleanly. Also, the individual strands tend to break, creating tiny sharp edges that cut hands and scratch fairleads. More dangerous is the way wire rope snaps when it breaks under tension. The whipping action of the rope can seriously harm anyone in its way. Of course, the safety concerns associated with wire ATV winch ropes can be largely mitigated with a few reasonable precautions. These include inspecting the rope before each use, wearing heavy-duty gloves, and placing a blanket over the rope before you start winching. The blanket will absorb energy and dampen the whipping effect, should the rope fail.

Pros and cons of synthetic ATV winch cables

Synthetic ATV winch cables are available in several manufacturer-specific formulations. For the most part, these cables don't rust and don't fray. They are lighter, stronger, and easier to manage than wire ropes. Notably, synthetic cables don't snap under failure like wire winch ropes do, largely because of their lighter weight. The most obvious disadvantage of using a synthetic ATV winch cable is cost. As you might expect, synthetic ATV winch cables are more expensive than their wire counterparts. They are also more easily damaged by heat and sharp surfaces. Heat generated by the winch brake can be a concern, but only if you are using your ATV winch to lower a load. You can partially address the sensitivity to sharp surfaces by replacing your fairlead when you upgrade to a synthetic cable. A fairlead that has been used with a wire cable will likely have nicks and scratches. Those surface irregularities can tear up a synthetic cable and eventually lead to premature failure.

ATV winches and their cables

There are many ATV winches on the market, and all come with either a wire or synthetic winch cable. WARN, a popular ATV winch manufacturer, supplies synthetic cables with its XT line of ATV winches and wire cables with its RT line.

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