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News › Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope & Aluminum Hawse Fairlead Review Part II

Product Reviewed: 3/16 Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope & Aluminum Hawse Fairlead (Installed on my Yamaha 660 Grizzly, with a Warn 2500 Winch)

Reviewer: Shane Arnold (SilvertipGrizz of ATVFRONTIER.com)

It has been one year since my initial installation / first impressions report on my 3/16 Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope & Aluminum Hawse Fairlead. Since that report was first published I have received many emails, posts, and questions regarding the longevity and durability of this setup for various ATV winching applications. In response to these inquiries I will address these following areas:

Winching Applications / Field Test Results

• Heavy Loads / Pulls (severe winching applications)
• Anchoring: Brush, Trees, Winch Hooks
• Accessories: Snow Plowing

Longevity / Durability of Features / Care

• Synthetic winch rope wear
• Tree saver wear
• Aluminum hawse fairlead wear.................

To read the complete article click HERE

You can also read PART I HERE

Winching Applications / Field Test Results:

Once installed we quickly headed out on a serious mud ride in Fairbanks Alaska. Where the 3/16 Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope was sure to get a major first test. During the ride I was accompanied by Weasel and his Honda Rancher, AKDirtracer and his Yamaha Rhino, and his friend whom rode a Polaris Sportsman 700.

The riding conditions that day were extreme, which was perfect for many winching opportunities. There was extreme mud, tundra with no bottom, step inclines and one deep-water crossing. During the ride our first winching opportunity came when the Rhino became stuck trying to cross a tundra hole on an embankment. I quickly jumped to the rescue to test the synthetic winch rope out!

I pulled up and then realized that the Rhino was completely high-centered and I would need to become well anchored to make the pull. When hooked up and started to make the pull I quickly realized I was unable to keep my quad from being pulled towards the Rhino, even though I was anchored fairly well. I then proceeded to get re-anchored and even though it severely bogged my Warn 2500lb winch (and nearly stopping it) the rope did not break. This is when Weasel became involved and we ended up making a double pull with both quads anchored to free the Rhino from the hole, the synthetic rope had earned all of our respect and trust from that point on!

I walked away as did everyone else there with a newfound confidence in the synthetic winch rope. It was as if we expected during this pull for it to fail. We all agreed that with the winch nearly being bogged to a stall, it was clear the synthetic rope was strong enough to wipe away our early concerns and weary expectations in regards to actual severe pulling applications.

During the ride there were many other winching opportunities in which I had to anchor to brush, small trees, and other ATV’s to make pulls.

Video #1: Actual Synthetic Winch Pull

The synthetic winch rope answered the call every time and did so in grand fashion for being muddy, wet, and having to make off camber pulls through brush and water. The tree saver allows for the ability to use brush, trees and other objects to be anchored to without damaging the rope and still being able to winch.

The one area in which there are concerns when using the “rope” versus traditional cable is when making pulls when the synthetic rope is rubbing and or being angled over obstructions. While I haven’t had the synthetic rope fail in these conditions I do however avoid them compared to traditional cable.

Through out the first year of use of my 3/16 Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope I have ridden in other extreme conditions where glacier silt filled water and grit has been caked on my synthetic winch rope and hawse fairlead. Never has it left me wondering if I was going to be able to make the pull to free my ATV. Between the tree saver, the hook setup, and ease of use of the synthetic rope it has been a breeze and pleasure to use (not to mention easier on the hands than traditional cable).

Video #2: Easy On The Hands

Video #3: Ease of unspooling synthetic winch rope

Now with that said how does the 3/16 Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope do with accessories and perform in colder weather?

There really is not a difference in the performance of the synthetic rope versus cable and seems to be fairly useful for plowing applications. However again with concerns to actual pulls when rubbing (especially the same area over and over like with a plow for instance) I suggest you make sure the tree saver is properly strung out on the synthetic winch rope. With the combination of the hawse fairlead and the tree saver over the rope, it works flawlessly for plowing applications even in our cold Alaska winters.

Longevity / Durability of Features / Care:

There have been no visible signs of the rope wearing other than the outer coating starting to fade. However this is normal and does not affect the performance of the synthetic rope.

The tree saver also has some fading, but unlike the rope it takes a bit more abuse. With that said it has taken some wear in regards to holes developing in it, but still is very useful. I believe however it is something that should be watched and replaced every 2 years approx (or depending on your applications / use) considering its importance to the wear of your synthetic winch rope.

The hawse fairlead has in perfect shape. There are no signs of wear, but this is probably the most single important component for synthetic winch rope longevity. I periodically check the surface of the hawse fairlead to make sure there are no dings, scratches and or other issues that would create a fray / cut in the synthetic rope.

In closing I would also like to touch on a few minor tips in regards to your synthetic winch rope that will increase the longevity and durability of it. When riding in wet / muddy conditions I highly recommend that when you ride ends to spool out your rope and thoroughly clean it and then re-spool accordingly (like in part I were I anchor it). This will help dry the rope and also keep it tight / neatly spooled on your winch. We suggest you do not use power washers to clean your rope, but instead use just a garden hose at normal pressure and to also make sure the hawse fairlead is clear of debris and nicks. Watching these components will increase the life of your rope and most importantly keep you winching successfully with your synthetic rope!

For more information on this product I suggest you visit:

All products courtesy of:

www.allterrainonline.com

OR

Follow the discussion HERE on the ATVFRONTIER forum.

Posted by Weasel on Thursday, October 05, 2006 (08:05:58) (5025 reads)

Associated Topics

"Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope & Aluminum Hawse Fairlead Review Part II" | Login/Create an Account | 1 comment

The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.

Re: Amsteel Synthetic Winch Rope & Aluminum Hawse Fairlead Review Part II (Score: 1 )
by 79Renegade on Friday, October 06, 2006 (11:44:39)

Very good review. Well done!

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