10 Best Synthetic Winch Ropes of 2021
If you have been out in the open with your Jeep, you know how useful the winch is.
It is simply a cable that you attached to your Jeep and will help pull your vehicle quickly and easily when you are stuck deep in mud. By default, most Jeeps come with a steel cable enrolled on the housing.
However, one big disadvantage of the steel cable is that it stores energy under load and it may easily break at any time. This is where the synthetic winch rope comes into play.
Most top-rated synthetic winch ropes have roughly the same tensile strength as a regular steel cable.
It is also more affordable, and above all, it does not hold any energy under load. It also does not recoil when it breaks!
This means that it is safer to use when compared to a steel cable. Without any further ado, let’s go find a good winch rope for your Jeep below!
10 Best Synthetic Winch Ropes – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Boar Offroad 4336325722 (Best Price to Performance Ratio) | ||
 | 2. Hooai 7000+ LBs (Affordable & Reliable) | ||
 | 3. X-bull SK75 (Long & Very Tough) | ||
 | 4. Anzio CECOMINOD082001 (Solid Warranty by the Manufacturer) | ||
 | 5. Eluto 7000+LBs (Affordable & Flexible) | ||
 | 6. Smittybilt 97712 (Lightweight, Heavy-duty & Durable) | ||
 | 7. Warn 87915 Spydura (Available in Different Lengths) | ||
 | 8. Rugged Ridge 15102.10 (Extremely Beginner-Friendly) | ||
 | 9. QIQU 4332986352 (Most Affordable) | ||
 | 10. Extreme Max 5600.3081 (Available in Different Colors) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Boar Offroad 4336325722 (Best Price to Performance Ratio) |
2. Hooai 7000+ LBs (Affordable & Reliable) |
3. X-bull SK75 (Long & Very Tough) |
4. Anzio CECOMINOD082001 (Solid Warranty by the Manufacturer) |
5. Eluto 7000+LBs (Affordable & Flexible) |
6. Smittybilt 97712 (Lightweight, Heavy-duty & Durable) |
7. Warn 87915 Spydura (Available in Different Lengths) |
8. Rugged Ridge 15102.10 (Extremely Beginner-Friendly) |
9. QIQU 4332986352 (Most Affordable) |
10. Extreme Max 5600.3081 (Available in Different Colors) |
1. Boar Offroad 4336325722 – Best Price to Performance Ratio
Photo: Boar Offroad
- Breaking Capacity: 23,809 lbs
- Length: 100 feet
If there is one department where the Boar Offroad is unbeatable that it is definitely the price to performance ratio. Indeed, this model has an impressive breaking capacity of 23,809 lbs and comes in a long length of 100 feet.
This high strength and long length make it incredibly versatile and a nice addition to any Jeep. Moreover, it is made from a special steel braid material which means that it will not tangle but has the tensile strength of a steel cable.
Of course, it is much safer than a steel cable because it does not stall power when fully stretched.
All in all, if you need a very strong and long synthetic winch rope for your Jeep, this model by Boar Offroad is certainly one of the best synthetic winch ropes for the money. Even if you only get this winch rope in orange color which may not be to the liking of everyone.
Notes: Despite the rope having an impressive breaking capacity, we do not recommend it for heavy-duty purposes because the mounting point is simply not strong enough.
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2. Hooai 7000+ LBs – Affordable & Reliable
Photo: Hooai
- Breaking Capacity: 7,000 lbs
- Length: 48 feet
It is rare to find a synthetic winch rope that has a low price and high breaking capacity. After all, the synthetic winch rope is not as strong as a regular steel cable.
However, this is not a problem with the Hooai because it has a decent breaking capacity of 7,000 lbs and also sports one of the lowest prices in this synthetic winch rope review.
The length of this synthetic winch rope is 48 feet, so it is definitely not the longest, but you should be able to reach almost any anchor point you want with this length.
The only caveat we note with this synthetic winch rope is that its length of 48 feet is quite short. Also, it has a low breaking capacity of 7,000 lbs which means that it cannot be used to pull a heavy load.
Notes: This synthetic winch rope does not have the best UV light protection. Therefore, it should not be left in direct sunlight for an extended period of time as it may degrade.
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3. X-bull SK75 – Long & Very Tough Synthetic Winch Rope
Photo: X-bull
- Breaking Capacity: 28,809 lbs
- Length: 100 feet
If you need a long synthetic winch rope that is tough and very easy to handle, then the X-bull SK75 is an excellent choice. It has a long length of 100 feet, so you will have no problem attaching it to a faraway anchor point.
In addition, due to the design of this synthetic winch rope, it can easily be handled as well as spliced to your liking.
This model offers almost no stretch and has an impressive breaking capacity of 28,809 lbs. It should be able to pull any type of Jeep with this type of breaking capacity.
Also, this model has excellent UV light resistance as well as remains fully waterproof. It can comfortably be used outdoors without worry of degradation over time.
Based on length, breaking capacity, and ease-of-use, the X-bull SK75 is one of the best synthetic winch cables that you can currently buy on the market.
Notes: Some buyers have noted that they got this rope a little bit shorter than the advertised 100 feet. Additionally, you do not get an instructions manual with this winch rope so you need some prior experience to use it.
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4. Anzio CECOMINOD082001 – Solid Warranty by the Manufacturer
Photo: Anzio
- Breaking Capacity: 6,400 lbs
- Length: 50 feet
If you don’t need a synthetic winch rope that is too long and has a decent breaking capacity, then you may as well consider the Anzio. But above all, the manufacturer backs this winch rope by a solid one-year warranty which makes it a great buy.
Also, this top-rated synthetic winch rope has a breaking capacity of 6,400 lbs and a length of 50 feet. It is definitely not the longest or toughest we have seen in this review.
However, for casual use, it is more than enough especially if you have a small or midsize vehicle. In addition, the manufacturer offers you a one-year warranty on this purchase, so you have little to use.
You also get this product with a thermal sleeve that will protect it from overheating, slipping, or regular wear and tear when it comes in contact with rough surfaces.
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5. Eluto 7000+LBs – Affordable & Flexible
Photo: Eluto
- Breaking Capacity: 7,000 lbs
- Length: 49 feet
What really separates the Eluto synthetic winch rope from the rest of the competition is its flexibility in terms of size as well as its very affordable price. In fact, you can purchase this model in different sizes depending on your need and it will still be cheaper when compared to competing models.
However, the length of 49 feet is pretty standard with this model. It should technically be enough for most people as 49 feet is long enough so as to reach almost any anchor point.
Additionally, it comes in a deep orange color, so it is easy to spot even in lowlight conditions. The surface is protected by a sleeve so it will not slip easily when in use.
This sleeve also protects it against UV light and regular wear and tear. Overall, it has excellent durability.
But best, it has almost no stretching, and in the case that it breaks, you will not experience any recoil with this synthetic winch rope. Therefore, it is quite safe to use.
Notes: This synthetic winch rope is a bit slippery so you must be careful when using it, especially if the rope is at an angle to the housing. Also, you only get 49 feet of cord length which is not the longest out there.
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6. Smittybilt 97712 – Lightweight, Heavy-duty, & Durable
Photo: Smittybilt
- Breaking Capacity: 12,000 lbs
- Length: 88 feet
The Smittybilt has been built with only one purpose in mind: durability. Indeed, this lightweight synthetic winch rope has a heavy-duty built construction with steel braids in its mesh for more toughness.
It's toughness is quite amazing especially considering its small weight. This model has a decent breaking capacity of 12,000 lbs which makes it more than adequate for everyday use with your jeep.
Its length of 88 feet is also quite good because it is not too long to cause unnecessary stress on the cable. But what we like the best about this is that its attachment point is clip-on.
Indeed, most models in its category are usually equipped with only a loop which is not as functional as this model.
All things considered, the Smittybilt is definitely the best 12,000 lbs synthetic winch rope that you can buy. The only caveat is that it is more expensive when compared to other models.
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7. Warn 87915 Spydura – Available in Different Lengths
Photo: Warn
- Breaking Capacity: 10,000 lbs
- Length: 100 feet
The Warn Spydura is a popular winch rope that you will find on the Jeep of many outdoor lovers. This model demarks itself from the rest of the competition by being very flexible in terms of length. Indeed, you can buy it in different lengths depending on your need.
This model is protected by a very tough nylon sliding sleeve that will protect it against abrasion, regular wear and tear, and slippage.
In addition, it comes in a generous length of 100 feet so you can easily attach it from a faraway anchor point. Of course, as already noted above, you can buy it in different sizes as well.
The endpoint is clip-on for easy attachment, and overall, the build construction is simply superb. It has a breaking capacity of 10,000 lbs which is not the best we have seen but definitely more than enough for most people.
The only caveat we note with this product is its expensive pricing. However, if you can afford this synthetic winch rope, then it is an excellent purchase.
Notes: This synthetic winch rope can be used as a true replacement for a steel cable. This is because it has almost the same tensile strength as a regular steel cable but is significantly safer to use.
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8. Rugged Ridge 15102.10 – Extremely Beginner-Friendly
Photo: Rugged Ridge
- Breaking Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Length: 100 feet
The Rugged Ridge has been designed with one thing in mind. Indeed, when it comes to ease-of-use, this model is one of the best synthetic winch ropes on the market. It is very beginner-friendly.
In addition to its ease-of-use, it is also a heavy duty as it has a protective sleeve on its surface.
This protective sleeve will prevent it from overheating during use as well as protect the winch rope from regular wear and tear.
You can also purchase this model in both a blue color as well as a dull gray color depending on your need. It is also available in different sizes for more flexibility.
But best, this model floats on water, and it will not splinter over time. Moreover, in the advantage that it has to break, it will not recoil like a steel cable, so it is safer to use.
A small disadvantage we see here with the Rugged Ridge is its price. It is a little bit more expensive when compared to other winch ropes of similar breaking capacity and length.
Notes: This synthetic winch rope may easily snap if the full length of 100 feet is used. We recommend another model if you need to pull a heavier weight because this winch rope simply won't have the capacity for it.
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9. QIQU 4332986352 – The Most Affordable Synthetic Winch Rope
Photo: QIQU
- Breaking Capacity: 4,500 lbs
- Length: 50 feet
If there is one department where the QIQU is a true winner, then it is definitely in the price department. This model is the most affordable synthetic winch rope that you can buy when it comes to price.
Best, it is not only affordable but available in different colors as well. You can purchase this winch rope in a green, yellow, or red color depending on your need. Those vibrant colors make it extremely visible in lowlight conditions.
This synthetic winch rope is definitely intended for casual use on a fairly light Jeep because it will not be able to pull a medium-size or big size Jeep.
Of course, in order to get such an inexpensive price, the manufacturer had to sacrifice a few things.
First of all, it has a weak breaking point of 4,500 lbs which only makes it useful for casual and emergency use. It also does not have a clip-on anchor point so it is a bit more difficult to attach.
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10. Extreme Max 5600.3081 – Available in a Wide Range of Colors
Photo: Extreme Max
- Breaking Capacity: 6,000 lbs
- Length: 50 feet
The Extreme Max is another synthetic winch rope that is very affordable. However, what makes this model unique is that you can purchase it in a wide range of colors.
In fact, this model has the most diverse color variations we have seen so far making it one of the best synthetic winch cables in terms of color flexibility. The colors themselves reflect light and are clearly visible in low-light conditions. This is a great safety feature.
It has a breaking point of 6,000 lbs which is very decent for the price, especially considering that it comes in a length of 50 feet which is a good match.
Also, this synthetic winch rope floats on water and has steel braids mixed with its synthetic fibers for even better durability.
The only problem with it is that it does not have any resistance against UV light. Therefore, you should never leave this winch rope exposed to direct sunlight.
And of course, this is not a winch rope intended for heavy-duty use but rather for casual or emergency usage.
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Steel vs. Synthetic Winch Rope
Photo: Warn
There are some pretty obvious differences between a steel cable and a synthetic winch rope. But which one to buy for your Jeep? Let’s find out!
1. Tensile Strength
The steel cable is the most popular winch for the Jeep. It is also the toughest because obviously steel is metal and stronger than synthetic material.
However, the main disadvantage of a steel cable is that it stores energy when it is stretched, and it can easily snap.
On the other hand, the synthetic rope does not hold any energy when stretched, and it has almost the same tensile strength as a steel cable.
2. Weather Resistance
Both the steel cable and the synthetic winch rope offers good weather resistance.
Those materials do not react with water, so they are fully waterproof. However, the synthetic rope is more susceptible to UV light than the steel cable.
The UV light can easily break down the synthetic winch rope because it is comprised of fibers that over time will react with UV light.
When exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight, the synthetic winch rope may start to fade and become brittle.
Therefore, if you need absolute weather resistance for your winch always go with a steel cable rather than a synthetic winch rope.
3. Weight
The synthetic winch rope is significantly lighter when compared to the steel cable. This lightweight means that you can easily re-spool it to your housing.
It is also significantly easier to handle as well, and actions like splicing the rope is a piece of cake as the fiber braids have no resistance, unlike a steel cable.
4. Safety
Since the steel cable holds power when stressed, it can also easily snap. Therefore, it is not safe when compared to synthetic winch ropes.
5. Cost
Since the synthetic winch rope is a more recent invention and more difficult to manufacture, it is a little bit more expensive when compared to a traditional steel cable.
If cost is important to you, then you will find that the steel cable is more affordable.
Additionally, the steel cable is more durable and long-lasting when compared to the synthetic winch rope, which needs to be frequently changed every few years.
How to Buy the Best Synthetic Winch Rope
Photo: offroad.com
Before you can find the best synthetic winch rope for the money, there are some important factors to consider. Here are some of the most common ones you need to take into account:
1. Breaking Strength
The breaking strength is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a synthetic winch rope. This is basically the amount of force that will snap the synthetic rope.
This value is measured in lbs, and for most people, a synthetic winch rope that has a breaking strength of at least 6,000 lbs is more than enough to pull a regular size Jeep.
2. Length
The length of the synthetic winch rope will depend on the distance from your Jeep to the anchor point.
It is next to impossible to know exactly the length of winch rope that you need in advance, especially if you are planning to use your Jeep in unknown terrain.
However, when it comes to the winch rope, it is always best to get a longer rope than a shorter one. For reference, most models are generally around 50 feet in length.
Moreover, bear in mind that a longer winch rope will also break more easily than a smaller one.
3. Material
As its name suggests, the synthetic winch rope is made from “synthetic” materials. There are several types of synthetic materials that are used in the manufacture of this rope.
Most reputable brands will use a steel braid winch that is a mixture of fibers and steel braids entwined together.
The fibers in the synthetic winch rope make it easy to manipulate the rope, while the steel braid provides it with high tensile strength.
4. Maintenance
Most of the time, the synthetic winch rope is maintenance-free. However, you should still be able to easily clean it if you have to.
In addition, you should be careful not to expose the synthetic winch rope to UV light for an extended period of time.
This is because UV light can degrade and fade the winch rope, thus making it weaker.
5. Color
Keep in mind that a synthetic winch rope that is brightly colored is more easily seen especially in low-light conditions.
If you normally plan expeditions in your Jeep at night, then a colored winch rope is generally better as it is more visible and hence, safer.
Moreover, you will find that most synthetic winch rope manufacturers make their product in a wide range of colors.
Read More: 10 Best Winches
Conclusion
As we have seen, the winch rope is significantly safer and easy to use when compared to the regular steel cable.
Moreover, the synthetic winch rope will not snap under load and offers roughly the same tensile strength as a quality steel cable.
Lastly, our synthetic winch rope review above contains some quality and affordable model that will technically fit any Jeep housing. If you have not chosen a synthetic rope model yet, read the review again.
- 10 Best Synthetic Winch Ropes – Review
- 1. Boar Offroad 4336325722 – Best Price to Performance Ratio
- 2. Hooai 7000+ LBs – Affordable & Reliable
- 3. X-bull SK75 – Long & Very Tough Synthetic Winch Rope
- 4. Anzio CECOMINOD082001 – Solid Warranty by the Manufacturer
- 5. Eluto 7000+LBs – Affordable & Flexible
- 6. Smittybilt 97712 – Lightweight, Heavy-duty, & Durable
- 7. Warn 87915 Spydura – Available in Different Lengths
- 8. Rugged Ridge 15102.10 – Extremely Beginner-Friendly
- 9. QIQU 4332986352 – The Most Affordable Synthetic Winch Rope
- 10. Extreme Max 5600.3081 – Available in a Wide Range of Colors
- Steel vs. Synthetic Winch Rope
- How to Buy the Best Synthetic Winch Rope
- Conclusion
