What Happens When Synthetic Winch Line Breaks

After almost 2 years of using this winch line that came with my Open Road 4WD Panther Series 2 winch, it needed to be replaced but I hadn't done it yet. On Pritchett Canyon after several hard winch pulls after suffering a broken u-joint, the rope snapped safely.

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[Grunttamer]

Yes finally got to see one break. The fact that the material doesn’t really stretch is the big key here. Anything that deforms before breaking is storing up dangerous energy to be released.

[nwwheeler]

Synthetic line do NOT always just just fall harmlessly. They do store less energy than cable for sure.

[nathanieljohnson]

Yes! Very safe. Plus, it doesn't cut your hands when winding your winch line.

[twva]

Thanks for the video. I’ll never use steel cable, I’ve seen it go horribly bad one time and it’s not worth the risk.

[byronlabelle]

Excellent information thank you for sharing.

[jimbobkirkwood]

Idk what was wrong with mine bro, but it definitely whiped when it broke😅

[Z]

Where I'll be going in a few weeks.

[scroogehowsshehandle]

Dam farts have more kinetic energy than that rope

[imchris]

dont get too comfortable around synthetic line depending on how the break happens it can still whip steel cable can also fail just like this video in the right conditions it does not mean it wont whip. everything thing about this is very dangerous so dont get comfortable these ropes are still new in the recovery world give it time and people will get killed. the same rope materials are used in the maritime industry and they have killed many sailors when they let go.

[socaljarhead]

I’ll continue using Swedish chains and just stay out of the way.

[JoseP-hjzo]

You’ve convinced me on my next purchase

[JaredBusch]

synthetic can for sure snap back, but has no where near the energy that steel cable does

[Keithostrangeman]

Synthetic ropes doesn’t always just drop like that. They do store some energy and have a slight recoil when it breaks under extreme tension. No where near the amount of stored energy from a cable wire winch rope but no matter what system your using should always use a dampener over your winch rope so there’s no chances of any spring back that may cause a winch hook to come flying back.

[Ed-oqot]

Nice video and great point, I saw a video on YouTube of some Australian mates and they were breaking steel cables to see what the impact would be and it wasn’t good. Go synthetic

[janagan]

Great real world example, glad you got it on cam. Synthetic is the way to go it seems.

[TealOxAdv]

If you question how significant this is, watch a video of a steel cable breaking. I’ve seen it first hand (while on the job) and don’t ever want to experience it ever again. It will reach out and touch you. 😮

[stevesmith]

Synthetic IS much safer. They still hold an enormous amount of energy. That one didn't due to age lack of elasticity. Watch vids with new line.

[Moskox]

Good footage.
We use Synthetic for winch challenges here in Australia.

It does whip back when wet or muddy, but definitely not at a life threatening pace.

[LostPineWoods]

Great video. I have yet to see the sythetic line break, but it shows it worthyness in the eyes of safety.

[nicholascheek]

I've seen a chain on a frame machine break twice in my life. one went completely thru a car door and the other put a hole in cinderblock wall. Shit is terrifying