4x4 Soft Shackles vs Bow (Steel) Shackles

Soft shackles are becoming more and more popular on the 4x4/overlanding scene. More companies are making soft shackles then ever before, gator jaw, factor 55, roadsafe, bubba rope, to name a few.
But are soft shackles better for 4wd recoveries the then good ole steel bow shackle that has been around since the birth of 4wds and people getting bogged.

In this video we talk about the pros and cons of both!

Unsealed 4x4 Destruction Shackle test

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Not all load factors were consider in this video for the sake of simplicity, i.e. friction, load angle factor angles on the shackles etc. The information should be used only as a guide, refer to your manufacturers manuals for the recovery gear you have.

[MrFastFarmer]

Sadly the industry has become plagued with marketing BS and companies gouging money out of people. It refreshing and lovely to here someone speak facts and practicality. Thank You.

[swankydog]

"It's rated to go into the bin!". Love it. Well spoken.

[dinghyride]

I am not a car guy. I am a sailor. I use synthetic line in a whole other manner, but am very familiar with engineering of high loads with synthetic and metal rigging components and I must say I agree with everything you just said. I will add tho, you did not mention side load issues of metal shackles that can break them at lower loads than rated breaking loads. Synthetic soft shackles won’t have that problem. Cheers!

[MrArchimus]

Definatley the smartest 4X4 Youtuber by far! Good work on the explanations mate!

[rossbagley]

Jesus. This guy let's more knowledge go as an aside to his core point (planning winching rig around weak links, etc.) than most youtubers put in their whole videos.

[getaflattyinya]

"It's no joke guys"


SMILES UNCONTROLLABLY

[chevyons]

I like to keep a couple extra soft shackles in my truck’s everyday recovery kit, because in the winter time (I’m in the US) when we get snow and the idiots who don’t know how to drive get stuck and block my route I need to move them and there is often no good recovery point and if there is you’re usually not going to be able to get a bow/ D-Ring shackle in it. So a soft shackle with a wear sleeve makes more recoveries possible.

[bushy]

Mate you're heaps smarter than those dudes who cut the sleeves off their shirts. Love your down to earth explanations. Cheers.

[Al-Fiallos]

Excellent tutorial. You're a born teacher, you know your subject and know how to present it. Love your emphasis on safety.

[jedironin]

This was virtually one of the best virtual videos talking about virtual situations with virtual equipment I've ever seen. :D ;)

[MrTimstaaa]

Your videos are simple straightforward and full of information. On behalf of me and my friends who are relatively new to off-roading we've learnt heaps from you and would like to thank you very much. We look forward to seeing your new videos every time.

[leowolfe]

Without a doubt the best explanation of using a winch and shackles and so forth that I have ever seen. Extremely complete explanation

[iggie]

You have to be the best presenter of products and information with a great way of projecting your voice. I will be looking for more of your presentations. Regards IGGIE.

[dashcoja]

Brilliant explanation. Passed onto my son who is new to 4 wheel driving

[tedbower]

there is no way i would be using a soft shackle on the sharp metal edges of that snatch block. great work keep it up

[chrisj]

Really well produced, complete and above all, correct. The on screen annotations should quieten even the most ardent disbelievers.

[eightballsidepocket]

Dropping mad science! I don't think I ever have any questions left at the end of your videos. ;)

[goranhikl]

I am searching You tube for days to find something’ like this but everybody is just trying the sell the damn soft shackles.The reason this is such a great video is he is not trying to sell us a thing just an honest review and demo. Thanks

[ED-esqv]

When using an “equalizer strap”, as you called it, make sure you don’t create a short triangle bridle. If you hook a short chain between your hooks, then pull from that, you create huge forces pulling the hooks together. If it’s straight across, the initial force is near infinite. There used to be a lot of old trucks with two tow hooks bent toward each other. It bends the frame, if it doesn’t snap your chain.
Yours is great, at about 6 feet plus each leg, that’s plenty. I probably wouldn’t use a tree saver for that, or you might be too short.

[ironsurvival]

When I hear an Aussie accent at the beginning of an Offroad educational video I know I’m about to learn some good stuff!
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