Thread: Steel Cable vs Plasma Rope

depends...

most people wont find the limits and disadvantages of plasma rope for their usual usages so plasma rope is pretty much the way to go.

those who are likely to find the disadvantages of plasma rope will be aware of them beforehand and so will have SWR.

Looking into winches here also.
The problems I can see with rope. Wont like a hot internal drum braked winch, Has to be kept free of sand and grime or will shorten its life, wont enjoy direct sunlight if your vehicle goes to work every day as two of mine do.
The rope is nice and light, easier to handle than the more durable heavy cable. Cable also has a limited life.
I'll be using cable on my 120". Probably rope on the Rangie and Trytoo.
Thats three winches

I would and do use wire.

While I agree that plasma is lovely to work with it is too easy to damage, especially if you are dragging stuff around, and too expensive.

Rgds
Pete

steel cable for.....cheap as well

Working in riverbeds with firewood/self-recovery and in the bush with mud and abrasion - wire rope all the time. Cheap, predictable with wear and tear and with the right precautions/maintenance just keeps going and going and going. Cheap too.

However, horses for courses. I see many around here who have plastic fantastic for weekend playtime and it suits them to a tee.

If I was in their situation where all I did was occasional self-recovery and liked light gear I'd do the same.

Oh thank my deity, I thought I was the last bugger here to still use wire cable

I drag logs, pull over trees, straighten fences, retrieve errant motorists out of culverts and in a past life pulled cows out of dams with the winch, oh, and I have been known to hook the cable up to the fence and pull the engine over in top gear to do the rockers too

I see a thread like this and go "Hmm, rope, lighter and no roller fairlead" but talk myself out of it pretty smartly.

It isn't widely known, but a protruding roller fairlead on the front is a no-no as far as registration/licensing authorities are concerned too.

unless your bar like the ARB is designed for it.

I went rope because:
(a) lighter
(b) safer
(c) I had a winch designed for it (external brake)
That is on a tourer which will usually be garaged between trips.

On the IIA, I will be fitting an 8274 which will be running wire because:
(a) I will be running a mid mounted setup
(b) I will probably use it for all the sorts of things Rick mentions...