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Thread: Synthetic Rope: Roller or Hawse Fairlead?

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    Default Synthetic Rope: Roller or Hawse Fairlead?



    I'm switching my winch to synthetic rope and bought an aluminum hawse fairlead to go with it. I also came across this article and am wondering which way to go: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...yths-debunked/

    " I like synthetic rope and a roller fairlead, along with a clean Flat Splicer to eliminate the metal thimble getting dragged into the fairlead. Whenever I post photos of my winch fairlead setup, someone comments, “But you can’t use synthetic rope with a roller fairlead!” The usual argument is that synthetic rope can get caught in the corners of the rollers. If you have properly designed rollers, this doesn’t happen. In fact, with the frequent winch use that I do, I find that hawse fairleads tend to abrade synthetic winch rope far more than the rollers. After more than a decade of using synthetic rope on my winches, and trying it both ways, I find a roller fairlead to be more effective for my needs most of the time."

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    Default Re: Synthetic Rope: Roller or Hawse Fairlead?



    Your MotorTrend / Nena article and this Factor55 article bottom line the same comment - use what you think is best / your preference.

    https://factor55.com/uncategorized/c...ic-winch-rope/

    That said, we know that "sharps" are bad for synthetic line as a sharp item can readily can cut fibers. In my reading it was said that for someone who is converting a wire setup to synthetic - pay specific attention to any sharp that could contact the line - the drum surfaces (core and walls) and the fairlead rollers. Do realize there are conventional roller and low profile roller fairleads. IIRC, the low profile designed units might find themselves on the "don't use" list for their pinch-points in the corners.

    Smittybilt low profile roller fairlead
    https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smitty.../_/R-DSBP-2810

    The Factor55 article points to the delicate nature of the roller frame being bent / causing issues. In my experience - not a show stopper item - and I have pressed the rollers / frame against objects in its life with me - and it's in good shape.

    Me, should I change - I raise an eye to the "loop in the line" style of fairlead if I chose to go non-roller style:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOO5jgZET_4

    I learned something - 1:44 - how to remove a pinched line from the drum...

    Other than that, smooth rollers seem preferable to me and is what I'd likely go with.

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    Java (September 23rd, 2022)

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    Default Re: Synthetic Rope: Roller or Hawse Fairlead?



    I went with the hawse, the weight and size difference were the deciding factors.

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    JGRubicon (September 24th, 2022)

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