is the front bumper man enough

What are the advantages of a synthetic rope over the steel?

I know of people who have sourced additional box steel and inserted in the back of the bumper to "man it up"

apart from if a synthetic rope snaps it will flop dead whereas if a steel wire snaps it will catapult backwards and slice anything in half which gets in it's way.

Rope is nicer to work with - no sharp bits appearing over time and also if you spool wire all onto one side of the drum (e.g. when winching at a angle) you will jam the winch, whereas you won't with rope.

I intend to 'man up' my bumper at some point for the recovery points!

Synthetic it is then.

chunkymunky said:

Synthetic it is then.

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I've got synthetic rope, but it does have its disadvantages too, it needs looking after, a good wash after use or the grit gets in and cuts the fibres. You have to be careful that you don't drag it over sharp objects or rocks, there are protective devices to avoid that though. It degrades when exposed to UV, so a cover is a good idea.
It floats too.

All in all though, I'd never use a wire rope, it can be lethal if it breaks.