Was looking to get a couple of new straps to put in the truck/UTV and on Google search, I see a lot of these kinetic ropes and soft shackles. It would appear to be a better solution. Anyone have some first hand experience?
Been using Bubba ropes and soft shackles for years. No complaints. It’s rare to see old school straps or chains used anymore. Soft shackles are stronger and safer than hard shackles, but can be damaged if used wrong.
Soft shackles are great. Got about 3 sets in my truck right now, unfortunately still running old school jerk straps. Been looking at the kinetics, just haven't sprung on them yet
I have had a couple of Bubba Ropes in my truck for several years now and have never used them, and I hope I don't have too. The reason I have two is because these things come in various sizes and I am told you need to match the size to the vehicle weight you are pulling. The rope must stretch to effectively use the kinetic energy on the pull and a rope that is too large will not have the kinetic effect that is optimal for extraction. At least that is what I read during my research.
I have a 7/8"x30 foot rope for pulling lighter vehicles around 3500 to 5000#'s and a 1 1/4 rope for pulling vehicles weighing over 5000#'s. My truck is a Crew Cab F250 Super Duty and weighs around 8000#.
30 foot probably makes the most sense, better to have some extra than not enough?
If you are only going to have one, that's a a good length. You can always attach both ends to the same vehicle to shorten it to 15ft. The one thing I've found with 30ft is that it is good for a straight, short pull. It's a bit too long on tight trails. It's also easier to get run over the longer it is. The ropes are extremely tough until they get a tire on them under pressure and then they're toast.
Having had someone ruin one of my soft shackles and run over one of my ropes, I now insist that all recoveries are with the stuck vehicles gear. Ropes are too expensive to replace.
As a force multiplier using another vehicle to get a moving start, then yes, I can see an advantage in a braded rope like that. But another vehicle isn’t usually around when I get stuck, so I’m on my own. A one ton chain fall with about 10’ of chain and another length of chain or no stretch rope is usually enough to get me going again. Trees are everywhere here and tying off to a tree trunk works well. Would some elasticity with one of those ropes be any advantage in that situation?
Last edited by Windfall; 01/19/24.
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As a force multiplier using another vehicle to get a moving start, then yes, I can see an advantage in a braded rope like that. But another vehicle isn’t usually around when I get stuck, so I’m on my own. A one ton chain fall with about 10’ of chain and another length of chain or no stretch rope is usually enough to get me going again. Trees are everywhere here and tying off to a tree trunk works well. Would some elasticity with one of those ropes be any advantage in that situation?
If you are by yourself it's quite advantageous. You put a kinetic load on it and then get back in your rig, ease out, rather than pulling all the way.
I use a mix of gear. Soft shackles are great but not on sharp stuff. Old school shackles, and even a chain still have a place. Depending on use, wire winch rope is still viable. The key is understanding the limitations of your gear.
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Yankum https://yankum.com only ones ive found actually made in USA...Idaho i believe GREAT product GREAT people to deal with...no affiliation just a happy customer
Yankum https://yankum.com only ones ive found actually made in USA...Idaho i believe GREAT product GREAT people to deal with...no affiliation just a happy customer
Great company and products. I have a 30' and 10' and 4 soft shackles.
Yankum https://yankum.com only ones ive found actually made in USA...Idaho i believe GREAT product GREAT people to deal with...no affiliation just a happy customer
Bubba ropes have always claimed to be made in the USA. No reason to doubt them. At least as much as anyone else.