Kinetic Recovery Strap VS Kinetic Recovery Rope

I have a headache from researching kinetic straps and ropes. I want to be able to pull a stuck truck or suv out of a snowbank or mud hole if I have to. I narrowed it down to 1 of each. Any thoughts or advise is appreciated.Thanks.

$97 ARB ARB710LB 3-1/4" x 30' Recovery Snatch Strap Minimum Breaking Strength 24000 lbs Kinetic Stretch 20% With Reinforced Eyes and Protector Sleeves

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P9C5H8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2UUWCCR4G5EFA&psc=1

$150 SmittyBilt RECOIL RECOVERY ROPE - SBCC121

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F0UE80M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2TW9PAD7D7YND&psc=1

 

Those look like snatch straps and are good to yank someone out but not to pull someone for a long time.

 

That's right. I'm not looking for a tow rope. Recovery only.

 

I had the ARB. Would get again. I don't think there's anything different from a rope to a strap besides profile. An extra $50 seems like a lot for a smittybilt than an ARB that does the same thing.

 

Thanks. That's what I was wondering.

 

I wouldn't get the ARB for snow recovery. It's a good strap but not very waterproof and is going to soak up water and mud.

 

I spent some time doing research on both styles and don't remember being waterproof as a major selling point. I'm not challenging you just trying to understand. Don't they all soak up water and mud due to the fact that they are multi stranded by design?

 

I have the Smittybuilt, good stuff. It has a higher rating, stretches further 30% vs 20%, and waterproof. Definitely harder to stow due to size.

 

Thanks Dave. I don't mind spending the extra for the rope over the strap if there is a clear advantage. In my case it would only see occasional use since my truck is a pavement pounder. Will the extra 10% of stretch from the Smittybuilt have a clear advantage during a recovery?

 

None of the straps I've ever owned were "waterproof". They all soaked up water and mud. I never worried about that, but if that's an issue then just hand wash it. Probably 90% of the recoveries I've done were in the snow and slush. The ARB I had never showed any signs of degradation and I never once washed it and had it for years in lots of different circumstance. One dumb shit hooked it up wrong once and tore a hole in it, otherwise I'd still have it and still have never washed it unless it was absolutely caked between the fibers.

Have you had straps fail from water intrusion? Just curious since I've never heard or seen a need for a "waterproof" strap.

 

Is the 30% vs 20% difference in stretch worth the extra $43 for the Smittybuilt?

 

No, I'm not worried about it failing from water intrusion. I've never actually got my ARB wet. Just saying that the material is very fabric like, flat and wide, and I know it'll absorb alot of water and mud. It'll probably get very heavy and definitely look like shit once mud gets on it. Most kinetic ropes I've seen seem to be more nylon material like and tightly braided or they're coated with something and just look like they'll do much better with water resistance in snow and mud.

 

Look into VooDoo kinetic ropes and soft shackles. Been very good and held up great so far.

https://www.voodoooffroad.com/products/category/recovery-rope

Can usually buy them off Ebay at discounted pricing.

 

I just checked them out but more than I want to spend.

 

You see Alex's 1,000,000 lb. anaconda rope? That thing is like 3" in diameter.

 

Size matters!

 

I have no idea where he puts everything, think that “microwave” might actually be some magic portal to his garage.

It is definitely worth it to me, sure strap is fine, but the ropes are better aside from the added bulk. If your buying from Amazon put it in the cart and leave it for awhile, got mine for $107 that way.

 

Thanks Dave.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1300009-3-4In-X-30Ft-Recovery-Rope-W-Bag/153682347570?epid=667522452

3/4"x30ft less expensive than the shittybuilt rope you posted...

And then Amazon's about 100 which is 20 bucks less as well....

 

No, they won't all soak up water. Amsteel, commonly used as a winch line, (AKA Dyneema or Cuban Fiber) is hydrophobic. Aramid, commonly known as Kevlar, will soak up water. Just depends on what fibers are used.

 

Nothing wrong with the Smittybuilt Oliver, way better quality than expected. I don’t consider VooDoo because the ratings seem a bit off. Every 3/4” rope I know of is rated for 19,000 lbs, not enough for our trucks pulling other full size trucks. The VooDoo 3/4” is rated 5,500 lbs more at 24,500, which is still too low imo..

 

Looks like all the snatch ropes that I've researched including Smitty, Voo Doo, Billet, Bubba are made from Nylon which is hydrophobic. Not that anyone cares.
At some point I'd like to pick up a 1" Billet 4x4 rope.

 

I carry a 30’ kinetic rope
BILLET4X4 (Full-Size Truck) U.S. Made 1-1/8 inch X 30 ft Safety Orange Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope - Snatch Rope with Heavy-Duty Carry Bag

$230 BILLET4X4 Original & Best U.S. 1-1/8" X 30 ft Safety Orange 4x4 Vehicle Recovery Kinetic Rope w/Heavy-Duty Carry Bag (Full-Size Truck)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JPXYWDM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9LQ-Db7DP85FB

as well as a tow strap.

motormic Tow Strap Recovery Kit - 30 ft x 3" (30,000 lbs.) Rope + 2" Shackle Hitch Receiver + 5/8" Locking Pin + 3/4" D Ring Shackles + Heavy Duty Bag

Motormic Tow Strap Recovery Kit – 3" x 30ft (30000 lbs.) Rope + 2" Shackle Hitch Receiver + 5/8" Locking Pin + 3/4" D Ring Shackles with Safety Ring + Heavy Duty Bag - Off Road Pick Up Towing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V51TRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_FYOGriqIL3ZTZ

That way I have options.

 

The Smittybuilt rope is 7/8" though.

 

So, if it's too big you run the risk of not utilizing the stretch. But, if you're truck is buried to the axle it's gonna take a lot more to pull it and require a larger rope. My neighbor was telling me about a site where there's a ton of info and numbers on this stuff. Need to ask him for a link. BRB

 

It’s actually 1”, measures 1 1/16” thick. Imo 30,000 lb rating should be starting point for full size trucks. A full size HD pickup truck with some tools etc. in it can hit 9k lbs x 3 = 27,000 pounds.

 

The Billet (Made in the USA) 1" X 30' rope is only a couple of bucks more than the Smittybuilt but almost $19 for shipping though.

 

Shittybilt wasn't aimed directly at the strap, just an auto correct within my phone lol and i did in fact overlook ratings :/

 

145 for a 38k rated voodoo

 

The price for buying American made?

I haven't had a chance to check out this info yet. Neighbor just mentioned it yesterday and sounded interesting.

https://discoveroffroading.com/about-bob-wohlers