ARB Snatch Strap ?

[brewski]

Seems like a good deal - 24k pound strength - $92

ARB Snatch Strap | Quadratec

I'm slowly building up my recovery gear, right now here's basically what I carry (keeping in mind I'm mostly in mud/sand/forest roads):

Collapsable shovel - it's been used already.
Tow Strap - older one but still solid
Tire Deflator (not really recovery)
Recovery Boards - used
Misc. Tools, gloves

I'm in a stock JLUR, so figured kinetic strap would be next since no one I go with has anything beyond what I just mentioned (or less). Any issues? Anything else I should think of getting?

I would recommend a kinetic rope over the ARB snatch strap. Yes they are more expensive, but they last longer and work better. A proper kinetic rope is easier to use properly and will last more than 2x of the ARB snatch strap if you don't damage it on the trail by driving over it, rubbing it over rocks, etc.

I highly recommend MasterPull, or Bubba Rope. I prefer masterpull because they're a local company to me.
https://www.masterpull.com/7-8-super-yanker-kinetic-recovery-rope-28-500-lbs/

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[BigFeet]

No worries at all. I would venture to say this will be new information to many people, especially anyone that grew up in a time before the popularity of storing kinetic energy in straps and ropes was even a thing. Some of us grew up on ropes and chains. It's crossing over from that to new technologies in the recovery side of this sport.

I've been an avid rock climber for many years, and dynamic ropes have been around longer. The technology has been available for quite some time, and it makes me wonder why it took so long for the towing/recovery industry to get behind this.

The only concern I've ever had with soft shackles is they are connected to other soft materials. This is usually a no-no in climbing, for the possibility of a cut through is too high. Even though the rubbing/movement is very low... still makes me wince when using them.

Not necessarily for you, but for anyone reading... a "rope" can withstand repeated cycles due to the rope having a "core". A strap has no core, and is only relying on the weave pattern and material strength.

Also, you can make your own soft shackles fairly cheaply.

The below video link is long, but shows how a button head shackle is made, and then they test them to show you how strong this material is. I believe they are using Amsteel (proprietary name), but there are other brands of the same.

Fun fact: These materials (Spectra, Dyneema, Amsteel, etcetera) are naturally colored white, and do not take well to dying them a different color.

 

[ajkitebrder40]

No worries at all. I would venture to say this will be new information to many people, especially anyone that grew up in a time before the popularity of storing kinetic energy in straps and ropes was even a thing. Some of us grew up on ropes and chains. It's crossing over from that to new technologies in the recovery side of this sport.

This was me, basically a '89 XJ in HS and just yanking with a tow strap or chain. Now.....older and with a bit more money in the game I feel like the recovery gear should balance with the cost of the vehicle a bit.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

I've been an avid rock climber for many years, and dynamic ropes have been around longer. The technology has been available for quite some time, and it makes me wonder why it took so long for the towing/recovery industry to get behind this.

The only concern I've ever had with soft shackles is they are connected to other soft materials. This is usually a no-no in climbing, for the possibility of a cut through is too high. Even though the rubbing/movement is very low... still makes me wince when using them.

Not necessarily for you, but for anyone reading... a "rope" can withstand repeated cycles due to the rope having a "core". A strap has no core, and is only relying on the weave pattern and material strength.

Also, you can make your own soft shackles fairly cheaply.

The below video link is long, but shows how a button head shackle is made, and then they test them to show you how strong this material is. I believe they are using Amsteel (proprietary name), but there are other brands of the same.

I think the big reason people aren't concerned about soft shackles and breakage is that if a completely soft system breaks, it drops to the ground and isn't a big deal. Not like climbing where you get to contemplate their usage as you fall screaming to your death.

 

[BigFeet]

I think the big reason people aren't concerned about soft shackles and breakage is that if a completely soft system breaks, it drops to the ground and isn't a big deal. Not like climbing where you get to contemplate their usage as you fall screaming to your death.

Force of habit, I guess. Hard to break away from things you've learned in other areas.

The lack of rubbing/movement of the shackle and strap/rope while towing, compared to a rope zipping through an alpine-draw sling is very much a different story indeed.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Force of habit, I guess. Hard to break away from things you've learned in other areas.

The lack of rubbing/movement of the shackle and strap/rope while towing, compared to a rope zipping through an alpine-draw sling is very much a different story indeed.

Ya, for sure. They've even come out with a "softer" snatch block. Just ordered one myself.

 

[BigFeet]

Ya, for sure. They've even come out with a "softer" snatch block. Just ordered one myself.

No winch, so I don't need the snatch block just yet. I do like the idea of the donut and shackle better than a big clunky chunk of metal, though.

This is the extent of "recovery gear" that I have, so far.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

No winch, so I don't need the snatch block just yet. I do like the idea of the donut and shackle better than a big clunky chunk of metal, though.

This is the extent of "recovery gear" that I have, so far.

yup, mine looks the same except a tree saver and snatch blocks.

 

[ajkitebrder40]

Yeah, winch maybe down the road, for now I'm always out with another capable vehicle. That and I'm doing mostly fairly easy tails (South Carolina - so I have a Uwharrie trip coming up, mostly beach and flat wooden trails). Mud/sand are the main issues.

 

[BigFeet]

Yeah, winch maybe down the road, for now I'm always out with another capable vehicle. That and I'm doing mostly fairly easy tails (South Carolina - so I have a Uwharrie trip coming up, mostly beach and flat wooden trails). Mud/sand are the main issues.

A winch wasn't my first choice either. I've had only one throughout the five Wranglers I've owned - wheeled all of them as Jeep recommends to do by way of owner's manual; page 29. I used that winch exactly twice. Every other time it was a strap or chain that "saved the day".

A winch is a very good tool to have *better to have and not need...* kind of thing, but not required.

The winch can wait. Did the sensor potting, and I'm doing the Genesis dual battery system next. I feel certain stuff takes a priority over a winch, lift, wheels/tires, GMRS, roof rack, bumpers, trailer, etcetera. Those are coming to the Jeep near me soon, but I want to make all the "corrections" first.

It does make things easier when you have friends willing to help you out of trouble - after - they coaxed you into it. Sounds like a fun trip. Be safe and have fun.

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