Factor 55...Flatlink vs Flatlink Expert vs Ultrahook

[Halstem1]

Be careful though, F55 is addicting. I just got 2 of their Crosby shackles, 2 soft shackles, and their snatch block pulley (also have their fairlead).

No kidding. I don't even know why I want everything but I do. for the "just in case" situation.

I always assumed I'd get a red flatlink E... but now that I'm actually ordering stuff, I keep second guessing. Anyone have any experience with the Prolink? I like the simplicity of how it mounts and protects the rope from UV without the rope guard. It can't hook onto a factory tow hook but I can always use crosby or something. Does it look like a nipple sticking out? hmmmm. too many decisions.

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[James]

I have the Ultrahook with the guard on it. I have used it a lot over the past two years.
The reason I went with this model was it give you two options of either a closed or hooked system. The hook has a locking pin that can be used to make sure the latch will not open on the hook.
Their are times where it’s not a major recovery and a quick hook is faster than getting a D ring or gator soft shackle out.
When I’m doing a major recovery I’ll use the closed loop part.
Always remember when using the hook part, the opening on the hook should point up. The Ultrahook is designed to where your hand grabs it to hook it up vs down.

 

[Moregone]

This one seems like a good option. You get the closed hook like the flatlink E but in the more simple thimble configuration. Also doesn't hurt the wallet as much. Only down side is having the cut and splice the line.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EO06R76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_i7bqEbRYWDNP1

 

[sardog12]

This one seems like a good option. You get the closed hook like the flatlink E but in the more simple thimble configuration. Also doesn't hurt the wallet as much. Only down side is having the cut and splice the line.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EO06R76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_i7bqEbRYWDNP1

That would be the only 55 piece of equipment in that category that I would consider because I believe in minimizing the failure points, not increasing them. I just don't buy the hype. Plus, another flaw in the 55 pieces (with the splicer being the exception), is that they still leave the original steel thimble on the line which has the potential to scrape and gouge the (most often) aluminum fairlead which is still not good for the rope, regardless of what piece you put on the end.

Of course, if you want the original, as Chocolate Thunder pointed out on page 1, the Safety Thimble (https://tacticalrecoveryequipment.com/product-category/winch-thimble/safety-thimble-ii/) is a far superior design to any of the 55 items.

 

[Cypher]

I was planning on a factor 55 product again as I had one on my 2019, however for my 2020 JLUR I went with the Warn sidewinder. It works really well, and does a great job protecting the rope. I was not sure at first, but after using it a few times I really like it.

 

[Jeremy8271]

Ultra Hook here. Love it.

Nice Jeep! Does your ultrahook fit onto the factory tow points?

 

[Jeremy8271]

I have the Ultrahook with the guard on it. I have used it a lot over the past two years.
The reason I went with this model was it give you two options of either a closed or hooked system. The hook has a locking pin that can be used to make sure the latch will not open on the hook.
Their are times where it’s not a major recovery and a quick hook is faster than getting a D ring or gator soft shackle out.
When I’m doing a major recovery I’ll use the closed loop part.
Always remember when using the hook part, the opening on the hook should point up. The Ultrahook is designed to where your hand grabs it to hook it up vs down.

Does your ultrahook fit onto the factory tow points without a shackle?

 

[webwbr]

Does your ultrahook fit onto the factory tow points without a shackle?

This has been a great thread... I hope OP, @Rudolph Hart, has gotten his answer.

I'm bumping the question above as I'm still deciding myself and knowing if the ultrahook fits on factory tow points would help me. I did rule out the regular flatlink and prefer the flatlink E (Expert), but the flat splicer is still in contention too.

I tell you... shopping for Jeep stuff is a long, deep rabbit hole. So many options, and I'm OCD on making right decisions that I research myself to death before I buy. I'm sure I'll spend 4 hours trying to pick out the "right" tree saver. LOL!

Thanks all.

 

[Jeremy8271]

Factor 55 emailed me confirming it does fit on the factory tow points. I would feel more comfortable seeing a picture of this before spending the $$$

 

[SH556JL]

Factor 55 emailed me confirming it does fit on the factory tow points. I would feel more comfortable seeing a picture of this before spending the $$$

With the hook just clipped onto the factory points? I could try and get a pic to see if it works. Personally I can’t see why you would do it that way and not have some equipment with you. Unless I am not understanding correctly.

 

[Jeremy8271]

With the hook just clipped onto the factory points? I could try and get a pic to see if it works. Personally I can’t see why you would do it that way and not have some equipment with you. Unless I am not understanding correctly.

I was thinking less connections is better. How woukd you hook it to the factory tow point?

 

[SH556JL]

I was thinking less connections is better. How woukd you hook it to the factory tow point?

Front doesn’t really go on and would not use it.

Rear would do in a pinch. I would use a shackle.

 

[BDinTX]

Factor 55 emailed me confirming it does fit on the factory tow points. I would feel more comfortable seeing a picture of this before spending the $$$

Agree with @SH556JL just because you can get it on there, doesn't mean you should. It would probably get stuck under the tusk and tear things up in the process. Recommend you keep a soft shackle in the glovebox with the winch controller and gloves. You will probably need it to connect to anything you pull anyway, be it a vehicle, tree saver, or larger bow shackle.

 

[SH556JL]

Agree with @SH556JL just because you can get it on there, doesn't mean you should. It would probably get stuck under the tusk and tear things up in the process. Recommend you keep a soft shackle in the glovebox with the winch controller and gloves. You will probably need it to connect to anything you pull anyway, be it a vehicle, tree saver, or larger bow shackle.

Yep, I also learned that my shackles are for looks. I couldn’t even hook to them if I need to in a pinch…

 

[BDinTX]

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