Which winch hook/shackle do you guys recommend.

[Storm Cloud]

I'm partial to the flatlink.

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[phageghost]

I went with this ridiculously overpriced fairlead:

https://yankum.com/products/winch-hawse-groove-fairlead

so I can just run a Brummel splice at the end of the rope, no metal. At least I'm recovering some of the cost by not buying a hook, I suppose. Tucks up nicely behind my Cascadia Designs hinged front license plate mount.

Can't report on durability, though, since I haven't used it for anything yet besides dragging a log across the yard. But if it breaks in the field you can just splice a new loop in a few minutes.

 

[Steph1]

Personally I don’t think it’s worth swapping the hook out unless you are going to splice the new link on like the Factor55 “Splicer” or “Flatlink Slpicer.”

Those are the only links that truly reduce the number of failure points in your line.

I have the Flatlink Splicer on my Jeep and like that it reduces the number of potential failure points, weighs less than a standard thimble and winch hook, can be reattached fairly easily on the trail, and still snugs up to the fairlead nicely.

Wrote a bit about it here.

EDIT: The TRE one @Chocolate Thunder uses accomplishes the same thing and would be a great route as well.

Thanks, I’ll keep them in mind for sure.

 

[Gadgettr1]

Warn makes Stealth winch covers specifically designed for either the Zeons or VR Evos. They both include zip able windows for the drum which allow full functionality without removing the whole cover.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/107765-warn-stealth-series-vr-winch-cover

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/102639-warn-stealth-series-zeon-winch-cover

I have the winch cover. But where my winch is inside the factory bumper it still leaves an opening for the road salt/chemicals up here in the Northeast to go directly onto the drum/synthetic cable.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I like the idea of the Yankum setup mentioned earlier.
Or there is this... https://freedomwinchline.com/
No metal hooks, all soft shackle style setup.

That being said, I'm running the original hook on the original steel cable on my Warn VR Evo 10, just like I did for 30 years on my XD9000.

 

[entropy]

So nobody uses the standard hook..... ? I just left the standard hook on and I've used it multiple times. It is a hell of a lot safer than the tiny OEM recovery hooks. I dont see much wrong with it. Why spend money on something else?

 

[Dakota Jeeper]

I use the Warn Sidewinder. I like that it protects the winch line end from branches and such poking at it. Also if using a tree saver, you could pull the pin and use it without a shackle if the need arrises. Same with winch points on trails.

Only downside is if you screw it all the way tight and put tension on it, you will need some pliers to get the pin loose. I just make a habit of tightening it and then backing it off ever so slightly and it doesn't bind up anymore.

 

[rcadden]

So nobody uses the standard hook..... ? I just left the standard hook on and I've used it multiple times. It is a hell of a lot safer than the tiny OEM recovery hooks. I dont see much wrong with it. Why spend money on something else?

I do. The one that came with my winch is beefy as hell, and it was free. All of these custom hooks look great/eye-catching. Couple that with the fact that any knucklehead could walk up, switch my winch to freespool (regardless of whether/not it's powered) and just cut the line, I'll keep the included hook. Ain't no one gonna bother stealing that.

 

[Steph1]

I'm partial to the flatlink.

I really like your attention to details, I see I’ not alone?

Warn makes Stealth winch covers specifically designed for either the Zeons or VR Evos. They both include zip able windows for the drum which allow full functionality without removing the whole cover.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/107765-warn-stealth-series-vr-winch-cover

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/102639-warn-stealth-series-zeon-winch-cover

yes thanks, should be here by Saturday?

 

[mgenbox]

So nobody uses the standard hook..... ? I just left the standard hook on and I've used it multiple times. It is a hell of a lot safer than the tiny OEM recovery hooks. I dont see much wrong with it. Why spend money on something else?

i used it on this sunken ship right next to the Ohio River in quicksand and it worked just fine ?

 

[RudeJeepin]

So nobody uses the standard hook..... ? I just left the standard hook on and I've used it multiple times. It is a hell of a lot safer than the tiny OEM recovery hooks. I dont see much wrong with it. Why spend money on something else?

Standard hook with standard steel cable for me.

 

[unsavory]

I like the idea of the Yankum setup mentioned earlier.
Or there is this... https://freedomwinchline.com/
No metal hooks, all soft shackle style setup.

That being said, I'm running the original hook on the original steel cable on my Warn VR Evo 10, just like I did for 30 years on my XD9000.

That Freedom winch line looks cool, but I don't think they know what a tree saver is for. Hint: it's in the name.

 

[keeperman13]

Hey! Yall better put your dinguses away. Pointin' out all crazy like that!

 

[CWRUYOTE]

https://agency6.com/collections/billet-winch-shackles

 

[J0E]

SS only way to go.

Multiple times, worked like a charm. I've only run soft shackles through it, but I'm sure a steel shackle would work just the same.

That's best.

I run a soft shackle at the end of mine; less weight to kill me if my line snaps...

How about less weight to break your windshield or do other damage. I use my remote and stand clear. If you want to protect the windshield, raise your hood.

I went with this ridiculously overpriced fairlead:

https://yankum.com/products/winch-hawse-groove-fairlead

so I can just run a Brummel splice at the end of the rope, no metal. At least I'm recovering some of the cost by not buying a hook, I suppose. Tucks up nicely behind my Cascadia Designs hinged front license plate mount.

Can't report on durability, though, since I haven't used it for anything yet besides dragging a log across the yard. But if it breaks in the field you can just splice a new loop in a few minutes.

That video is worth watching.

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