Definitive Answer: Are wheelers straps Kinetic, Static, or inbetween?

[GogDog]

Ok, I'm looking for some recovery straps for my 5th gen.

I was going to get an ARB 17,500lb snatch strap. Then...I also wanted a tree strap (for trees and a bridle), and a 20' tow strap (static).

I've heard great things about Wheelers straps, mentioned in several topics, but no definitive info on whether they are kinetic or not (or at least, as "kinectic" as the ARB strap).

An ARB strap, tested....was about 23-24% stretch (from a claimed 20%). They sell those on wheelersoffroad too.

Then...wheelersoffroad also have their own straps, in 12,20, and 30' lengths. They call their 12' strap a tree strap, which is usually static (doesn't stretch). But I've also seen mentions of the wheelers straps being as least somewhat kinetic. The wheelers site says: "The strap webbing material we use has a very slight recoil action; ". What does that mean?


Basically...are the wheelers straps kinectic straps (20% stretch or more), or static (no stretch), or somewhere in between? If I'm not mistaken, if you are actually towing someone a couple miles you do not want a strap that stretches because the strap will be ruined after getting stretched out for so long.

 

[GogDog]

Ok...so I called Wheelers and the CSR person didn't know either about how much stretch the straps do. They said they would email the manufacturer and find out and that I should call back the next day.

Which I did. They said the manufacturer said that the nylon part of the straps (I'm guessing most of it), stretches 7-10%, and the polyester part (probably the cordura wrap or loop reinforcements), stretches 3%.

So....not really sure what to make of this. Sounds like if you are wanting a kinetic strap you should get something that stretches more (like the ARB one that is 23% or so), or bubba rope which is like...30-40%.

But....you shouldn't use these as tow straps either (which wheelers told me the next day when I called).

I may still get their 12' tree saver strap. I think it would make a good bridle in a snatch recovery (since there is some stretch to it), it has a cordura sleeve to protect the middle of the strap where your snatch strap loop would go, and ….I could use it as a tree strap if I ever got a winch. It wouldn't be an ideal tree strap since there is some stretch to it but its not super stretchy. Its a "compromise" strap.

 

[GogDog]

[MENTION=87036]YotaDan[/MENTION]

Am I wrong about the measurements from the manufacturer or is there something else I should know about the straps?

 

[Dropzone]

if you are looking for a kinetic strap consider Spartan Rope.
They have a great product and outstanding customer service.
They are local to me and delivered it personally.
@greathim mentioned these guys to me.
Several guys I know use them
https://www.spartanrope.com/
scored mine cheap on black friday
used mine a couple of times over the winter, worked as it should and great value for the $$..

 

[nb rob]

Still strap shopping eh?

I wish I were that particular when I married my ex wife

 

[TowMeOut]

Nylon stretches....polyester, not so much. So most "tow straps" are some variety of polyester, polyethylene, etc. Recovery and "snatch straps" are typically a blend of mostly nylon with some polyester mixed in for durability.

Then of course you have the synthetic winch lines and extensions. These are a really high end variety of polyester (dyneema, kevlar, etc.). This stuff is crazy strong and has nearly no stretch.

I'll admit, I've gone "cheap" on straps because I'd rather just use/abuse then replace them. I've got 4 recoveries on a Rugged Ridge strap off Amazon. First time out we had to wrap it around a ball hitch (not on the ball itself) as an attachment point. It ended up shredding the strap near the loop on one end. Since then it's pulled out two other guys with a water knot loop on one end replacing the sewn loop. Most recently we had to rig it up as a bridle to extract a 3/4 Ton truck with broken steering gear. It rubbed on a bunch of the suspension so it got greasy and abraded quite a bit. I gave it a good wash with some dish soap and got most of the grunge out so it's ready for several more pulls.

For a more critical straight pull I got a 3"x30' TGL brand strap. It's nylon and rated for 20% stretch. It was about half the price of the ARB but I haven't used it yet. I've got a couple of older 2" and 3" "tow straps" from WalMart or similar. For flat towing I'd likely use one of these.

Long story short, I wouldn't get too worked up over the specific properties. Get something stretchy for recovery, not so stretchy for tree straps and towing, and stay far away from chain for either (if you can help it). Make sure the rest of your attachment points and shackles are actual rated hardware and take care of them.