Factor 55 Pro link vs Flat link

[Nyc-Runner]

Hey guys so as i'm getting ready to get my front bumper it is time to get my winch accessories in order and i've read and heard great things about Factor 55's stuff.I'm planning on running synthetic line so i figured this would be a good route to go. I was wondering if anyone on here was running any of their links on your winches and if so what is your thought or feed back on them or recommendations? I had my eye on the pro link but now they came out with flat link which is also really cool and practical the only down side i've heard about the flat link is that it leaves the winch loop exposed when it's pressed flat when wound all the way in, I don't know if thats really a huge deal but that's what i've read. Again i'm new to the winch world so any info or feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[Jeff614]

I'll be keeping a close eye on this one myself. I've read about their products and planned to go with the standard Pro-Link thimble whenever I finally decide on a winch. One question I do have about these and may have to email the company to ask, is is the flat link version the way to go if you need to use one the products that allow mouthing a front plate to a Hawse fairlead.

Hoping to be able to go with something with synthetic line but like that you can use these with wire rope as well.

I had the standard wire rope and hook on the m8000 that was mounted on my Jeep. Honestly can't say I ever had any dangerous problems occur with that setup but the thimbles ability to easily attach a 3/4" shackle seems like a more preferable connection.

Another plus is the rubber spacer behind the thimble that keeps things rattle free.

Obviously super excited for my coming bumper and the winch that goes with it as well. Lot of new products since I lasted owned a winch and this was one that really caught my eye.


- Jeff

 

[ebg18t]

I have had the Factor 55 Prolink fir a while now. It is rattle free during daily driving and when needed it makes fir a nice handle to unspool. Easy hook up with my TJM shackles and straps. Overall for me it has worked excellent.

Here is a pic from when it was installed on my old hidden winch setup.

 

[Nyc-Runner]

I'll be keeping a close eye on this one myself. I've read about their products and planned to go with the standard Pro-Link thimble whenever I finally decide on a winch. One question I do have about these and may have to email the company to ask, is is the flat link version the way to go if you need to use one the products that allow mouthing a front plate to a Hawse fairlead.

Hoping to be able to go with something with synthetic line but like that you can use these with wire rope as well.

I had the standard wire rope and hook on the m8000 that was mounted on my Jeep. Honestly can't say I ever had any dangerous problems occur with that setup but the thimbles ability to easily attach a 3/4" shackle seems like a more preferable connection.

Another plus is the rubber spacer behind the thimble that keeps things rattle free.

Obviously super excited for my coming bumper and the winch that goes with it as well. Lot of new products since I lasted owned a winch and this was one that really caught my eye.


- Jeff

Ah yes i know what your saying, Yeah i would think f you want to run your license plate over the Hawse fairlead then the Flat link would be the way to go.

The M8000 is also the winch i will be running but with synthetic line.I'm getting it off another member on here but i've read nothing but great reviews on it! Theres nothing wrong with wire rope and most of my buddy run wire but synthetic is definitely safer if something ever were to occur or the line snapping.So i figure for the extra money is worth it plus it's a little lighter, trying to get a little weight savings where ever i can now the more and more stuff that i add haha..

I have had the Factor 55 Prolink fir a while now. It is rattle free during daily driving and when needed it makes fir a nice handle to unspool. Easy hook up with my TJM shackles and straps. Overall for me it has worked excellent.

Here is a pic from when it was installed on my old hidden winch setup.

Awesome thats good to here thanks for the pic and the feedback [MENTION=86678]ebg18t[/MENTION] I really like the pro link! In regards to the Flat link do you think it would be a issue leaving just that little bit of the winch line hoop exposed? I feel like most lines with regular set ups are exposed all of the time anyways..

 

[bimrunner]

I have both. They are both excellent options. Flat link wasn't an option when I bought my pro link. I prefer the flat link for a cleaner look. Don't worry about having that little bit exposed. It isn't the weakest part of the setup anyway. You won't be disappointed with either thimble. You are looking at two of the nicest options out there.

 

[ebg18t]

I have tried to keep as much of the winch line hidden since UV kills synthetic winch lines. Both the Factor 55 products are excellent. I probably would have bought the flat one if it was available back when I bought mine.

 

[Jeff614]

I think flat link is the way to go for me then due to most likely using my Hawse to mount the front plate.

Thanks for the replies everyone and NYC-Runner for starting this thread. Also congrats on the M8000. I loved mine and it took anything my dumb teenage self could stick my Wrangler in. Would love one again but a little outta my price range after the SSS bumper.

Never had synthetic line, really mainly interested in it to save weight. After the bumper and winch purchases I'll be tapped out on mods for awhile. The 5100's I'd like to level things out with are gonna have to wait awhile now so every lb. I can save up front counts.

Not to worried about the sun doing any damage since the winch will be hidden down in the bumper. I've read that UV rays really can take their toll on synth line and almost daily I see a Jeeps with blue (or other colors) line on their winch yet rarely see any covers.


Enjoy your weekends!
- Jeff

 

[Nyc-Runner]

I have both. They are both excellent options. Flat link wasn't an option when I bought my pro link. I prefer the flat link for a cleaner look. Don't worry about having that little bit exposed. It isn't the weakest part of the setup anyway. You won't be disappointed with either thimble. You are looking at two of the nicest options out there.

Cool man thanks for the feedback! I really like the flatlink and may try to run with that.

I have tried to keep as much of the winch line hidden since UV kills synthetic winch lines. Both the Factor 55 products are excellent. I probably would have bought the flat one if it was available back when I bought mine.

Yeah i have to do a little more research on the UV and synthetic line.I was thinking, I wonder if you would be able to dip the end of the synthetic line in plasti dip ( just the loop that would be exposed) that was it would protect that loop from being exposed to the UV rays from using the flat link?

I think flat link is the way to go for me then due to most likely using my Hawse to mount the front plate.

Thanks for the replies everyone and NYC-Runner for starting this thread. Also congrats on the M8000. I loved mine and it took anything my dumb teenage self could stick my Wrangler in. Would love one again but a little outta my price range after the SSS bumper.

Never had synthetic line, really mainly interested in it to save weight. After the bumper and winch purchases I'll be tapped out on mods for awhile. The 5100's I'd like to level things out with are gonna have to wait awhile now so every lb. I can save up front counts.

Not to worried about the sun doing any damage since the winch will be hidden down in the bumper. I've read that UV rays really can take their toll on synth line and almost daily I see a Jeeps with blue (or other colors) line on their winch yet rarely see any covers.


Enjoy your weekends!
- Jeff

Yeah i've heard nothing but good things about the M8000 so i figured it was a good way to go!

Yep i hear ya the mods add up quick! It'll be a year this coming september for me with my 4runner so it's definitely been a busy year for me, after i do my wheels and tires i'm taking a little break.

Yeah i'm going to look more into the Synthetic and UV rays before deciding which link to get!

 

[MadeInMaine]

Any new thoughts or experiences with this?