School me on Prolink-style winch thimbles

[KidVermicious]

Because I don't know that I completely understand the purpose of these, besides looking all cool and anodized on the front of your truck. What does a thimble like the Prolink do that I can't do by passing the bow shackle directly through the normal eye and thimble on my winch line?

 

[zopperman]

[MENTION=86678]ebg18t[/MENTION] swears by them

 

[JWaldz]

There really isn't any huge benefit to owning one. There is some functionality, but it's also for looks. It cleans up the front end a little bit by hiding your cable completely instead of clamping a hook to a tie point and pulling the winch tight. As for using it to pull, I don't see there being any difference than putting a d shackle on the end of your rope. I think they look goofy, making it look like your rig is sucking on a pacifier. They did just come out with a new one though called the FlatLink. Looks a little better. For the price of those things though, I'll pass.

 

[ebg18t]

I have been using one for a while. With everything there are pros:cons. Biggest cons are price & some people don't like the look. I don't have a flashy one, just plain grey anodized.



After having a regular winch hook bend, seeing one shear and just not liking how my TJM straps fit into the existing hook I replaced it with a thimble. Without a hook or thimble on the eyelet it doesn't let you keep the rope snug and in my case the eyelet slipped behind the fairlead and with a hidden winch it was a PIA to fish it back out. With the thimble (rubber backed) I just snug it against the fairlead. I personally prefer to attach the straps with the d-ring since my TJM straps fit better. If I am running it back to the truck (ie thru snatch block) the d-ring mounts easy to my frame recovery point.



When pulling the line out I just grab the thimble and pull it out. No clips or safety bars like on a hook to catch on your hand. Yes gloves would be preferred, but I don't always have a set in truck.



IMHO it's worth the $125 to make my life easier. But as mentioned earlier there are a lot of folks that just don't like them. And they do look a little goofy.