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Armor & Recovery

Chains, Straps & Soft Shackles

A look at the three most common recovery connection methods — chains, straps, and soft shackles — with real-world pros and cons from trail experience.

Chains, straps, and soft shackles. Three different ways to connect recovery gear, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Let's explore each one.

Chains

Overview

Chains have been the go-to recovery item since I was a child. They're solid, proven, and rarely break. But they come with trade-offs.

Pros

  • Solid and reliable
  • Rarely break
  • Adjustable for length

Cons

  • Heavy to carry and handle
  • Harsh impact when used for recovery — can damage the vehicle
Recovery chain

Straps

Overview

Straps have always been used alongside chains. Most often used as a tree saver, they're a staple in any recovery kit.

Pros

  • Solid and reliable
  • Rarely break
  • Doesn't damage the vehicle
  • Light weight

Cons

  • Easily damaged (cuts, abrasion, UV wear)
  • Not adjustable for length
Recovery strap

Soft Shackles

Overview

The latest method of connecting recovery gear together. I was skeptical at first, but after using them a few times they actually do work. When used with synthetic winch rope, they provide a steel-less recovery system — the safest method of recovery, as there is no possibility of flying metal in the event of a line failure.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Safe — no flying metal if something fails
  • Strong

Cons

  • Can possibly slip apart on their own (no solid mechanical connection)
  • Although I've never seen it happen, the possibility exists
Soft shackle close-up Soft shackle in use

Summary

I personally use a combination of all three recovery items with success. I still like metal shackles as I know they are connected and won't slip apart. Straps are nice for the trees, but a chain is nice because I can adjust the length as needed.

If safety is your paramount concern, then going with a steel-less recovery system is ideal. Everyone has their own preferences for recovery, and all items will work safely if applied correctly.

See Winches, Dual Winches & Associated Wiring for additional related info.

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