What size synthetic winch line?

Hey guys, I know that bigger is better, but realistically.... can i get away with 5/16 AmSteel-Blue or should i go with 3/8? Price isn't being considered in this case!

 

I've broken 5/16 on a 8000lb winch several times and switched to the 3/8 - no problem since

 

3/8

 

3/8

 

I went with 3/8. Just know that you can't wrap as long of a line on the winch as you can with 5/16. I think I was debating between 100' of 5/16 and 85' of 3/8 and went with the 3/8 for strength. I saved my original steel line to use as an extension if need be.

Edit: here's my thread where I asked a similar question. I was mistaken, though and for some reason thought I had a 10k lb winch...it's an 8k lb one.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off-roading-trails/218503-synthetic-winch-line-questions.html

 

3/8 definitely

 

Either will work, but 3/8" gives you an extra safety margin. 5/16" Amsteel Blue, which is Dyneema SK75, has an average break of 13,700 and 3/8" is at 19,600 lbs. Take about 10% off of that to be safe to account for splicing. You need more strength in your line than your winch can pull to account for dynamic loading and line wear and degradation in strength. As close to a 2:1 safety factor (line is twice as strong as your winch) is nice to have but don't go below 1.5:1 which is right where 5/16" line puts you with an 8,000 lb winch.