Snatch blocks & other recovery gear chatter.

I'm in the market for new snatch blocks and this time I'm actually trying to make and educated purchase instead of a budget driven one. The problem I have is that so many snatch block manufacturers/resellers have slightly different standards and usage limit formulas that don't all seem to follow any set guidelines.

Has anyone seen any head to head reviews or tests that use the same standardized listing of results? Linking me to it would be of great assistance.

Now, any other recovery gear you guys want to talk about?

 

Psst, anyone?

 

I haven't seen any head to head reviews. I have a rugged ridge snatch block and it almost identical to the snatch blocks from smittybilt, tjm, and harbor freight.

Kinetic energy recovery ropes are great to have with your recovery kit.

 

My searches have shown similar results which leads to questions that retailers can't answer. I don't mind paying more for a quality pair of snatch blocks but I'd like to know that I'm investing in a pair that aren't knocked together with "this should work" ideology and parts.

Agreed on the kinetics. Which one are you using and how do you like it?

 

If it were me there's really two ways to go. The standard cheap design from ARB, Warn, Master Pull, or Superwinch. Ie this design

Or this one or similar from ARB or Warn. There are a few more out there but I can't remember the manufacture.


Only other thing I can say about recovery equipment is do not cheap out on this stuff. One of the better vendors we have around here is Southeast Overland.

 

I'd say stick to reputable brands. The cheapos copy the shape without the quality materials. But looks can be deceiving.

 

Just got an email back from Mike Costa at Factor 55 and he says that they are working on a snatch block right now. Looking forward to seeing it.

 

I have a snatch block from harbor freight that I have had no problems with. Maybe its ignorance but I find it hard to believe that there is any huge difference in performance and overall quality between it and a ARB one

 

I have the expensive ARB block mostly because I wouldn't want to risk shredding my synthetic line in a cheap one.
Love the Factor 55 stuff, but can't wait for the sticker shock on that one.

 

I have the standard cheap Warn and ARB snatch blocks and filed the edges down to help prevent cutting the synthetic which line. They work fine with my 9K winch

 

Ended up with a set of Master-Pull snatch blocks but I'm still keen to see the Factor 55 offering when it comes to market.

Still rounding out my recovery gear but I am feeling a bit better about my chances of effecting a safe recovery.

 

hmmm.. group buy ideas..

 

Damn you....

 

I always went with one's purchased at a specialty store that services wreckers. They are spend at 140 each heavier n harder to use but never had any issues with them.like zips in ia.

 

Hopefully these images are clear enough. Sometimes it seems like uploading pictures on here kills the quality.

 

When dealing with equipment designed to be placed under load and that can kill people if it fails look for three things. First that it has a clearly stated load rating. No guarantee but it's at least an indication that some actual engineering was done. Second, look for the load rating and the manufacturers name/symbol on the gear. Any user should be able to pick it up and know exactly what it's working limits are and the manufacturer should be proud enough of their product to put their name on it. Finally pay attention to the country of origin. If the packaging doesn't tell you don't buy it. If it says China, Pakistan, etc, look for something else because the quality of the steel and design are suspect. Look for something made in a country like USA, Germany, Canada, etc.

 

Another thing to always remember snatch block must be at least twice the strength as your winch is capable of pulling. Single line 8k block n tackle doubles it to 16k. So I always rum from those stamped steal blocks. Doing recovery for 30 yrs and seen plenty of blocks fail. Not a perty sight.