Roller Fairlead or Hawse?

I have steel wire and have read mixed reviews. Will a hawse cause damage to the cable or will the cable just cause damage to the hawse? Should I just stick with the roller fairlead?

 

Steel cable stick with the roller.

 

Roller only with steel as been stated.

 

A roller fairlead is, in general, a better choice regardless of steel or synthetic. Make sure your rollers can actually roll freely. Less friction and a larger radius to bend around in the event of an off-center pull.

 

Roller best choicewith steel cable.

Do NOT use roller with synthetic. Will eventually pinch where vert roller meets horizontal. Instant death to cable.

 

Roller fairlead is superior for synthetic. Larger radius and less friction. After participating in 100s (seriously) of winching operations, I have NEVER seen the line pinch between rollers. This is a myth. Bill Burke of BB4WA also recommends rollers over hawse.

 

NOT a myth.....it's a FACT. I've spooled new winch cables for a number of friends that destroyed synthetic lines. Warn (the winch people) caution people NOT to make that FOOLISH mistake.

I've owned winches for over 45 years, used them myself thousands of times and personally witnessed synthetic lines jamb in roller fairleads. Bad advice to use them with synthetic lines.

 

Here's some good recovery info for ya.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/recovery-q-a-and-help.468373/