Factor 55 Flatlink or Ultrahook?

Is worth the extra money? I like having more options with the Ultrahook.

 

In my opinion, no.

but I also think that Factor 55 stuff is generally overpriced bling, anyway.

 

After running a flat link for a couple years now, I would say if you wanna spend the cash on the F55 stuff do the ultra hook, I find always having to get a shackle (Soft or Hard) out any time you have to use the winch is a pain in the ass compared to just hooking up a hook to a strap, not to mention the redundancy of closed system winching by adding more metal (hard shackle) in the system. The ultra hook does kind of fix this, but then its also not the whole close system winching that they are so proud of.
Another option if you want something that looks better is the warn Epic Hook. Stronger than a normal hook and has a nice rounded edge to reduce the chance of the hook damaging the strap, you can also just hook it to a shackle mounted on a bumper.

If you go snow wheeling you will also find that shackles love to freeze to the flat link. both hard and soft. Soft shackles are not big fans of snow and sub 20 degrees.

 

I love soft shackles but they hate winter. Appreciate the feed back. My hook has cut a few straps. All cheap ones thankfully.

 

Expensive fore sure but I love how extensive their testing is. Had a lot of buddies buy knock offs and have seen them break, and snapping equipment is sketchy af.

 

Definitely considering the warm epic too

 

That's my pick, that's what I have switch my F55 out for before, and what is switch it out for again.

 

Warn has been making winch products since probably before most of the guys at 55 were even born. I'd say they know a thing a or two about product testing, what works, and what doesn't. I have never thought twice about the hook that came stock on my VR10.

Not saying factor 55 is crap, it clearly isn't. But I would classify them as one of the many companies out there who are capitalizing on the "overlanders" with excessive disposable income (or good credit) who like shiny anodized objects.

99% of failures are simple misuse and ignoring maintenance.

 

I’m thinking the sidewinder as well. Mine is sharp, beat and rusty thanks to Colorado.

 

My only ding on the Ultrahook is it chips easily. Besides that I really like it and glad I splurged on it.