Kinetic tow ropes are specially designed for 4x4 vehicles and (Dakar) trucks, offering breaking strengths ranging from 2 to 50 tonnes. These ropes stand out due to their elasticity and durability, which are essential for off-road applications.
Standard polypropylene tow ropes, commonly available in car accessory shops, lack adequate breaking strength and are therefore unsuitable for demanding conditions. Prorope’s composite tow ropes typically have an elongation of 7% to 9% at 50% of their breaking strength, helping to absorb shocks during recovery efforts. However, excessive elongation can be dangerous as it may cause the rope to act like a rubber band.
Nylon, another commonly chosen material, is known for its exceptional strength and durability. However, understanding its behaviour and attributes as a tow rope is crucial. That’s why, in the following section, we will provide a detailed comparison between nylon and Prorope HSPP (composite) ropes.
Advantages of HSPP (composite ropes) over nylon
HSPP (High Modulus Polypropylene/Polyester) offers clear advantages over nylon, especially in demanding applications like recovery scenarios and maritime environments:
- Lightweight and floats: Prorope composite ropes have a density of 0.895 - 0.92 g/cm³, making them buoyant. Nylon, with a density of 1.14 g/cm³, sinks instead.
- Zero water absorption: Composite ropes absorb no water, whereas nylon can absorb up to 22% of its weight in water, significantly reducing its strength—by as much as 90%.
- Cost-effective: Prorope composite ropes are more affordable compared to nylon; nylon is the most expensive material, with polyester priced in the mid-range.
- Improved UV resistance: While standard polypropylene is vulnerable to UV radiation, composite materials provide enhanced protection, making them more durable.
- Ideal for recovery situations: Composite ropes exhibit the right amount of stretch to absorb shocks without behaving like an elastic band, unlike nylon. This prevents direct force transmission to vehicles, reducing the risk of damage.
Why not 100% polyester?
Although polyester has strong attributes, it isn’t ideal for recovery purposes.
- Lower elongation reduces its ability to absorb shocks effectively.
- Stiffer structure makes it harder to store and less flexible during use.
Prorope’s composite ropes combine the benefits of elasticity, flexibility, and durability, making them better suited for recovery scenarios.
Product Benefits of Kinetic Tow Ropes
Prorope’s composite ropes deliver the following standout advantages:
- Extremely wear-resistant – No need for PU coatings or protective sleeves.
- Versatile – Remains flexible, resists kinking, and offers excellent resistance to rot, mould, and UV exposure.
- Consistent strength – Maintains breaking strength whether wet or dry.
Available tow ropes
- Diameter – From 10mm to 32mm in 3 strands twisted construction, and from 36mm in 8-strand configurations.
- Breaking strength – Available up to 56 mm diameter from stock, with breaking strengths up to 65 tonnes. Heavier-duty versions are available on request.
- Colour – White.
Click here to see all the Prorope recovery ropes
Advantages of Prorope Composite Kinetic Tow Ropes
Prorope’s composite ropes are an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications due to their:
- Outstanding wear resistance: Retains durability even in wet and harsh conditions.
- Lightweight and flexible nature: Weighs 18–20% less than conventional polyester ropes and absorbs minimal water, making it easy to handle.
- Versatility: These ropes remain soft, resist kinking, and provide impressive defence against rot, mould, and UV rays.
- Stable tensile strength: Delivers the same performance in both dry and wet conditions.
Prorope’s kinetic tow ropes combine reliability, flexibility, and durability, making them an excellent choice for tackling serious recovery situations. A major advantage is the possibility of customisation, allowing the rope length to be tailored to your specific needs.
Advice and Quote Requests
At Prorope, we understand that every scenario is unique, and specific requirements must be met for tow ropes. That’s why we offer expert advice to help you choose the best rope for your application.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for personal guidance and a tailored quote. Simply email us at info@prorope.com.
It’s also helpful to provide information about the conditions you anticipate and the type of vehicle you are using. We will ensure you receive an appropriate quote promptly.