You can use any type of winch line (steel or synthetic) with a roller-style fairlead. This design uses two horizontal rollers and two vertical rollers which allows for smooth, dependable winching. Roller fairleads have been around for a while and come standard with a lot of winches. While each has the same general purpose, there are some important differences between the two. The two most common types of fairleads are roller fairleads and hawse fairleads. It's important to note that steel cable can not be used on aluminum fairleads, but steel fairleads can support synthetic and steel cable. Your fairlead is most likely going to be made out of steel or aluminum. Materials matter and country of production matters. With that being said, it can be a little confusing when the time comes to choose the right fairlead for your vehicle. If your winch didn't come with a fairlead or if maybe you just want to run a different style, there are a ton of options out there. In many instances, winching is going to be done at some type of angle, so it's important to have a quality fairlead with a big enough surface area that will protect and preserve your winch line. Not only is this a big safety issue, but it could result in a failed recovery if it were to break.įairleads come in all shapes and sizes but it's important to have one that will work for your application. Without the use of a fairlead, the winch line would rub directly on the sharp edges of your bumper and cause a lot of wear and tear on the line. Without a fairlead, the life span of your winch line is greatly reduced.

Generally, the winch goes in or on the bumper, and the fairlead sits in front of the winch. The main purpose of a fairlead is to prevent the winch line from becoming damaged or frayed while the winch is in use. Since fairleads and winches go hand-in-hand, it's important to use the correct equipment. It's important to practice safe winching techniques with the right gear because when it comes to off-road recoveries, you can't afford to slip up. With more than one style of fairlead out there, how do you know which one to use or not to use? Winching is a great way to recovery yourself or other stuck vehicles, but it can also be very dangerous if done improperly or with the wrong equipment. This is super nice because you can start using it right away however, when it comes to fairleads, the possibilities are endless. Luckily, 9 times out of 10, your winch will come with a fairlead. It doesn't matter what type of bumper or winch you have, a fairlead is a must-have piece of off-road recovery gear. If you have a winch, you need to have a fairlead. Roller Fairleads: What's the Difference and Why Do You Need a Fairlead?

Forum handed or straight fairleads