Andy-T

Hi, Tell you what, when I want to know about the crane hire business I will come to you - If you want to know about Synthetic Winch Lines you come to me!!! Deal? And as for generalisations, we all know where that leads to when applied to the 4x4 :- To big. To dangerous. Gas guzzling. Supermarket & school run tanks. Environmental disasters destroying our beautiful countyside. Need I make any more "generally correct" bias, prejudiced statements? Andy Thomlinson.

I remember the good old days when I was a boy when real men didn't use winches, ARB's, Simex's, Portal Axles and all these new fankled toys like yon plastic string stuff, petrol was 2/6d a gallon, none of this metrification malarky. Progress & improvement - who needs it! When you could buy a serious off-roader from the local farmer for the price of a half decent lunch! It was knackered but such fun! Now, of course, just to stay in the hunt, yes I did say hunt, the list of regular consumables, consumed regularly, includes CV's, half shafts, diffs and alls sorts of spare parts I can barely pronounce, and as for them hybid things "well whatever next", and what on earth is an "Ibex" except a hairy thing roaming the Masai-marra! I suppose when all is said and done , and in the grand scheme of things, perhaps a couple of hundred quid is not to much to pay for piece of mind, safety and strength, never mind easing the life of the poor unfortunate winch bitch. Barefoot Jock from the North

Hi, The above statement is quite untrue in every possible way as none contain Kevlar! All the figures quoted are wrong and every individual manufacturer of synthetic lines claims different characteristics and performance specifications for their products, this also applies to steel as there are different qualities and maufacturing processes available for this also.. I am happy to discuss the technical composition of the various synthetic winch lines in detail off forum as it will require a great deal of technospeak, boring as h**l for the majority of viewers. Sweeping statements should be reserved for people using brushes and in general are just for pushing rubbish about!! Andy Thomlinson.

Hi Roguevogue, Live and let live - that is what I say! The market is big enough for us all and I had it all my way for about 3 years. I am not having a go at you and never intended to, However there are those out there that are selling all sorts of synthetic line, not only calling it Plasma but supplying a reciept that clearly states it! I know you sell your Dynaline on e-bay and use the plasma name as a direction finder to the item - this is quite reasonable as you clearly state on opening the item description that it is Dynaline - good luck to you! Kindest regards, Andy Thomlinson. www.ruftraks.co.uk

Dear "Plughole", Are you conducting the breeding experiment within the UK? I would, of course, be very interested in marketing your product, provided you can supply the neccessary Certificates of Conformance and assure me that no living creatures were harmed or unduly stressed during the manufacturing process. I have seen the clear advantages of this type of fibre demostrated during the recent screening of Spiderman 2 and it also heartwarming that you also embrace equal oppertunity culture, so often ignored, in employing an often ignored minority grouping - the "Umpalumpas". I have oftren wondered where these fine workers are to be found in these worrying times of political correctness and the modern worlds addiction to fitness & diet. All power to you and I look forward to recieving the first sample. Kindest regards, Andrew Thomlinson. Founder member of the Equal Opportunites Commission.

Hi All, I would just like to clarify the situation regarding Plasma Winch Line. Plasma is the registered trademark of Puget Sound Ropes, USA. I know that it has become the generic term used for all synthetic winch lines, however this can be misleading, with non Plasma products being promoted & sold as Plasma. Such is the price of success in promoting this product over the last 5 years in the UK. There is only one product that is Plasma, the rest are not. Normally this is supplied in a purple colour. Competition is good and it is always worthwhile considering all sources/materials when buying a new product. I was also very interested in the flat/webbing material being sold at Billing and considered it worth a try at the price. Please ensure that you do get what you order and if it is sold as Plasma it should come with a Certificate of Conformance issued by the manufacturer, clearly stating the minimum breaking strain of the grade supplied & dated as the time imported into the UK. If in doubt, always ask for proof of origin. Regards, Andy Thomlinson. www.ruftraks.co.uk

Hi All, A very interesting thread so far. As has been previously raised - the fitting to the drum is not designed to be loadbearing in any way, purely there as a locator! However due to the lower level of friction between the drum and Plasma, there is a need to increase the minimum number of wraps on the drum for the required grip load especially on new winches with painted drums.. I would suggest almost a complete bottom layer to be safe. There are two types of fitting locator for the majority of winches available within the UK. 1. The 8mm stud/bolt favoured by Warn, with the exception of the 8274. 2. The off set drilled drum favoured by Superwinch & Come Up. My view with the first is to ensure minimum number of wraps only as if you put undue strain on the stud/bolt it will shear. The second is easy as all you have to do is taper the Plasma, by removing some of the strands two at a time over the last 6" of the line, tightly wrapping it with insulating tape and pulling through the hole. Once you have enough fed through, tie a half-hitch in the line and pull it hard against the drum, cut off any surplus line beyond the knot. However I must once again stress that it is unsafe to reel out beyond the minimum wraps as the line will break at the knot! Winches are dangerous! If in doubt do not go beyond the minimum number of wraps under any circumstances - buy an extension line on find another form of recovery. Regards, Andy Thomlinson. www.ruftraks.co.uk

What great pictures!! I have seen more of the event by looking at the various forum sites than I ever did during it - and I was one of the organisers! Andy Thomlinson. www.ruftraks.co.uk

Hi Guys, Without competitors like you two and the fantastic marshals, the event would not take place! Sorry about the weather, but what do you expect this far North! It has been suggested it be renamed the "Argyll Rainforest Challenge", but I think we will keep it the way it is for now. Now if it is bogs you are looking for I know just the place in that forest and will save it just for you. Tried to call you today - dead line tone - guess what I forgot to give you before you left! You know just what I mean. Regards, Andy - T.