Soft Shackles

Ultimate Guide to Soft Shackles: How to Use, Benefits, and Safety Tips The Explorey Soft-Shackle rope systems are made from the highest quality synthetic materials available with our very own unique protective coating. We have improved on the base UHMWPE compounds that are used for both Dyneema and Plasma ropes, creating the world's most advanced and strongest line.

Are soft shackles safe?

Soft shackles are an innovative solution for off-road enthusiasts seeking a safe and reliable way to connect snatch straps, ropes, and chains during recovery operations. Unlike traditional steel shackles, soft shackles are constructed with high-strength, lightweight materials that allow them to absorb shocks and vibrations, reducing the risk of damage to vehicles or equipment. Additionally, their soft construction eliminates the risk of metal-on-metal contact, which can cause sparks and other hazards. Instead, soft shackles are designed to securely hold loads, yet easily release when necessary, making them ideal for a wide range of recovery situations. With their unique blend of strength, flexibility, and safety, soft shackles are quickly becoming the preferred choice of off-road enthusiasts worldwide.

Below is an innovative way of using our EXPLOREY extra-long soft shackles as a figure 8 to loop around a tow ball hitch point safely. The tow ball acts as a stop while the pressure is on the hitch. Soft SHACKLE hitch loop

Discovering Soft Shackles: What They Are and Why You Need Them?

Soft shackles are revolutionising the way we think about shackle security. These looped shackles are crafted from synthetic compounds, making them lightweight yet incredibly strong. Featuring a spliced eye and a stopper knot, soft shackles provide unparalleled safety and security in a variety of applications. Whether you're a sailor, off-roader, or just need to secure your gear, soft shackles are the perfect solution for weight savings and peace of mind.

How do you measure a soft shackle?

Soft Shackles are measured by their termination (destruction testing) rating. This is the rating used when it is pulled with increasing weight to its failure point. The two types of machine are vertical machines and horizontal testing machines. All machines will produce a different rating of the same product and this is due to different machines, tolerances and technology. You cannot accurately compare termination ratings across different company products unless the testing was done on the same machine by the same testing company.

Are soft shackles worth it?

In terms of cost, typically a soft shackle of a similar rating will cost more than a comparable steel shackle. However, rope based soft shackles will outlast steel shackles when left in the elements due to their rust-free nature. As far as safety, soft shackles are the hands down winner if you value your safety with your recovery.

How long do soft shackles last?

Soft shackles will last indefinitely if not used. If they are often used at or close to their termination ratings they will generally last 3-5 years. If they are used up to 1/2 or less of their termination rating they will much longer with proper care. Replace soft shackles if they are showing any obvious signs of wear and chaffing. Clean soft shackles of dirt, sand, debris and store out of direct sunlight and weather. Dry wet shackles before storing.

Should I make my own Soft Shackle?

While making your own soft shackles may be an enticing idea, especially with the abundance of instructional videos available online, it is important to consider the safety implications. While the process may work well for sailors, it is not recommended for 4X4 recovery situations where safety is of utmost importance.

It is true that anyone can purchase Dyneema rope and learn how to splice a line and tie a diamond knot, tensioning the knot by hand using pliers will introduce weak points that can compromise the safety of the shackle. EXPLOREY off-the-shelf soft shackles have already undergone rigorous safety testing and are designed to meet safety standards. They are tensioned using a winch, which ensures that the knots are tightened to the correct degree ensuring maximum safety during recovery operations.

When it comes to soft shackles for off-road recoveries, it is best to rely on tested and proven products from reputable manufacturers rather than risking safety by attempting to make your own.

About our ropes

We pre-stretch each line and entirely coat them with a proprietary PU-based synthetic coating we call “Snake-Glaze”. This vinyl Snake-Glaze amour is imported from Belgium and applied individually to each rope giving them the highest rating 5-star resistance to UV damage, abrasion, sand and fading. This Snake-Glaze helps reduce line fraying with its anti-fuzz properties, making a far superior product that will out-last competitors. Our winch lines are colour branded every 2 metres to gauge the amount of rope you have out at any time.

Our Shackles are safe to use as tow rope connectors and will replace all bow shackles, connectors and carabiners. The Explorey soft-shackles are a required upgrade for competition winch trucks that ban unbolted objects which move around the cabin injuring competitors and spectators. These Shackles are extremely durable, light, safe, don’t rust, float on water and are superior in every way when compared to steel. All our soft-shackles are made with our proprietary UHMWPE Anti-Fuzz coating, Belgium paint proofing & UV Stabilized molecules which make our ropes outlast and outperform competitors.

We’ve developed two styles of 4WD soft-shackles. The Sailor and the Jailer. These formidable shackles both feature our proprietary UHMWPE anti-fuzz rope with our Snake-Glaze coating.

Explorey made Soft Shackles. Sailor vs Jailer

The Sailor Shackle is a line spliced shackle with V2 Diamond knot and protective sleeve.

The Jailer Shackle is a straight looped shackle with V2 Diamond knot and a higher termination rating.

The Sailor shackles have a polyester woven rope protector with an oversized diamond knot to provide the perfect no-slip connection. The protector allows you to use these shackles on uneven and sharper attachment points, reducing wear and tear. These ropes are traditionally spliced to save on weight and costs while still retaining an impressive breaking strength. The sailor shackle is for the care-free soldier who wants the most life out of his product.

Explorey 4WD soft shackle

The Jailer shackles are a modified version of the Sailer for the more advanced soldier. We’ve removed both the splice (giving a high breaking strength) and the rope protector (so you’ll need to pay more attention to where you attach this shackle). This allowed us to get a higher breaking strength by providing two stately lines while applying even pressure throughout the tension. The Jailer is around 30% stronger than the Sailor by rope diameter and features the same oversized diamond knot for a no-slip connection.

Improved Explorey UHMWPE rope
Anti-fuzz rope Snake-Glaze coating
The safest way of connecting any rope, winch-line, chain etc