As per title. Presently using steel.
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It may be heavier, it might not be as flexible, it may not be as efficient, but damn it, I trust wire rope on a winch way more than synthetic.
Maybe you respool the line every time you use the winch, ensuring it's laying properly on the drum and properly tensioned....
Maybe you only winch yourself thru a few layers on the drum, then stop to ensure it's not cross-layering, re-spooling as necessary before continuing...
Maybe you fully extend the winch when you get home to inspect it and re-spool properly...and replace it promptly...
Maybe you are lucky enough to have your anchor directly ahead of you, helping ensure the line properly layers...
I'm not that guy ........
I'm lazy, too. Until it comes to wheeling. Somehow I can muster more energy on an outing than say, when I'm working around the yard or slaving at the job. But I have worked with synthetic rope and straps and can see the advantages in handling it. I don't trust my ability to judge the condition of it - especially because it would get neglected a lot, like you say. Are weak points and damage on synthetic as obvious as wire rope? The extra caution needed when using it when exposed to an abrasive environment would make me really nervous.........I'm lazy, and most of my recovery situations required prompt action. Synthetic is FAR more forgiving. Other than an occasional fresh-water rinse, I usually ignore my line.......
........And when it does break (and it has), it doesn't lash back nearly as much and is far less dangerous.
Maybe you respool the line every time you use the winch, ensuring it's laying properly on the drum and properly tensioned.....
Once you use synthetic you'll never want to use steel again.