A kinetic recovery rope is designed to help vehicles stuck in mud, sand, or snow. Its key benefit is its ability to stretch and store energy, which allows it to pull a stuck vehicle with more power than a standard tow rope or chain.
It’s especially useful for off-road enthusiasts. We cover everything you need to know about kinetic recovery ropes, from usage recommendations to maintenance and much more.
What’s The Difference Between Kinetic Rope And Static Rope?

Kinetic rope is designed to stretch under load. This allows it to absorb and store kinetic energy. This reduces the jolt on vehicles during a recovery and smooths out the recovery process. It also releases the stored energy, resulting in more force being applied to the stuck vehicle than would happen with a static rope.
Static rope doesn’t stretch much under load. This makes it strong, but it also transfers all the pulling force directly without absorbing energy. Using the correct static rope pulling technique is essential to avoid damaging either of the vehicles.
Kinetic ropes are better suited for off-road recoveries. Static ropes are more suitable for towing or winching at steady speeds.
What’s The Difference Between Kinetic Rope And A Tow Strap?
Tow straps are similar to static ropes as they hardly stretch under load. Tow straps tend to be constructed out of flat nylon strips, while static ropes are often made from interwoven nylon pieces.
Tow straps are better suited to steady-rate pulls over flat surfaces, while kinetic ropes are better for short-distance recoveries in off-road situations. If you need a recovery strap instead of a kinetic rope, we also offer light, medium, and heavy-duty recovery strap kits:



How Do You Use A Kinetic Rope For Recovery?
Kinetic Rope is great for rescuing a vehicle stuck deep in sand, snow or mud.
- Attach the rope to a solid mounting point on the stuck vehicle and the recovery vehicle
- Make sure that there is around 6-10 feet of slack in the rope
- Drive the recovery vehicle forward at a slow, steady speed
- Allow the rope to become taught and start to stretch
- Repeat the process if the second vehicle is still stuck
Can You Tow With Kinetic Rope?
No. This is not recommended, as the kinetic rope can stretch too far and become damaged. It also doesn’t allow for a controlled pull, which is necessary when towing.
How Do You Clean A Kinetic Rope?
A muddy or dusty kinetic rope can be cleaned with some warm soapy water. It should be shaken to remove any excess dirt and laid out after cleaning to dry thoroughly.
Never pack a kinetic rope away if it is wet or dirty, and always check for any damage or fraying after use.
Where Should I Attach Kinetic Rope?
Every vehicle has specific towing points. Some have a threaded section of metal in the bumper where a towing eye can be screwed. Others will have dedicated tow hooks. Off-road vehicles may have steel bumpers with built-in hard points to attach ropes, straps, and hooks.
It is worth noting that some off-road vehicles are fitted with factory plastic or aluminum bumpers that are not designed to be used as towing points.
How Much Does Kinetic Rope Stretch?
A kinetic rope can stretch 20% to 30% in regular use. Our Superwinch Kinetic Recovery Rope is 30 feet long, which would equate to a 6 to 9 foot increase in length when under load.
Some lower-quality kinetic ropes cannot stretch more than 20% and risk snapping or tearing when pulled beyond their limit.
Can I ‘Double Up’ A Kinetic Rope?

Yes. If the rope is too long, it can be doubled. This would require looping the rope through the recovery vehicle’s mounting point and attaching both ends to the stuck vehicle. This also increases the overall pulling strength of the rope.
You can also use two kinetic recovery ropes tied together. This would require looping the two ropes together – make sure not to use metal hooks or connectors as this can damage the rope when it is under strain.
What Size And Strength Of Kinetic Rope Do I Need For My Vehicle?

The following factors need to be considered to choose the right kinetic rope for your needs:
Vehicle weight – The rope should have a breaking strength that is 2-3 times the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This figure includes the vehicle’s weight as well as any equipment, luggage, and passengers on board.
Rope Diameter – Light vehicles under 4,000 lbs need a 7/8” diameter rope. Vehicles up to 6,000 lbs will need to increase this size to 1”in diameter. Heavy vehicles up to 10,000lbs may need up to 1-1/4” diameter rope or to double up a thinner rope.
The Superwinch Kinetic Recovery Rope is 1” in diameter with a load rating of 10,000 lbs. This makes it ideal for the vast majority of Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. The 30-foot rope length is perfect for off-roading recoveries, and with a 30,950 lbs break strength, it is up for the toughest recoveries.
What Safety Precautions Do I Need To Take When Using Kinetic Recovery Rope?

- Inspect your kinetic recovery rope for fraying or undue wear before use.
- Always use dedicated recovery points rated to handle the stresses of towing or pulling.
- Use soft shackles where possible to prevent damage to the kinetic rope.
- Rope dampeners are a great way to prevent injury if the rope snaps.
- Stay clear of the rope when pulling and use protective gloves.
- Make sure that the rope is not rubbing against sharp objects.
How Many Times Can Kinetic Rope Be Used?
This depends on how well they are looked after and whether they are used within their rated capacity. A kinetic rope cleaned regularly and not overstretched can last for dozens of recoveries.
Once the rope starts to become overly stiff or is fraying, it is time to replace it.
How Much Does Kinetic Rope Cost?
A high-quality kinetic rope can cost between $100 and $200, depending on its diameter and length. The Superwinch 30-foot Kinetic Recovery Rope costs $149,99 and features a double-braided nylon design. It also uses UV-resistant materials and covered end loops to prevent abrasion.

A heavy-duty storage bag is also included to help extend the life of your kinetic rope.
Can I Install A Kinetic Rope Myself?
Our kinetic rope is a universal fit and does not require installation. Follow the usage instructions above for best results and a long service life. After every use, clean and dry the rope and pack it in the supplied storage bag.
Where Should I Buy Kinetic Rope?
Superwinch offers a high-quality, heavy-duty Kinetic Recovery rope that is tough enough for most off-roading adventures. Our 30-foot kinetic rope has an impressive 10,000lb load rating and comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty. Contact us today to order your Kinetic Recovery rope and other off-roading accessories.