Steel Shackles vs Soft Shackles: The Debate That Could Change Your Recovery Kit

Recovery gear debates can get pretty heated around the campfire, but the steel versus soft shackle discussion doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. Both have their place in a proper recovery kit, and understanding when to use each one could save you from a world of hurt on the trails.

Ronny Dahl from 4-Wheeling in Western Australia breaks down the real differences between these two essential pieces of recovery gear, and his insights might change how you think about building your kit.

The safety factor alone should make you pay attention. When a steel bow shackle fails during a recovery, it becomes a deadly projectile that can punch through windshields and seriously injure or kill someone. That’s not being dramatic - it’s physics. A 3 ton steel shackle with around 16 tons of breaking strength becomes a missile when something goes wrong. Soft shackles made from Dyneema rope might give you a good whack if they snap back, but they’re not going to kill you.

Steel shackles do have their advantages though. They’re bombproof when it comes to sharp edges and rough treatment. Those front recovery points on most rigs have sharp edges that will slice through soft shackles like butter. The metal-on-metal contact doesn’t care about abrasion or pinch points. You can drive around with a steel shackle attached to your rear recovery point without worrying about it getting damaged from rocks or debris.

Soft shackles shine when it comes to versatility and ease of use. Anyone who’s tried to thread multiple straps and a snatch block through a bow shackle knows the frustration. There’s barely enough room, and you often need two people to get everything lined up. Soft shackles have tons of room for multiple straps, and you can easily add or remove components without fighting with a threaded pin.

The floating factor matters more than you might think. Drop a steel shackle in a creek during a water recovery, and it’s probably gone for good. Soft shackles will float downstream, but at least they stay on the surface where you can chase them down. When they’re attached to a vehicle sitting in water, the soft shackle floats up where you can easily grab it instead of fishing around underwater.

Price-wise, steel shackles are the clear winner. A decent bow shackle runs about $10-20 , while soft shackles cost anywhere from $30-100. That’s a significant difference, especially when you’re building out a complete recovery kit.

Maintenance requirements are completely different between the two. Steel shackles need regular lubrication to prevent rust and seizure, but they can take whatever punishment you throw at them. Soft shackles never rust, but they’re vulnerable to UV damage and abrasion. You need to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from sharp edges when they’re not in use.

Here’s where it gets interesting - soft shackles are actually safer for joining straps together. Every recovery instructor will tell you never to connect two snatch straps with a steel shackle. You’re just adding more deadly ammunition to an already dangerous situation. Soft shackles are perfectly fine for joining straps, winch extensions, or any other soft recovery gear.

The size issue with steel shackles can be pretty annoying depending on how your recovery points are setup. Some recovery points only accept smaller 3 ton shackles, while others need the larger 4 ton size. Soft shackles are basically one-size-fits-all, which simplifies your kit and reduces the number of spares you need to carry.

A smart recovery kit includes at least one steel shackle for front recovery points, another for rear recovery, and a couple of soft shackles for winching and strap connections. Having a smaller 3 ton steel shackle as a spare makes sense too, since you might encounter someone with recovery points that won’t accept the larger size.

The bottom line is that both steel and soft shackles have earned their place in modern recovery kits. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses helps you use the right tool for the job, which keeps everyone safer on the trails. Don’t get caught up in the brand wars - focus on having the right gear for the situation you’re facing.