How to choose the right 4x4 Soft Shackle

Choosing the right soft shackle for off-road recovery might seem like a no-brainer, but many 4x4 owners are unsure how to determine what recovery gear they need.

When it comes to soft shackles, there is no “one size fits all.” A proper recovery kit should include more than one type or size of soft shackle, each serving a specific purpose.

Three Factors to Consider when choosing a Soft Shackle

Factor 1: Is it a fuse or a solid link?

The first question to ask is whether the soft shackle should act as a weak link (fuse) or a solid link.

Every recovery setup has a weak point—either the recovery point, the rope, or the soft shackle. The key question is: what is the safest and most cost-effective component to fail?

• If a recovery point fails, it becomes a dangerous metal projectile.
• If a rope fails, it’s safer—but expensive to replace.
• If a soft shackle fails, it’s the cheapest and safest component to sacrifice.

This brings us to the Fuse Soft Shackle. A fuse soft shackle is deliberately rated weaker than the kinetic recovery rope. In extreme loads, it should fail before the rope and—ideally—before a recovery point. This allows you to choose where the “fuse” sits in your recovery setup, adding a level of control to how and where failure occurs.

On the other hand, a solid-link soft shackle is designed to be stronger than the rope it connects to. These are used when joining recovery ropes, winch extensions, or other gear where durability, abrasion resistance, and longevity are critical. In this case, the soft shackle should be the last component to fail.

Factor 2: Choose the right size

Whether you need a fuse or a solid link determines the size of soft shackle you should use.

For kinetic recoveries, I always include at least one Rusty 4x4 Fuse Soft Shackle in the setup. This concept—shared with us by Bruce Jenkinson—has been part of Rusty 4x4's thinking from day one, which is why every recovery kit we sell includes two.

For solid links, we offer 18-ton and 26-ton soft shackles. Both are more than strong enough when paired with a 12-ton kinetic recovery rope. You could be wondering, why not just buy the strongest soft shackle? Sometimes the diameter of a 26-ton soft shackle is simply too thick to pass through certain aftermarket recovery points. When that happens, the 18-ton version is the practical choice. Ideally, you want both available in your kit.

Length also matters. Some soft shackles are too short to fit comfortably around thick ropes or recovery points. Extra-long “Super Soft Shackles” (1–2 meters) are extremely useful, allowing you to loop around axles, wheels, or tow bars when needed.

Factor 3: To buy or not to buy

Standing in a shop, how do you know if a soft shackle is worth buying? Here are a few things to look for:

• Rated breaking strength
  A soft shackle must clearly state its minimum breaking strength. Rope diameter alone (10mm or 12mm) is meaningless without proper testing and certification.
• Fibre quality
  If the fibres feel dry, brittle, or like hay, it’s usually a sign of lower-quality UHMWPE. Many imported soft shackles in South Africa have this dry feel. Some are coated after weaving, which improves abrasion resistance but often makes the shackle stiff and unpleasant to handle.
• Strand colour consistency
  If the outside is coloured but the inside fibres are white, the rope was dyed after weaving. If the fibres are the same colour throughout, it likely means the strands were solution-dyed and heat-treated before weaving. This process costs about 20% more but results in a stronger, softer, more heat-resistant, and more durable product. This is the grade of UHMWPE we use in all our soft shackles, winch lines, and bridles.
• Warranty and support
  Lastly, check the warranty. All recreational Rusty 4x4 products come with a 2-year no-fuss replacement warranty. Whether Chuck Norris used it or your dog ate it—if it breaks, we’ll replace it. (Bonus points if you send a cool photo and story 😄)

If a soft shackle is suspiciously cheap, it’s worth asking why. When you buy a premium product, you’re not just paying for better materials—you’re also paying for proper support, accountability, and peace of mind when it matters most.