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Soft Shackles
Soft shackles have replaced heavy steel hardware as the standard connection point for modern recovery and rigging operations. Manufactured from high-strength HMPE (High-Modulus Polyethylene) fiber, these connectors match the strength of steel while weighing next to nothing. They float in water, handle easily in mud or snow, and most importantly eliminate the danger of heavy metal projectiles if a line fails under tension.
Soft Shackles
Soft Shackles
High-Performance Synthetic Recovery Hardware
Holloway Houston stocks a complete range of HHIppo Link and Xmonster’s imported soft shackles. From lightweight ATV connectors to heavy-duty truck recovery tools, our inventory covers diameters from 1/4" to 7/16" with breaking strengths reaching 47,000 lbs.
The HHIppo Link Difference
Our proprietary HHIppo Link Soft Shackle series (Models EHL-014 through EHL-716 ) is designed for the realities of the field. Unlike steel D-rings that can rust shut or seize after exposure to saltwater and mud, HHIppo Links remain flexible and easy to operate.
Key Design Features :
- One-Piece Design : Uses a secure button-knot stopper that tightens under load but releases easily once tension drops. No tools or threaded pins required.
- Abrasion Defence : A durable braided jacket protects the load-bearing core from grit, sand, and UV damage.
- Safety First: The synthetic fiber stores significantly less kinetic energy than steel, reducing risk to personnel and vehicles during extraction.
- Surface Protection : The soft fiber body will not scratch paint, bumpers, or delicate roll cage finishes.
HHIppo Link vs. Xmonster
We split our inventory into two clear lines so you can pick what works best for you :
- HHIppo Link Soft Shackles : This is Holloway’s own brand. Models in the EHL series (EHL-014 through EHL-716) feature a tough braided jacket to stop rubbing and a secure button-knot stopper. These are the top choice for industrial rigging and professional recovery.
- Xmonster Soft Shackles :These are our Imported Soft Shackles . The Xmonster line gives off-roaders and fleet managers a strong, reliable tool at a great price. Both brands come in over 15 colors, like Blaze Orange for high visibility or Midnight Blue and Army Green for a low-profile look.
Standards and Testing
Holloway Houston checks every synthetic soft shackle and hardware against Cordage Institute (CI) and WSTDA standards. Unlike general online parts, our HHIppo Link soft shackles are tested right here on our own test beds to verify their Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS).
Note on Capacity : We list a Working Load Limit (WLL) for overhead reference, but for vehicle recovery, you should look at the MBS. Most recovery pulls use a safety factor based on the breaking strength. Always check the fibers for cuts or fuzzing before you use them.
Choosing the Right Size & Capacity
Selecting the correct soft shackle requires matching the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) to your vehicle weight and winch line capacity. We stock four distinct weight classes:
| # | Category | Diameter | Model | Capacity | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Light Utility & ATV | 1/4" | EHL-014-006 | 2 Ton WLL | 20,000 lbs MBS | Perfect for UTVs, Side-by-Sides, and connecting light accessories. |
| 2 | Standard Trail & Jeep | 5/16" | EHL-516-010 | 2.9 Ton WLL | 29,000 lbs MBS | The go-to size for Jeeps, Tacomas, and small SUVs. |
| 3 | Full-Size Truck & Off-Road | 3/8" | EHL-038-010 / SS-038 | 4.35 Ton WLL | 43,500 lbs MBS | Designed for 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton pickups, overland rigs, and industrial rigging. |
| 4 | Heavy Duty Recovery | 7/16" | EHL-716-010 / SS-716 | 4.7 Ton WLL | 47,000 lbs MBS | For 1-ton trucks, commercial fleet recovery, and heavy equipment extraction. |
Soft Shackles Organization by Color
We stock HHIppo Link and Xmonster’s shackles in over 15 colors. This is not just for looks—it serves a functional purpose in kit organization:
- High Visibility : Blaze Orange, Saturn Yellow and Fusion Red stand out in mud, snow, or low-light conditions.
- Team Identification : Use Baby Blue, Purple, or Midnight Blue to assign specific gear to different vehicles or crew members.
- Tactical : Army Green, Tan, and Black offer a low-profile option for specific fleet requirements.5
- Brand Standard : HHI Green represents our standard stock specification.
Safe Usage Guidelines
While soft shackles are stronger than steel, they require specific handling to maintain that strength:
- Check Your Anchor Points : Do not connect soft shackles to laser-cut recovery points with sharp 90-degree edges. The edge must be radiused (rounded) or the fiber will shear under tension.
- Inspect for Wear : Check the jacket for cuts, fraying, or glazing (melting) before every use.
- Clean After Use : Rinse mud and grit out of the fibers with fresh water. Grit trapped inside the braid acts like sandpaper on the core.
Complete Your Recovery Kit
A soft shackle is just one part of the system. To build a full recovery kit, pair these shackles with Kinetic Recovery Ropes (snatch ropes) for smoother pulls, or lightweight Synthetic Winch Lines. For anchoring to a vehicle or tree, use Tree Saver Straps or standard Tow Straps to protect your gear. You can also use Snatch Blocks with soft shackles to create angled pulls without adding heavy steel blocks to your bag.
Browse our inventory to find the specific Model, Color, and Capacity for your recovery kit.
