Review of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

The Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles are a fantastic choice for soft shackles. They're essential when using synthetic winch lines for winching or recovery work.

Where To Buy the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

• Amazon
• Ebay
• BubbaRope

First Impressions of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

As soon as I picked up the package, I could tell that these were heavier than the cheap Chinese synthetic shackles that I bought from Amazon. The shackles are well packaged in a thick ziplock bag. The shackle is accompanied with an instructional handbook and a rating form directly attached.

I received a Gator-Jaw Pro and a NexGen Pro Shackle. They are similar but different in construction. The cards that come with the shackles list the strength rating, size, and barcode to view the product video.

Installation and setup of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

The procedure is straightforward. You take them out of the package and slip the collar down so you can remove the rope from the monkey fist. You insert the single component through what you're attempting to link together, then attach it to the rope encircling the monkey fist and tighten up the collar.

There are a variety of shackle designs available to choose from, but the Gator-Jaw Pro 7/8 Plasma soft shackle is one of the most popular. To keep the shackle secure, there's a notch in between the rope strands that loops around and returns to itself, forming a sort of figure-eight that may be loosened and tightened to hold it in place. The 3/8 NexGen Pro has a rubber collar with which you slide up and down the rope to keep it round the monkey fist. Both methods are effective, but the rubber collar on the NexGen Pro is easier to manage and quicker to use.

Specs of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

The specs will vary depending on the size and kind of shackle you choose. The Pro 7/16 Plasma shackle has an MBS rating of 45,000 pounds or 20,400 kilograms. It's constructed of a plasma UHMPE rope that stands for Ultra High Mechanical Polyethylene. BubbaRope makes the synthetic substance that is colored and made into rope and soft shackles for their products.

This synthetic material is a better choice than steel for many reasons. It floats, it corrodes less, and it has less potential energy stored in it. The 3/8 NexGen Pro has an MBS rating of 47,000 pounds or 21,318 kilograms. It is also made from UHMPE rope.

Field Test of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

I was careful when using synthetic shackles for the first time. It seemed like a dangerous combination to use them with a 7000-pound vehicle and a tree. But I can tell you that they work like a dream. They're easier to work with than steel, last longer, and are more convenient as well.

They are easier to pack, lighter, and faster to set up than steel shackles. I was skeptical at first, but I was convinced after using a BubbaRope to winch a 7000-pound Humvee up a snowy hill in the winter. The quality of their products is apparent, and they are made in the USA.

I've used synthetic shackles in many different ways and they have never broken. I'm confident that if you switch to using synthetic shackles, you will be happy with the results. Gator-Jaw is a quality brand that you can trust.

Pro’s of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

They are light and easy to use. They also have high tensile strength; they are strong and durable. They should be one of the first tools in your recovery toolbox.

Con’s of the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

I've worked with many different wrench recovery systems and I haven't found one that disappoints with the soft shackles. One thing to consider is how the color will look on the rope after it has been used a lot. The color might fade or come off, so it won't look new forever.

Final Thoughts on the BubbaRope Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles

Gator-Jaw is made in the USA and brought to you by BubbaRope. These soft shackles are very useful for getting out of difficult situations. They have been tested in all sorts of weather conditions and have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars worth of metal assets. I was initially skeptical about their ability to do many different jobs, but I am now pleasantly surprised that they exceed all my expectations.

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