SmittybiltALUMINUM FAIRLEAD - SB2809

Exactly as described very satisfied.

The fairlead was installed when I replaced the steel winch line on my trailer winch with synthetic winch rope. I've only had the opportunity to use the winch a couple of times after the fairlead was mounted. So far, it has functioned as it should. I have no complaints. If it proves to be durable long-term, I will change my rating to 5 stars.

Looks better without steel cable and the big rollers that came with it

When I first received the item, it was missing the bolts but I wouldn't have been able to use them anyway with the tight clearance between my bumper and winch. The fairlead itself has noticeable pits on the surface of both sides from the casting itself. It's fully polished but you can see the pin holes and horizontal lines where the holes are. Luckily none were near the area where the rope runs through. The inner oval cutout wasn't 100% machined exactly. It looks like the inner rounded edges were done by hand and not CNC so you're going to have imperfections. I've seen the more expensive CNC billet fairleads and this isn't it. Will this item work, yes. Is it perfectly pretty, no. But at half the cost of others it's your call.A couple of days after installing it, I got some salt water and mud splattered on it and it's now stained and I can't remove it with mag/alum polish. So the finish is a bit delicate.If it was billet aluminum I would have gone with a full 5 stars.

I bought this fair lead to use with the Smittybuilt synthetic winch rope I bought. This nicely made and finished and will work well I'm sure. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it is a little too small to completely cover the hole in my bumper where this mounts. My original fair lead was also a Hawse type but steel (or cast) and it was somewhat larger and did a better job of covering the hole in the bumper.Also this item, as with the winch rope, is made in China. Like I said the finish is very nice so being made in China isn't an indication of poor quality but I thought I would note it anyway. If that is something you take into consideration now you know. I know finding that out many times can be very difficult.

This looks good, and is great for the price, but my bolts rusted in the first rain. So I'm only giving it 4 Stars. Likely for the price it should be a 5 star product, but I feel that for 20 cents more this could have been flawless.

I am totally pleased, with the quality, workmanship, finish, and of course the price. I have no idea why anyone would pay 2x or 3x more, because this fairlead is everything you need for a synthetic rope.There are some EXTREMELY slight, very fine pits (like a pin-prick) which have been smoothed by the final buffing. Other than that, the pass-through finish is perfect, and will provide a slick, smooth, well-radiused surface for the rope.Also, a pair of stainless steel socket-head bolts is included. A nice touch.

When I bought this, I was switching from steel rope to synthetic. When switching to synth, they recommend switching to a hawse fairlead or changing the steel rollers out for poly rollers (safe for synth line). This was less expensive than the poly rollers. IMO, it looks better too. As another bonus it pairs with the Factor55 Flatlink E for a great look, and even better functionality.

easy install, wear seems good. no damage to rope.

Looks good, and there are no sharp edges to damage a synthetic winch rope.

Good

great deal!

Perfect for my application.