Factor 55 Sawtooth kit

[HooliganActual]

@chorky

If you are just starting to build a kit and are trying to be cost conscious then I would recommend scrutinizing what you really need to start with. Here's some rationale to use:

1. If you think purely in terms of self recovery, you don't need a kinetic rope. That's a tool to use when there are two vehicles and used typically for a vehicle stuck in something like sand, snow or mud. I've never used a kinetic rope, nor seen used, for a vehicle in the rocks (unless there was no other flat strap/winch line available, because its not the right tool for that job). As a side note, I've always used a winch even in snow/sand/mud. It's more controlled and generally less crazy.​

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2. I carry one Crosby Shackle because there have been times where I have needed to hook to a bumper shackle mount (on either vehicle) and I don't want to cut a soft shackle on the bend of the shackle mount eyelet.​

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3. Soft Shackles, Soft Shackles, Soft Shackles. They are the best thing to happen to recovery tools in a long time. I carry 3. A typical scenario in a recovery consists of one vehicle anchored (to a tree/another vehicle) using 2 soft shackles and a strap and then a winch line run out to the stranded vehicle using a soft shackle.​

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4. Referencing #3, tree savers are always a good thing. Mind you, those haven't been around forever. It's the right thing to do but could be left out of an initial round of buying.​

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5. Again referencing #3, a Tow Strap. You will either need it to anchor to something when the stranded vehicle pull is too "heavy" or to flat tow that vehicle out.​

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6. Looks like you have a Rubicon which comes with tow hooks, so theoretically you don't need the Hitch Link for connecting to the back of your vehicle. I have one and like them but it could be round 2 again.​

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7. I always carry a snatch block. I absolutely love the new synthetic line pulleys. I personally have one of the GearAmerica pulleys. In 40 years of off road adventuring, I have never used a snatch block...​

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With all that said, here's a good way to start out (using Factor 55's pricing of the individual items in that kit):

Round 1​

- 3 Soft Shackles $165 ($55 x 3)​

- 1 Crosby Shackle $41​

- Tow Strap $105​

- Tree Saver $85​

Round 2​

- Snatch Block​

- Kinetic Rope​

- Hitch Link​

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So a basic kit that will work in most recovery situations is $400 if you buy from Factor 55. You might find better bargains on items from other vendors.

That's where I'd start if you are being budget conscious.

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[Silverator]

I'd also recommend RhinoUSAinc. About half the price the OP is quoting. I just got a large recovery kit from them that I pieced together on their site, and have been super impressed so far. Have not had to use it yet, but the quality is there, and I'm confident that when I need it - it will hold up very well. - PS - I think they are having a sale this weekend for even better pricing.

 

[montechie]

From my experience I would echo @HooliganActual suggested rounds. Mix and match for much better pricing than the 55 kit. Just make sure each item is weight rated. I may have paid that for kitting out 2 vehicles but doubtful, both tending to do semi-regular recoveries. I haven't noticed much difference between mid-tier and upper-tier $$, both have lasted and worn about the same. My Smittybilt straps have equaled my ARB, Warn stuff easily over the decades.

I would add the Fast Fid if you're running synthetic line. I've had to do field repairs on lines and it's never at a convenient moment or in good weather, usually in deep snow or mud and on some rando person's winch line. The Fid makes splicing line super easy. That could also be a later purchase if you're not in situations/areas where you or others get stuck often. You CAN and should learn to do splices without of course, but the time difference and ease of a fid is significant.

I've added an extra long soft shackle to save my winch line recovering other vehicles with 0 recovery points and attaching to frames, etc. Stupid 4x4 vans and subarus... I haven't used a hard shackle in years, since soft shackles came out. I keep a hard shackle on hand for rescuing other vehicles and the attachment is weird, but would consider them less vital. That's also the only reason I keep a hitch setup with me, for others' vehicles or when some knucklehead tries to help with their ball hitch.

 

[chorky]

I think this is going to come down to whether or not you appreciate the all-in-one nature of the kit, that's it's USA made, and that you require highest quality.

As others have said you can price out other kits that aren't as meticulously engineered and fabricated, but only you can make the call if the premium price for the premium pieces are worth it.

If you're going to use it weekly splurge on it, if it's a "just in case" kit piece part your own bare essentials kit and throw it all in a cheap backpack.

Yes true - I tend to lean toward high quality items as I would rather spend money for a good product than have a potential failure. For me, if I need something like this - I need it to work and not fail.

cheaper. And use the various discount codes that they offer or some YouTubers have on their channels. That’s what I did and I think I paid mid 700s.

Yeah I wasn't looking at the right place when I made that original post. I rounded up from the Factor 55 site - which was 950 or something. Northridge has it for about 815. Good catch.

ality is the Shackles, I only use USA made Crosby shackles, and Factor 55 price was competitive with others

One of the things I really like about their stuff is they have the ratings and specs printed on each item. Not even ARB has both WLL and breaking strength listed. And plenty of items dont even have those spec's listed at all - which I don't like, especially for something that can be sketchy like recovery

From my experience I would echo @HooliganActual suggested rounds. Mix and match for much better pricing than the 55 kit. Just make sure each item is weight rated. I may have paid that for kitting out 2 vehicles but doubtful, both tending to do semi-regular recoveries. I haven't noticed much difference between mid-tier and upper-tier $$, both have lasted and worn about the same. My Smittybilt straps have equaled my ARB, Warn stuff easily over the decades.

I would add the Fast Fid if you're running synthetic line. I've had to do field repairs on lines and it's never at a convenient moment or in good weather, usually in deep snow or mud and on some rando person's winch line. The Fid makes splicing line super easy. That could also be a later purchase if you're not in situations/areas where you or others get stuck often. You CAN and should learn to do splices without of course, but the time difference and ease of a fid is significant.

I've added an extra long soft shackle to save my winch line recovering other vehicles with 0 recovery points and attaching to frames, etc. Stupid 4x4 vans and subarus... I haven't used a hard shackle in years, since soft shackles came out. I keep a hard shackle on hand for rescuing other vehicles and the attachment is weird, but would consider them less vital. That's also the only reason I keep a hitch setup with me, for others' vehicles or when some knucklehead tries to help with their ball hitch.

The fast fid was one thing that drew me to that kit - but it can be purchased separately of course. I probably need to go back and rebuild the kit I pieced together and then compare - after a good nights sleep I think I had a lot more in the kit I pieced together than the sawtooth - sleep does wonders for brain processing. ?

 

[scubasteve4140]

https://factor55.com/product/vehicle-recovery-kit-sawtooth/

Curious if anyone has this or has experience with it. A few weeks ago I had pieced together my own kit and found it to be quite a lot more expensive than just one of the various kits you can buy. I am not yet sold on getting a kit instead of piecing together my own, as theres a lot not included here that I would like, and some things included that I don't care for. But it fits the basic needs - not sure if it's worth the 1K price tag though, but these guys do make good stuff

I built a complete Rhino USA recovery kit last week for $330, looks to be quality stuff and it has good reviews online.

 

[sarguy1941]

Kits are for those that just need it now. I built my kit mostly with Rhino stuff. Mine is in a pelican style case to keep everything dry. I do add to it depending on where I'm going. I started with a strap, then the tree saver, then more soft shackles...etc. I did it over time and continue to add to it. I am old school and still carry a couple steel shackles and a 4' chunk of chain.

 

[bleda2002]

I built a complete Rhino USA recovery kit last week for $330, looks to be quality stuff and it has good reviews online.

Rhino USA gets used a ton out here snatching trucks out of mud, they're stuff is extremely high quality and I'd not hesitate to put it up to any of the more expensive brands. Sure it's not USA made, but it's hard to pay 2-4x for the same quality item

 

[Camaroboi13]

I would add the Fast Fid if you're running synthetic line. I've had to do field repairs on lines and it's never at a convenient moment or in good weather, usually in deep snow or mud and on some rando person's winch line. The Fid makes splicing line super easy. That could also be a later purchase if you're not in situations/areas where you or others get stuck often. You CAN and should learn to do splices without of course, but the time difference and ease of a fid is significant.

I personally have a hard time justifying that purchase. I have a ball point pen, a sharp pair of scissors, and a roll of duct tape in the vehicle at all times. I’d also be willing to be I can splice a line faster than most people who own the FID. With some practice I am sure everyone could do the same. If making this purchase, just make sure there’s absolutely nothing else you need to spend 41 dollars on first.

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