--- title: FACTOR 55 Blog (3) description: (3) --- # FACTOR 55 News ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_7434-300x225.jpg) ### [Does it matter how you use a Soft Shackle?](https://blogs.factor55.com/does-it-matter-how-you-use-a-soft-shackle) Nov 17, 2022 8:46:12 AM Alright Factor 55 Nation, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Remember, this particular Factor 55 test was only to determine ultimate breaking strength differences and not whether during cycles of tension and slack, one configuration is a more secure attachment than the other. All tests were conducted without any possible sharp edges affecting the tests. D/d of 4-6. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/does-it-matter-how-you-use-a-soft-shackle) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC02698-1024x683.jpg) ### [Search and Rescue Groups choose Factor 55](https://blogs.factor55.com/search-and-rescue-groups-choose-factor-55) Nov 17, 2022 8:45:42 AM A shout out to our friends over at [King County Search and Rescue](https://www.facebook.com/KingCountySAR/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCSZ-MiD5KkzXsRcBDsPOENQgdMYJjaw7P1jtghPV_thhb0Xm3j-V4FA0zLcRflACFHhx2iUuvLVMWs&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAsuo03s6G7q1k3_b0NUoWsGJRVRe90nxU_isAWnswIOBCWB9E-1pzUH6XpV9LQ5Xb1RjJ-WgQ_JwxDrn5c0t6QXpyGu3CWkbpD6yMyxXfBTRTE8ihKGNFf8zizaSpXK9192uij1B50I1KVPWKjWYi3hSlAH-q6obNs7T9co-9usCCxb0TXEH9atQJioPOU76UkVdhIExZRvla2exPxEpBPm5G0yEiElR8bI0w72OEg_mzYBQ8ghilvkEvfCL0_RsxU8aiBac1mMFxzNpqdjmTGzoj3z6Vh13JlRJANCXKiFNxV1Tx-FV436kHCZtcc40X-). Whenever people find themselves in imminent danger or distress, SAR organizations like this are ready to respond. This is a 100% volunteer organization serving its local community with Search and Rescue services along with Education. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/search-and-rescue-groups-choose-factor-55) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_4036-300x225.jpg) ### [Factor 55 Product Ideas are derived from Collaborative Efforts](https://blogs.factor55.com/factor-55-product-ideas-are-derived-from-collaborative-efforts) Nov 17, 2022 8:45:02 AM Did you know that many of the Factor 55 product ideas are derived from collaborative efforts between our engineers and other industry experts? To get products into our customer’s hands faster, we have discovered that continuous feedback from the end user during the development phase can actually accelerate the product development cycle. It also mitigates developing a product that does not fulfill it’s useful purpose. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/factor-55-product-ideas-are-derived-from-collaborative-efforts) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8436-1024x768.jpg) ### [Can you use a roller fairlead with synthetic winch rope?](https://blogs.factor55.com/can-you-use-a-roller-fairlead-with-synthetic-winch-rope) Nov 17, 2022 8:44:29 AM Can you use a roller fairlead with synthetic winch rope? – Yes. Do we prefer them over a Hawse style of fairlead? – No. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/can-you-use-a-roller-fairlead-with-synthetic-winch-rope) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-17%20at%2011.43.36%20AM.png) ### [Is your Factor 55 Product Stronger with a Rope Guard?](https://blogs.factor55.com/is-your-factor-55-product-stronger-with-a-rope-guard) Nov 17, 2022 8:43:53 AM   For those of you that are curious as to whether the addition of a Rope Guard product will add any overall strength to a FlatLink E winch shackle mount, well we tested this and there is an approximate gain in strength of 2-3000 pounds. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/is-your-factor-55-product-stronger-with-a-rope-guard) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8217-e1553190490995-150x150.jpg) ### [What does “Country of Origin” mean on vehicle recovery products?](https://blogs.factor55.com/what-does-country-of-origin-mean-on-vehicle-recovery-products) Nov 17, 2022 8:41:31 AM What does “Country of Origin” mean on vehicle recovery products? Well, pretty simple actually – where it’s made. All companies must provide this information on the product packaging, it’s the law. If it doesn’t say “Made In USA”, its not. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/what-does-country-of-origin-mean-on-vehicle-recovery-products) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8994-1-e1563913424398-768x1024.jpg) ### [Is your vehicle recovery gear supplier not only lab testing, but also field testing their equipment?](https://blogs.factor55.com/is-your-vehicle-recovery-gear-supplier-not-only-lab-testing-but-also-field-testing-their-equipment) Nov 17, 2022 8:40:36 AM Some of you have recently inquired on how to tell what force your winch is actually applying to your rigging and or vehicle. The truth is it’s hard to tell without the correct measurement instruments. Most of us can simply estimate the loads based on your winch capacity, what layer of rope you are on etc.. It’s best to be conservative, meaning that you should estimate the load on the high side of your approximation. When we are out field testing, we need a more accurate method to measure the actual loads to our recovery gear. We prefer to use a rechargeable load cell equipped with a data acquisition port. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/is-your-vehicle-recovery-gear-supplier-not-only-lab-testing-but-also-field-testing-their-equipment) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/c99fc86d-a5bf-444c-906b-68fa95e99982.jpg) ### [Seasons Greetings | Holiday Closure Info](https://blogs.factor55.com/seasons-greetings-holiday-closure-info) Nov 17, 2022 8:39:12 AM Seasons Greetings! [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/seasons-greetings-holiday-closure-info) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_0120-e1562101471887-768x1024.jpg) ### [Happy Birthday America! FREE ROPE GUARD with purchase of any flat Winch Line Shackle Mount!](https://blogs.factor55.com/happy-birthday-america-free-rope-guard-with-purchase-of-any-flat-winch-line-shackle-mount) Nov 17, 2022 8:38:38 AM Happy Birthday America! FREE ROPE GUARD with purchase of any flat Winch Line Shackle Mount! This also includes all UltraHook products. Limited time offer! [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/happy-birthday-america-free-rope-guard-with-purchase-of-any-flat-winch-line-shackle-mount) ![](https://blogs.factor55.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-17%20at%2011.37.35%20AM.png) ### [EMC Line Up at King of the Hammers 2018](https://blogs.factor55.com/emc-line-up-at-king-of-the-hammers-2018) Nov 17, 2022 8:37:47 AM     Are Factor 55 parts really tested and evaluated in racing applications? You bet. And we are not just talking about 1 or 2 sample parts. Take a look at the short video we shot of the front of race cars while walking through the starting lineup of the 4500 and 4800 class at the recent [King of The Hammers](https://www.facebook.com/KingofTheHammers/?fref=mentions) race. [Read More](https://blogs.factor55.com/emc-line-up-at-king-of-the-hammers-2018)