Tow straps are really good for storing and releasing kinetic energy. But at a slower rate than chains!
Snap and jerk towing is possible with a strap, and safer because the snap and jerk will actually exceed the SWL (safe working load) of the strap and then utilises the Shock Strength or Shock Load factor, which is more than the SWL. Like probably 1.5x or greater.
Now, all this within reason, I don't want to take a 25' run at pulling your stuck jeep out with a 30' strap. Something metal will break! Some slack on the line is ok, its useful.
Thats why chains are bad,bad,bad. They do not have a shock load rating, either none, or very close to none. They might have a higher SWL, and because metal does stretch, just not too much, thats why when they break they go flying! Bad, bad, bad, very bad.
Though, by rights, when a strap gets all encrusted with mud, it should be taken out of service.
By rights, a strap that gets wet and freezes, should be taken out of service.
Now I am not gonna argue about how synthetic fibres are not supposed to succumb to water. But they do.
The reason we all use muddy and water damaged straps is that when they snap, they are not much of a projectile. The kinetic energy stored when the strap is stretched is released slower than a chain, when the strap breaks.
If you put a shackle between two of them for a longer pull, well then treat that shackle the same as you would a winch line, just in case. Because the shackle will become a projectile, though not nearly as bad as winch line.
(Actually in a perfect world, it should actually fall straight down; but we know its not a perfect world, so it can go flying)
Plus your two straps shown below:
1________________________________________
RECOVERY STRAPS
$ 59.99
• Nylon webbing
• Reinforced inserts sewn into loops to reduce wear and abrasion
3" x 30 ft. 27,000 lb. capacity
Regular Price: $72.99
Weight: 5.4 lbs
Capacity is less than breaking strength. Capacity is max Safe Working Load
2________________________________________
TOW STRAP
$ 19.99
• 4" x 25 ft.
• Breaking strength:15,000 lbs.
• Safe working load
Regular Price: $26.99
Weight: 4.3 lbs
Breaking strength is by rights higher than the SWL. Though it seems this strap is rated the same for Breaking and SWL. Both of which are lower than strap #1.
Also interesting to see the 4" strap is lighter than the 3" strap, even though its 1" wider and 5' shorter.
Meaning the 3" strap is thicker, heavier, and "better".
Buy the 3"x30', you cant go wrong!
Sermon over.