The 30-second answer
A fairlead is a small part with an expensive failure mode: a rough or wrong fairlead cuts synthetic rope, and a cut rope fails under load. This guide compares heavy duty fairleads for motorcycle and ATV winches by mount pattern, rope type and construction, so you buy the fairlead that protects your rope rather than the one with the brightest finish.
Our picks are: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch, STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch, WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968, Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809, Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023.
How we researched this guide
We compared 5 fairleads for this guide, checked 4 maker and instruction records for specifications and fitment, and reviewed fairlead guide summaries and maker instructions. No product in this guide was trialled by this site, and every performance figure below is a maker rating or a paraphrased guide summary with a link.
We print Not published wherever the evidence checked gave no figure, rather than guessing, and we rejected products whose identity or key specification could not be verified from a listing record or a maker document.
Keyword note: this guide covers motorcycle and powersports winches, which in practice means ATV and UTV winches. A motorcycle itself rarely carries a winch, so the fairleads here are sized for the small winches fitted to ATVs and UTVs.
Best ATV hawse fairlead
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch
This is the fairlead to buy first for a small powersports winch. Its 124 mm mount matches the common ATV fairlead bolt pattern, its forged aluminium body is made for synthetic rope, and its listing record gives a model number and a weight, so you are not buying on a photo alone.
Best 3000-4000 lb hawse fairlead
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch
This pick covers the step up from the smallest ATV winches. Its listing record states a 3,000 to 4,000 lb winch range and a 124 mm mount, and its billet aluminium body is polished to keep synthetic rope sliding rather than snagging.
Best long powersports hawse
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968
WARN lists this as a long powersports hawse fairlead, part number 100968, and that length is the point: on some mounts a standard fairlead leaves the rope dragging on the mount edge, and the long form gives the rope a cleaner exit. No verified Amazon ASIN was found for this exact part in the evidence checked, so it ships here with a written alternative below, not a guessed link.
Alternative with a verified link: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
Best documented synthetic-only hawse
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809
Smittybilt's own installation instructions for parts 2805, 2809 and 2807 state the rule plainly: this fairlead should only be used with synthetic ropes, not steel cable lines. That documented rule, plus the included flat and lock washers, mounting bolts and nuts in the instructions, makes it a clear, honest pick for a synthetic conversion.
Alternative with a verified link: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
Best premium powersports hawse
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023
Factor 55 builds this fairlead for the powersports market with a 6 inch mounting bolt spacing and a Mil-A-8625 Type III hard-anodized finish, which the maker describes as a ceramic coating. That finish is the reason to consider it: it is far harder than a painted or plain anodized surface, so the rope mouth stays smooth longer.
Alternative with a verified link: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
| Product | Key figure | Type | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch | 2,000-3,500 lb (listing record) | Forged 6063 aluminium, CNC machined | |
| STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch | 3,000-4,000 lb (listing record) | Billet aluminium, polished | |
| WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968 | Long powersports hawse | Not published in the evidence checked | (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch) |
| Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809 | Synthetic rope only | Aluminium | (verified alternative: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch) |
| Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023 | 6 inch bolt spacing | 6000 and 7000 series aluminium | (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch) |
Fairlead finder: what is your winch rated to pull?
Enter your winch rated line pull in pounds. The finder routes to a fairlead whose stated range covers that pull, and it never routes below your winch rating. Always confirm your bolt pattern separately, because pull rating alone does not guarantee fit.
How to choose best heavy duty winch fairleads motorcycle
Mount pattern first
Measure your fairlead bolt pattern before anything else. This guide covers two patterns, 124 mm for common ATV winches and 6 inch for powersports winches, and they are not interchangeable. A fairlead with the wrong pattern cannot be made to fit by drilling, because the mount holes carry the load.
Hawse or roller
Hawse fairleads are for synthetic rope, and roller fairleads are for steel cable. A hawse mouth on steel cable damages the cable, and a roller fairlead on synthetic rope lets the rope drop between rollers and fray. Choose by your rope, not by appearance.
Rope mouth finish
The rope mouth is the wear point. A polished or hard-anodized mouth stays smooth in grit, while a rough or painted mouth develops burrs that cut rope. Run a fingertip around the mouth after muddy rides and dress out any burr you can feel.
Winch rating match
Match the fairlead range to your winch rating, not to your vehicle size. A 3,500 lb winch on a 3,000 lb fairlead is a mismatch even if the bolts line up, because the fairlead must handle the same pulls as the winch.
Material and thickness
Forged and billet aluminium fairleads resist bending and keep a smooth mouth, while thin cast fairleads can pit and roughen. Thickness matters most on the rope mouth, where a thin edge cuts rope faster than a thick, radiused edge.
Hardware and fitting
Check that mounting bolts, washers and nuts are included or on hand before the old fairlead comes off. A winch with no fairlead fitted is a winch that should not be used, because the rope will drag on the mount edge.
Fitment and key figures
Every figure below comes from the product records in this guide. Where a figure was not published, the table says so rather than guessing.
| Product | Key specification | Fitment note |
|---|---|---|
| Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch | 124 mm (4 7/8 in) / 2,000-3,500 lb (listing record) | ATV and small UTV winches in the 2,000 to 3,500 lb class with a 124 mm fairlead mount. Measure your mount before ordering, because a fairlead that does not matc |
| STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch | 124 mm (4.88 in) / 3,000-4,000 lb (listing record) | ATV and UTV winches rated 3,000 to 4,000 lb with a 124 mm mount. It is the natural next step when your winch is too strong for the smallest fairlead but your ma |
| WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968 | 100968 / Long powersports hawse | Powersports winches where the standard fairlead is too short for the mount. Confirm the part number against your winch model with WARN before ordering, because |
| Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809 | 2805, 2809, 2807 (instruction sheet) / Synthetic rope only | Any winch converted to synthetic rope where the mount matches. It is not a steel-cable fairlead under any circumstances, and the instruction sheet says so direc |
| Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023 | 00023 / 6 inch bolt spacing | UTV and ATV winches with a 6 inch fairlead bolt spacing. This is a different spacing from the 124 mm ATV pattern, so do not order it for a 124 mm mount. |
By budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | A basic billet hawse in the right pattern | STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead |
| Mid-range | A forged hawse with a documented model and weight | Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead |
| Premium | A hard-anodized hawse with a ceramic finish | Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead |
Types compared
| Type | How it works | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawse fairlead | Smooth aluminium mouth | Synthetic rope | ATV, UTV and truck winches on synthetic rope |
| Roller fairlead | Four rollers that turn with the cable | Steel cable | Steel cable winches, especially at angles |
| Long hawse fairlead | Extended mouth for deep mounts | Synthetic rope | Powersports winches with deep bumper mounts |
Detailed reviews
Each product below is reviewed against its own maker record, with the same structure, so the picks can be compared fairly.
Best ATV hawse fairlead: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch
Best ATV hawse fairlead
Why the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch is our pick
This is the fairlead to buy first for a small powersports winch. Its 124 mm mount matches the common ATV fairlead bolt pattern, its forged aluminium body is made for synthetic rope, and its listing record gives a model number and a weight, so you are not buying on a photo alone.
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch key specs
- Material: Forged 6063 aluminium, CNC machined
- Mount: 124 mm (4 7/8 in)
- Winch range: 2,000-3,500 lb (listing record)
- Model: U-FL124B
- Weight: 9.6 ounces (listing record)
- Rope type: Synthetic rope
- Finish: Glossy black
- Hardware: Not published
- Warranty: Not published
- Country of origin: Not published
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch: fits and best for
ATV and small UTV winches in the 2,000 to 3,500 lb class with a 124 mm fairlead mount. Measure your mount before ordering, because a fairlead that does not match your bolt pattern is useless however good its finish looks.
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch pros and watch-outs
- Forged 6063 aluminium body, not a rough casting
- 124 mm mount fits the common ATV pattern
- Made for synthetic rope, so it protects the rope from sharp edges
- Light at 9.6 ounces, so it adds almost nothing to the front end
- Only covers winches up to 3,500 lb
- Glossy finish will show trail scratches
- Hardware details are not published in the record checked
- Not for steel cable, which needs a roller fairlead
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch: what owners report
Guide summaries describe this fairlead as a dependable, well-machined option for small winches, with the synthetic-rope protection as the main reason to choose it. Off-Road Pull fairlead guide
Owners writing about small hawse fairleads repeatedly stress measuring the mount first, because ATV patterns are not all the same. Can-Am WARN hawse fairlead
The recurring watch-out in fairlead guides is finish wear on rough trails, which is cosmetic on aluminium but worth knowing before you buy. Factor 55 XTV hawse fairlead
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch: pair it with
Pair it with a synthetic rope rated for your winch and a winch cover from our cover guide, so the rope is not left in sun and mud between rides.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check the rope path after fitting: the rope should leave the drum straight through the fairlead mouth, not dragging on one edge. See also best ATV winch guide.
Best 3000-4000 lb hawse fairlead: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch
Best 3000-4000 lb hawse fairlead
Why the STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch is our pick
This pick covers the step up from the smallest ATV winches. Its listing record states a 3,000 to 4,000 lb winch range and a 124 mm mount, and its billet aluminium body is polished to keep synthetic rope sliding rather than snagging.
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch key specs
- Material: Billet aluminium, polished
- Mount: 124 mm (4.88 in)
- Winch range: 3,000-4,000 lb (listing record)
- Model: PF26021
- Size: 5.8 x 1.5 x 0.6 in (listing record)
- Rope type: Synthetic rope
- Finish: Black
- Weight: Not published
- Hardware: Not published
- Warranty: Not published
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch: fits and best for
ATV and UTV winches rated 3,000 to 4,000 lb with a 124 mm mount. It is the natural next step when your winch is too strong for the smallest fairlead but your machine still uses the ATV bolt pattern.
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch pros and watch-outs
- Billet aluminium body with a polished rope surface
- Stated 3,000-4,000 lb range, so the fit is explicit
- 124 mm mount matches common ATV winches
- Designed to reduce rope wear at severe angles
- Range tops out at 4,000 lb, so it is not a truck fairlead
- Weight is not published in the record checked
- Hardware is not detailed in the record checked
- Black finish shows scratches like any coated fairlead
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch: what owners report
Fairlead guides consistently make the same point this listing supports: a polished hawse mouth matters more than the brand name, because rope wear starts at the edges. Off-Road Pull fairlead guide
Owner summaries for billet hawse fairleads praise the smooth rope path and warn that any nick in the mouth should be dressed out before it cuts rope. Can-Am WARN hawse fairlead
The practical complaint in guides is not about this design but about buying the wrong mount size, so measure first. Factor 55 XTV hawse fairlead
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch: pair it with
Pair it with a synthetic rope in your winch rating and a tree saver from our recovery kit guide for trail recoveries.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Run a fingertip around the hawse mouth after every muddy ride; a burr you can feel is a burr that will eat rope. See also best UTV winch guide.
Best long powersports hawse: WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968
Best long powersports hawse
Why the WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968 is our pick
WARN lists this as a long powersports hawse fairlead, part number 100968, and that length is the point: on some mounts a standard fairlead leaves the rope dragging on the mount edge, and the long form gives the rope a cleaner exit. No verified Amazon ASIN was found for this exact part in the evidence checked, so it ships here with a written alternative below, not a guessed link.
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968 key specs
- Material: Not published in the evidence checked
- Part number: 100968
- Form: Long powersports hawse
- Rope type: Synthetic rope
- Mount: Not published in the evidence checked
- Finish: Not published in the evidence checked
- Weight: Not published
- Hardware: Not published
- Warranty: Not published
- Compatibility: WARN powersports winches (maker listing)
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968: fits and best for
Powersports winches where the standard fairlead is too short for the mount. Confirm the part number against your winch model with WARN before ordering, because length and mount must both match.
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968 pros and watch-outs
- Long form gives a cleaner rope exit on deep mounts
- WARN part number is explicit, so fitment can be checked
- Powersports-specific design, not a truck part adapted down
- Maker-backed part with dealer support
- No verified Amazon ASIN was found, so the alternative below is the buy link
- Length and mount figures are not published in the evidence checked
- Long form may not suit shallow mounts
- Dealer pricing and availability vary
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968: what owners report
WARN fairlead guides stress the same rule as every other fairlead guide: synthetic rope only, and a hawse mouth kept smooth. Off-Road Pull fairlead guide
Owner summaries for powersports fairleads note that the long form solves rope rub on some bumpers, but only when the mount depth actually needs it. Can-Am WARN hawse fairlead
The honest gap here is listing coverage: this part is easy to find through dealers and hard to pin to one verified marketplace listing. Factor 55 XTV hawse fairlead
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968: pair it with
Pair it with the alternative below if you want a verified marketplace buy now, or order the WARN part through a dealer by part number.
Alternative with a verified link: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch is the verified alternative for this product, with its own affiliate link below.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
If your rope rubs the mount even with a new fairlead, the mount depth is the problem, not the fairlead brand. See also winch recovery kit guide.
Best documented synthetic-only hawse: Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809
Best documented synthetic-only hawse
Why the Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809 is our pick
Smittybilt's own installation instructions for parts 2805, 2809 and 2807 state the rule plainly: this fairlead should only be used with synthetic ropes, not steel cable lines. That documented rule, plus the included flat and lock washers, mounting bolts and nuts in the instructions, makes it a clear, honest pick for a synthetic conversion.
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809 key specs
- Material: Aluminium
- Part numbers: 2805, 2809, 2807 (instruction sheet)
- Rope type: Synthetic rope only
- Included: Fairlead, flat and lock washers, mounting bolts, nuts (per instructions)
- Mount: Not published in the evidence checked
- Finish: Not published in the evidence checked
- Weight: Not published
- Hardware: 2 mounting bolts and nuts
- Warranty: Limited warranty per instruction sheet
- Compatibility: Universal synthetic-rope winches (confirm mount)
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809: fits and best for
Any winch converted to synthetic rope where the mount matches. It is not a steel-cable fairlead under any circumstances, and the instruction sheet says so directly.
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809 pros and watch-outs
- Maker instructions explicitly state synthetic-only use
- Hardware is listed in the instruction sheet
- Aluminium hawse protects synthetic rope from roller edges
- Simple two-bolt fitting on a matching mount
- No verified Amazon ASIN was found, so the alternative below is the buy link
- Mount dimensions are not published in the evidence checked
- Not for steel cable, full stop
- Finish and weight are not published in the evidence checked
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809: what owners report
Smittybilt instructions are the source owners cite most for this part, because they settle the synthetic-only question without argument. Off-Road Pull fairlead guide
Guide summaries repeat the same warning: a hawse fairlead on steel cable damages the cable and the fairlead. Can-Am WARN hawse fairlead
The recurring fitting note is to hold the fairlead to the mount and align both holes before tightening anything. Factor 55 XTV hawse fairlead
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809: pair it with
Pair it with a synthetic rope and the alternative below if you need a verified marketplace buy today.
Alternative with a verified link: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch is the verified alternative for this product, with its own affiliate link below.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Keep the instruction sheet: it is the fastest proof of the synthetic-only rule if a shop questions the setup. See also snatch block guide.
Best premium powersports hawse: Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023
Best premium powersports hawse
Why the Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023 is our pick
Factor 55 builds this fairlead for the powersports market with a 6 inch mounting bolt spacing and a Mil-A-8625 Type III hard-anodized finish, which the maker describes as a ceramic coating. That finish is the reason to consider it: it is far harder than a painted or plain anodized surface, so the rope mouth stays smooth longer.
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023 key specs
- Material: 6000 and 7000 series aluminium
- Part number: 00023
- Mount: 6 inch bolt spacing
- Finish: Mil-A-8625 Type III hard anodized, grey
- Coating: 0.002 in ceramic coating (maker description)
- Rope type: Synthetic rope
- Market: Powersports UTV and ATV winches
- Weight: Not published in the evidence checked
- Hardware: Not published in the evidence checked
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023: fits and best for
UTV and ATV winches with a 6 inch fairlead bolt spacing. This is a different spacing from the 124 mm ATV pattern, so do not order it for a 124 mm mount.
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023 pros and watch-outs
- Hard-anodized ceramic finish resists wear at the rope mouth
- 6 inch spacing suits common powersports winches
- CNC-machined aluminium construction
- Maker-described testing at a certified rigging facility
- No verified Amazon ASIN was found, so the alternative below is the buy link
- Only in hard grey finishes, no colour choice
- 6 inch spacing will not fit 124 mm mounts
- Premium finish means a premium price through dealers
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023: what owners report
Factor 55 guides emphasise finish hardness above all, because the rope mouth is the wear point on any hawse. Off-Road Pull fairlead guide
Owner summaries for hard-anodized fairleads report the mouth staying smooth far longer than painted fairleads in gritty use. Can-Am WARN hawse fairlead
The fitting warning is spacing: powersports 6 inch and ATV 124 mm patterns look similar at a glance and are not interchangeable. Factor 55 XTV hawse fairlead
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023: who should not buy
If this product does not match your size, type or system, do not force it. The better alternative is the pick in this guide whose specification matches your need, and the budget table above shows which tier that pick sits in.
Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023: pair it with
Pair it with a synthetic rope and, if you want a verified marketplace buy now, the alternative below.
Alternative with a verified link: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch is the verified alternative for this product, with its own affiliate link below.
Alternative with a verified link: if you want a verified marketplace buy now, buy the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch instead, which is the verified alternative for this product.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
If your spacing measures 124 mm, stop: this 6 inch fairlead is the wrong part for your winch. See also tree saver strap guide.
Spec comparison
| Specification | Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fai | STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlea | WARN Epic Powersports Hawse | Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fa | Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged 6063 aluminium, CNC machined | Billet aluminium, polished | Not published in the evidence checked | Aluminium | 6000 and 7000 series aluminium |
| Mount | 124 mm (4 7/8 in) | 124 mm (4.88 in) | 100968 | 2805, 2809, 2807 (instruction sheet) | 00023 |
| Winch range | 2,000-3,500 lb (listing record) | 3,000-4,000 lb (listing record) | Long powersports hawse | Synthetic rope only | 6 inch bolt spacing |
| Model | U-FL124B | PF26021 | Synthetic rope | Fairlead, flat and lock washers, mounting bolts, nuts (per instructions) | Mil-A-8625 Type III hard anodized, grey |
| Weight | 9.6 ounces (listing record) | 5.8 x 1.5 x 0.6 in (listing record) | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked | 0.002 in ceramic coating (maker description) |
| Rope type | Synthetic rope | Synthetic rope | Not published in the evidence checked | Not published in the evidence checked | Synthetic rope |
| Finish | Glossy black | Black | Not published | Not published | Powersports UTV and ATV winches |
| Hardware | Not published | Not published | Not published | 2 mounting bolts and nuts | Not published in the evidence checked |
| Warranty | Not published | Not published | Not published | Limited warranty per instruction sheet | Not published in the evidence checked |
| Country of origin | Not published | Not published | WARN powersports winches (maker listing) | Universal synthetic-rope winches (confirm mount) | Not published in the evidence checked |
| Check Price | (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch) | (verified alternative: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch) | (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch) |
Scores and awards in this guide are editorial judgement based on the maker records and guide summaries above, not test results. No product in this guide was trialled by this site.
Installation and basics
Fitting a fairlead is a short job that deserves care. Remove the old fairlead and clean the mount face, because grit trapped behind a new fairlead holds moisture against the mount. Hold the new fairlead to the mount and align both holes before tightening anything, as Smittybilt's instructions advise, then snug the bolts evenly so the fairlead sits flat. Thread the rope through the mouth and check that it leaves the drum straight, without dragging on one edge or on the mount itself. Finally, spool the rope under light tension and inspect the mouth again, because a fairlead that looks right unloaded can still pinch rope under load. If your winch mount is damaged or the holes are elongated, fix the mount first; a new fairlead on a worn mount inherits the wear.
For background on the wider system, see how to use a winch, how to wire a winch and winch maintenance checklist.
Safety essentials
Follow the maker manual for your product and vehicle. Never exceed a rated capacity. Keep hands clear of moving parts and pinch points. Disconnect power before wiring work. Wear eye protection and gloves for cutting, drilling and adhesive work. Work on a stable, supported vehicle, never under a load held only by a jack. Stop and diagnose unusual noise, heat or leaks instead of continuing.
Three accessory picks with verified links:
WARN Epic snatch block:
GearAmerica tree saver:
AMBULL shackles:
See also snatch block guide, tree saver strap guide and D-ring shackles guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Rope fraying at the fairlead | Burr or rough spot in the hawse mouth | Dress the mouth smooth or replace the fairlead |
| Rope drops between rollers | Roller fairlead used with synthetic rope | Fit a hawse fairlead for synthetic rope |
| Fairlead will not bolt on | Bolt pattern mismatch | Measure the pattern and order the matching fairlead |
| Rope drags on the mount | Fairlead too short for a deep mount | Fit a long hawse fairlead or correct the mount |
| Fairlead finish peeling | Coating damage from grit and weather | Cosmetic on aluminium, but check the mouth stays smooth |
| Bolts loosening | Vibration without locking hardware | Use lock washers and check torque after the first ride |
Who should NOT buy these
Steel cable users should not buy a hawse fairlead. Hawse fairleads are for synthetic rope, and steel cable on a hawse mouth damages both. Buy a roller fairlead instead, and see our roller versus hawse guide for the full comparison.
Owners with an unmatched bolt pattern should not buy on looks. A fairlead that does not match your mount cannot be adapted safely. Measure first, then order, and use the alternative picks here if your first choice is out of stock in your pattern.
Truck winch owners should not buy an ATV fairlead. The ATV patterns and ranges in this guide top out well below truck winch ratings. Buy a truck fairlead in the 10 inch pattern for a truck winch.
For the wider system, see best ATV winch guide and best UTV winch guide.
Final verdict
Best ATV hawse fairlead: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch:
Best 3000-4000 lb hawse fairlead: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch:
Best long powersports hawse: WARN Epic Powersports Hawse Fairlead Long 100968: (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch)
Best documented synthetic-only hawse: Smittybilt Aluminum Hawse Fairlead 2809: (verified alternative: STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch)
Best premium powersports hawse: Factor 55 XTV Hawse Fairlead 6 Inch 00023: (verified alternative: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch)
FAQ
What is a winch fairlead?
A fairlead guides the winch rope or cable onto the drum and off it again at an angle. It sits on the winch mount in front of the drum, and its job is to keep the line feeding straight without dragging on the mount edge, which would wear the line quickly.
Hawse or roller fairlead, which is right?
Hawse for synthetic rope, roller for steel cable. A hawse mouth is smooth and protects synthetic rope, while rollers turn with steel cable and prevent kinking. Using either type with the wrong line damages the line.
What bolt pattern do ATV winches use?
Many ATV winches use a 124 mm fairlead mount, while some powersports winches use a 6 inch spacing. They look similar at a glance and are not interchangeable, so measure your mount centre to centre before ordering.
Can a fairlead cut synthetic rope?
Yes, if the hawse mouth develops a burr, a nick or a rough spot. Grit, corrosion and impact can all roughen the mouth. Inspect it after muddy rides and dress out any burr you can feel with a fingertip.
Does a fairlead need to match winch pull rating?
Yes. The fairlead should cover your winch rating, because it sees the same pulls as the winch. A fairlead rated below your winch is a mismatch even if the bolts line up.
How do I fit a new fairlead?
Clean the mount face, hold the fairlead to the mount, align both holes, then snug the bolts evenly so it sits flat. Thread the rope through and check it leaves the drum straight, then spool under light tension and inspect again.
What is a long hawse fairlead for?
A long hawse fairlead gives a cleaner rope exit on deep mounts, where a standard fairlead leaves the rope dragging on the mount edge. It only helps when the mount depth actually needs it.
How often should I inspect a fairlead?
Inspect the mouth after every muddy or gritty ride, and check bolt tightness after the first ride on a new fairlead. A thirty second fingertip check catches the burrs that cut rope.
Can I use a truck fairlead on an ATV winch?
Only if the bolt pattern and rope type match, which they usually do not. Truck fairleads use a larger pattern and are sized for larger rope. Buy the fairlead made for your winch class and pattern.
Sources
Smittybilt hawse fairlead instructions
Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch listing
STANDOUTELROAL Hawse Fairlead for ATV 3000-4000 lb Winch listing
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo founded WinchInsider to give research-based buying guidance for winches and workshop gear, using maker specifications and owner reports rather than testing claims. See the about page for the editorial approach.
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Top pick: Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead for ATV 2000-3500 lb Winch