Slingmax Synthetic Slings and Rigging
Slingmax Lifting Solutions – High-Performance Synthetics for Critical Lifting
Slingmax high-performance synthetic slings lift what heavy wire rope and chain slings lift at a fraction of the weight. Elko Wire Rope is an authorized Slingmax distributor serving Utah, Nevada and Arizona, with Twin-Path®, Single-Path®, Helix™, ONYX and Sparkeater® slings plus Spider Sleeve protection and Check-Fast® inspection.
SlingMax guide
Which Slingmax Sling for Which Job
Which Slingmax sling is right for the job?
Slingmax makes high-performance synthetic slings that lift what heavy wire rope and chain slings lift, at a fraction of the weight. Here's how the lineup compares. Capacities are maximum vertical ratings; your sling's tag is always the final word.
| Sling | Core and cover | Best for | Capacity (vertical) | Max temp | Check-Fast | Repairable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin-Path® | Two independent K-Spec® core paths, Covermax® nylon cover | Critical and engineered lifts that need a redundant load path | Up to 800,000 lb | 180°F | Yes | Yes |
| Single-Path® | One K-Spec® core path, Covermax® cover | Heavy everyday lifts where a slimmer sling fits better | Up to 200,000 lb | 180°F | Yes | Ask us |
| Helix™ | K-Spec® core, braided HMPE jacket, Rifled Cover® | Tight spaces, short lengths, marine and subsea | Up to 200,000 lb | 180°F | No | No |
| ONYX | 100% HMPE O-Spec core, black and red double polyester jacket | A lighter replacement for polyester roundslings | Ask us | Ask us | No (red inner jacket warns of damage) | No |
| Sparkeater® | Twin-Path® design with heat-resistant fibers and cover | Welding, foundries, steel mills, hot work | Up to 100,000 lb | 300°F | Yes | Ask us |
Protecting and inspecting them: the Spider Sleeve guards against cuts and abrasion, and the Check-Fast® Inspection System gives a pass/fail check of the core before each lift.
Twin-Path® and Single-Path® Slings
Twin-Path® and Single-Path® slings
Twin-Path® slings carry the load on two separate paths of K-Spec® core yarn, each inside its own cover. If one path is damaged, the second is still there. That redundancy is why they're the go-to for critical lifts, engineered lifts and heavy modules. They stretch only about 1% at rated capacity, weigh roughly 85–90% less than steel slings of the same capacity, and can be repaired by Slingmax.
Single-Path® slings use the same K-Spec® core and Covermax® cover in one path. You give up the redundancy but get a sling about an inch smaller in diameter than a Twin-Path® of the same capacity, rated up to 200,000 lb.
- Choose Twin-Path® for critical lifts, high-value loads, and anywhere a dropped load is not an option.
- Choose Single-Path® for repeat heavy lifts where a slimmer, lighter sling is easier to rig.
Weighing Twin-Path® against standard polyester roundslings? See our round sling color chart for what polyester covers.
Deciding between Twin-Path® and a standard round sling? Read Twin-Path slings vs round slings: when to upgrade.
Helix™ and ONYX Roundslings
Helix™ and ONYX high-performance roundslings
Helix™ pairs a K-Spec® core with a braided HMPE jacket and Slingmax's patented Rifled Cover® technology, which Slingmax says adds about 17% strength. The result is a very slim sling: a 50,000 lb Helix™ is about 1.5 inches in diameter. It can be made as short as about 3 feet, rates up to 200,000 lb, and is neutrally buoyant, so it works well in marine and subsea lifts. The braided cover can't be patched, so a cut jacket usually means retiring the sling.
ONYX roundslings use a 100% HMPE core with a double-layer polyester jacket: black outside, red inside. When the red shows, the sling comes out of service. ONYX weighs less than half as much as a polyester roundsling of the same capacity and stretches under 1%.
Sparkeater® for Heat and Hot Work
Sparkeater® slings for heat, sparks and welding
Standard synthetic slings lose strength above about 180°F and can be damaged by weld spatter. Sparkeater® slings use the Twin-Path® design with heat-resistant fibers and cover, rated up to 300°F and up to 100,000 lb. They're built for steel mills, foundries, fabrication shops and any lift near welding or cutting.
For anything hotter, or where the load itself is hot, talk to us about alloy chain instead.
Protection and Inspection
Spider Sleeve protection and Check-Fast® inspection
Most synthetic sling failures start with a cut or abrasion at an edge. The Spider Sleeve is a low-friction HMPE sleeve that protects slings from sharp edges, tight chokes and rough hardware. It comes in sliding, fixed and removable versions.
Damage to a synthetic sling's core can be invisible from the outside. The Check-Fast® Inspection System on Twin-Path®, Single-Path® and Sparkeater® slings gives a clear pass/fail signal through an external warning indicator when the core may be compromised.
Inspect every sling before use. Our rigging inspection checklist covers removal criteria for synthetic slings.
Slingmax vs Wire Rope and Polyester
Slingmax vs. wire rope and polyester slings
| Slingmax high-performance | Polyester roundsling | Wire rope sling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightest; roughly 85–90% lighter than steel | Light, but about twice ONYX for the same capacity | Heaviest |
| Stretch at rated load | About 1% or less | Up to about 9% | Low |
| Cut and abrasion | Needs protection on edges | Needs protection on edges | Most resistant |
| Heat | 180°F (Sparkeater® 300°F) | About 194°F | Higher, depending on core |
| Core inspection | Check-Fast® on most models | Visual and tactile only | Visual (broken wires) |
| Cost | Highest up front | Lowest | Moderate |
The weight is the payoff: fewer people to rig, faster rigging and less strain on crews. For wire rope options, see our wire rope slings and the wire rope sling capacity chart.
Authorized Slingmax Distributor
Authorized Slingmax distributor in Utah, Nevada and Arizona
Elko Wire Rope is an authorized Slingmax distributor with branches in Salt Lake City, Elko, Phoenix and Safford. We help you choose the right sling, build lengths and fittings to your lift, and supply protection and inspection gear to go with it.
Tell us the load, the lift and the environment, and we'll recommend the Slingmax sling that fits.
Questions about slingmax
What is Slingmax?
Slingmax is a maker of high-performance synthetic lifting slings, including Twin-Path®, Single-Path®, Helix™, ONYX and Sparkeater®. Elko Wire Rope is an authorized Slingmax distributor.
What is a Twin-Path® sling?
A synthetic sling with two independent paths of K-Spec® core yarn, each in its own cover. If one path is damaged, the other still carries the load.
What is the difference between Twin-Path® and Single-Path®?
Both use the same K-Spec® core and Covermax® cover. Twin-Path® has two load paths for redundancy; Single-Path® has one and is about an inch slimmer at the same capacity.
How much do Slingmax slings weigh compared to wire rope?
Roughly 85–90% less than a steel sling of the same capacity, which makes rigging faster and easier on crews.
What is K-Spec® core yarn?
Slingmax's high-performance load-bearing core yarn. It is stronger than nylon or polyester and stretches about 1% at rated capacity.
What is the Check-Fast® Inspection System?
A pass/fail inspection system on Twin-Path®, Single-Path® and Sparkeater® slings. An External Warning Indicator (EWI) is tied to the core yarns; if it is missing or retracted, the core may be damaged and the sling must come out of service.
Does the Helix™ sling have Check-Fast®?
No. Helix™ is inspected visually and by hand before each use. Its braided cover can't be patched, so a cut jacket usually means retiring the sling.
What is an ONYX roundsling?
A Slingmax roundsling with a 100% HMPE core and a black-over-red double jacket. It weighs less than half as much as a polyester roundsling of the same capacity.
What is the maximum temperature for Slingmax slings?
Standard high-performance slings like Twin-Path® and Helix™ should stay below about 180°F. Sparkeater® slings are rated up to 300°F.
Which Slingmax sling is best for welding or hot work?
Sparkeater®. It uses heat-resistant fibers and cover in a Twin-Path® design and is rated up to 300°F.
Which Slingmax sling is best for marine or subsea lifts?
Helix™. It is slim, neutrally buoyant and unaffected by seawater.
Can Slingmax slings be repaired?
Twin-Path® slings can be repaired by Slingmax. Helix™ and ONYX are generally retired when damaged. Ask us about a specific sling.
How do I protect a synthetic sling from sharp edges?
Use a sleeve or pad such as the Spider Sleeve or CornerMax® protection. Never lift a synthetic sling over an unprotected edge.
How much can a Slingmax sling lift?
Twin-Path® slings are rated up to 800,000 lb, Single-Path® and Helix™ up to 200,000 lb, and Sparkeater® up to 100,000 lb. Always use the rating on the sling's tag.
How much do Slingmax slings stretch?
About 1% or less at rated capacity, compared with up to about 9% for polyester roundslings.
Are Slingmax slings better than wire rope slings?
They are far lighter and stretch less, but need edge protection and cost more up front. Wire rope is still the better choice for heavy abrasion and high heat.
What standards apply to Slingmax slings?
Synthetic slings are covered by ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184 (general industry) and 1926.251 (construction).
How often should Slingmax slings be inspected?
Before use on each shift, plus a documented periodic inspection at least once a year, more often in severe service.
Is Elko Wire Rope an authorized Slingmax distributor?
Yes. Elko Wire Rope is an authorized Slingmax distributor serving Utah, Nevada and Arizona from Salt Lake City, Elko, Phoenix and Safford.
Can I get custom Slingmax lengths and fittings?
Yes. Tell us the load and the lift, and we'll spec the length, capacity and fittings.
Get a quote on slingmax
Tell us what you are lifting and how. A branch will come back with the right sling and a price.