Unlike tow straps, snatch straps have the characteristic of stretching when under load. ARB snatch straps exhibit elasticity when loaded, whereas tow straps do not. There are two benefits to this elasticity. Firstly, the kinetic energy generated by the elasticity helps with the actual towing. Secondly, the elasticity significantly reduces the potential for vehicle damage during recovery. The extreme weight of 4x4 vehicles and the additional resistance from the cause of being stuck place a massive load on strap attachment points, and without this elasticity, the risk of damaging the vehicle increases. Snatch straps are better suited for vehicle recovery than tow straps.
