Synthetic web slings are lighter, softer, and more forgiving than chain or wire rope slings. They won’t scratch finished surfaces and are easier to inspect. We compared 4 top brands in the 2-inch / 2-ply / 6,400 lb vertical capacity class.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Lift-All EE2-802 | Stren-Flex | Twin-Path (Slingmax) | SpanSet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐ 4.6/5 | ⭐ 4.9/5 | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| Type | Flat eye-eye web sling | Flat eye-eye web sling | High-performance roundsling | Roundsling |
| Vertical Capacity | 6,400 lbs | 6,400 lbs | 8,400 lbs (same width) | 6,600 lbs |
| Material | Polyester, 2-ply | Polyester, 2-ply | Proprietary K-Spec fiber | Polyester |
| Eyes | Flat, Type 3 | Flat, Type 3 | Continuous loop | Continuous loop |
| Color Code | ASME B30.9 (green=2″) | ASME B30.9 | ASME B30.9 | EN 1492-2 |
| Inspection Tag | Sewn-in, replaceable | Sewn-in | Sewn-in + RFID option | Sewn-in |
| Price (2″ × 6ft) | $25–$40 | $20–$35 | $80–$120 | $45–$65 |
| Origin | ?? USA | ?? USA | ?? USA | ?? Germany / ?? USA |
Brand Reviews
Lift-All — The Volume Leader
⭐ 4.7/5 | Lift-All (Williamsport, PA) is the largest synthetic sling manufacturer in the US. Their EE2 (eye-eye, 2-ply) series is the default specification for most construction and manufacturing operations. Consistent quality, competitive pricing, and universal availability.
Pros: • Most widely available • Consistent quality • Competitive pricing • Extensive product line • ASME B30.9 compliant
Cons: • Standard polyester — no exotic fibers • Flat sling body can twist under load
What riggers say: “Lift-All is like the Honda Civic of slings. Nothing fancy, but they work, they’re everywhere, and the price is right.”
Stren-Flex — Best Value
⭐ 4.6/5 | Dallas-based Stren-Flex offers very similar quality to Lift-All at slightly lower prices. They’ve gained market share by being aggressive on pricing while maintaining ASME compliance. Good choice for cost-conscious operations.
Pros: • Best pricing • Quick custom manufacturing • ASME compliant
Cons: • Smaller distribution network • Less brand recognition on job sites
Twin-Path (Slingmax) — The Premium Choice
⭐ 4.9/5 | Twin-Path roundslings from Slingmax are the Ferrari of synthetic slings. Their patented K-Spec fiber core provides 30% more capacity than standard polyester at the same width. The Check-Fast inspection system and optional RFID tracking make them the choice for critical lifts and high-value loads.
Pros: • Highest capacity per width • Patented K-Spec fiber • RFID tracking option • Check-Fast inspection system • Best for critical lifts
Cons: • 3× the price of standard slings • Proprietary — can’t mix with standard hardware ratings
What riggers say: “When we’re lifting a $2M generator onto a rooftop, we don’t use $30 slings. Twin-Path every time.”
SpanSet — European Engineering
⭐ 4.7/5 | German-engineered roundslings with a strong presence in European and offshore markets. SpanSet invented the roundsling in 1957. Their US manufacturing facility ensures compliance with both ASME and EN standards.
Pros: • Invented the roundsling • Dual ASME/EN compliance • Strong in offshore/marine • German engineering
Cons: • Premium pricing • Less available through general industrial distributors in the US
Sling Safety Essentials
Inspect before every lift: Cut fibers, burns, chemical damage, excessive wear, damaged tags.
Color code matters: Purple=1″, green=2″, yellow=3″, tan=4″ (ASME B30.9).
Sling angles reduce capacity: A 60° angle reduces capacity to 87%. A 45° angle reduces it to 71%. Never use a sling angle below 30°.
Protect from edges: Use corner protectors on sharp edges. One cut fiber can reduce capacity dramatically.
Retire when in doubt: Slings are cheap. The load (and lives) they protect are not.
Recommendation
General construction/manufacturing: Lift-All — reliable, available, affordable. Budget operations: Stren-Flex — same quality, better price. Critical lifts / high-value loads: Twin-Path — the extra cost is negligible vs. the load value. Offshore / European compliance: SpanSet.
Ratings from crane operator forums, industrial supply catalogs, and ASME inspection data. CargoRigging.com is an independent directory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a flat web sling and a round sling?
Round slings are more flexible, conform better to irregular loads, and have a longer service life because the load-bearing yarns are protected inside a jacket. Flat web slings are wider, distribute force better on flat surfaces, and are easier to inspect visually since the load-bearing fibers are visible. For general rigging with hooks and shackles, round slings are preferred. For wrapping around smooth, flat objects (like steel plates), flat web slings provide better grip and load distribution.
What does the sling color code mean for round slings?
ASME B30.9 assigns colors by capacity for endless round slings: Purple = 2,600 lbs (1 ton), Green = 5,300 lbs (2 tons), Yellow = 8,400 lbs (3 tons), Tan = 10,600 lbs (4 tons), Red = 13,200 lbs (5 tons), White = 16,800 lbs (6 tons), Blue = 21,200 lbs (8 tons), Orange = 25,000+ lbs (10+ tons). These ratings are for vertical hitch. Choker and basket hitches have different ratings shown on the sling’s capacity tag.
How often should lifting slings be formally inspected?
OSHA requires a competent person to visually inspect slings before each use. A designated person must perform a thorough documented inspection at least annually, or more frequently based on severity of service conditions. For slings used daily in harsh environments (outdoor, abrasive loads, chemical exposure), quarterly formal inspections are recommended. Slings removed from service for any reason must pass a formal inspection before being returned to use.