Past trials of synthetic fibre ropes have shown these to provide several benefits that operators prefer when compared with steel mainlines. These benefits include reduced hand injuries from broken wire strands, lighter weight, reduced lash-back when broken and overall lower handling fatigue. However, the high purchase price combined with the unanswered question on life expectancy has been a deterrent to their use. This study shows that life expectancy of synthetic rope matched that of steel. With current prices dropping for synthetic rope and rising for steel, the economic comparison of the two options may therefore be changing.