If there are two running machines there, I would use a tow strap first. Just for quickness.

Next would be using one rig for an anchor, put it in 2wd, dig the back tires in and hook onto something solid.

Its a big " depends on the situation" , getting stuck and then unsticking yourself a bunch helps.

 

I wouldn’t want to pull someone out when they’re stuck simply due to the extra stress it would put on the belt. I paid for the winch, might as well use it.

I’d probably have to consider the situation and person if they wanted to drag me out with a strap. Some people lack the ability to make good decisions and find great entertainment in destruction. You can do a lot of damage being stupid or trying to solve a problem with me speed/throttle.

I see the winch as the safest and typically most reliable method. And I’m never in the much of a hurry.

 

Recovery school was a looong time ago (army) but if memory serves you are pulling 3 times the weight to move a vehicle that’s fully buried to the axles. I don’t recall exactly when the weight is doubled, but it isn’t much. Long ago though, I might be corrected be someone.

Point being, that is a lot of extra stress to drag someone out. With a strap. Especially if it’s just a standard tow strap like many people carry.

 

Both post have valid concerns.

In a perfect world, would I let just anyone hook up to my rig when stuck, no. If you've been sitting for three hours and a guy shows up and offers to pull you with his snatch rope, are you going to say no.

Compared to a lot of people, I ride my rigs pretty easy. I wouldn't give the belt a second thought giving a rig a bump with a rope.

Standard tow strap 20k pound rating. Four seat RZR is 2k pounds x 3 stuck to the axles is 6k pounds, that's a big safety margin.. Most of my recovery stuff has been with full sized 3/4 tons and up. Freeing rigs that a hand full of people can roll over is nice.

Another tool I have used as much as a tow strap or a winch is a shovel. I've dug as many trucks out as I have pulled out. That and when your way out there, don't dig the rigs down to the axles.

The OP could spend a day going out and sticking his rig and then pulling it out and getting some experience. I would never say use a which 100% of the time or a rope 100% of the time. It just depends on how bad you're stuck.

 

I'll add to that, I've gone from plain 30K webbing straps to kinetic ropes.. I've seen a lot of recoveries using them, and done a few myself, on trucks, not RZR's, but same principle..

It's a LOT easier on the vehicle doing the towing, and a lot smoother on the person being snatched out.. The ones I have for the SxS's are

Amazon.com: Rhino USA Kinetic Recovery Tow Rope Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Tractor - Ultimate Elastic Straps Towing Gear - Backed for Life! (Green, 5/8" x 20') : Automotive

Buy Rhino USA Kinetic Recovery Tow Rope Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Tractor - Ultimate Elastic Straps Towing Gear - Backed for Life! (Green, 5/8" x 20'): Tow Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Not had to use one yet on a SXS, but I have used this one quite a bit on road vehicles

Amazon.com: Rhino USA Kinetic Rope Recovery Kit (7/8in x 30ft) - Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap - Includes 2 Soft Shackle for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Jeep, Tractor : Automotive

Buy Rhino USA Kinetic Rope Recovery Kit (7/8in x 30ft) - Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap - Includes 2 Soft Shackle for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Jeep, Tractor: Tow Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I really like the products this company comes out with, I've bought a bunch of their stuff, and it's right up there with the big boys..

 

I'll add to that, I've gone from plain 30K webbing straps to kinetic ropes.. I've seen a lot of recoveries using them, and done a few myself, on trucks, not RZR's, but same principle..

It's a LOT easier on the vehicle doing the towing, and a lot smoother on the person being snatched out.. The ones I have for the SxS's are

Amazon.com: Rhino USA Kinetic Recovery Tow Rope Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Tractor - Ultimate Elastic Straps Towing Gear - Backed for Life! (Green, 5/8" x 20') : Automotive

Buy Rhino USA Kinetic Recovery Tow Rope Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Tractor - Ultimate Elastic Straps Towing Gear - Backed for Life! (Green, 5/8" x 20'): Tow Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Not had to use one yet on a SXS, but I have used this one quite a bit on road vehicles

Amazon.com: Rhino USA Kinetic Rope Recovery Kit (7/8in x 30ft) - Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap - Includes 2 Soft Shackle for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Jeep, Tractor : Automotive

Buy Rhino USA Kinetic Rope Recovery Kit (7/8in x 30ft) - Heavy Duty Offroad Snatch Strap - Includes 2 Soft Shackle for UTV, ATV, Truck, Car, Jeep, Tractor: Tow Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I really like the products this company comes out with, I've bought a bunch of their stuff, and it's right up there with the big boys..

I agree 100%. those kinetic ropes are more likely to get a rig unstuck on the first try, and are so much smoother on both the tow vehicle and the stuck vehicle. And safer for bystanders.
Add a soft shackle to your kit, too. Way safer than steel shackles.

We go out and do a lot of snow rides, lots of getting stuck in deep powder or loose stuff inside a drift. Way faster than winching, I can say with much practice.

If you're in deep sand or deep powder, I also highly recommend digging out behind the tires rather than trying to yank the tires out of their tight holes.

Buddy yanked a double cab diesel F350 that was buried in slush/snow up to the axles with his Turbo R.