You should always (if possible) be using the max. distance of the line for a pull, because the winch is the strongest at it's first wrap. So if you've got an extra 25' on there, then you've got to walk an extra 25' more to get to an anchor point, elsewise, you'll always be pulling with the lowest rating of the winch, which, if you'll look it up, is NOT a good idea... It's only 6940 lbs on the final wrap.