Hard or soft shackle for chute halyard block?

[tim]

I'm going to hang a pulley for the cruising chute halyard from the gantry atop the mast. I'm wondering whether a hard or soft shackle is best. From my old climbing days metal to metal was frowned upon. But I don't know if the soft shackles could handle the chafe - once up there it's staying up there. I presume the usual practise is a metal shackle but would welcome your thoughts.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[MoodySabre]

Here's how mine is attached.

 

[tim]

Thanks MoodySabre.

 

[Iain C]

I'd go for a s/s shackle. I'm a big fan of soft shackles, but primarily in locations where they can be easily checked, have benefits from being kinder to things if they flog around, and won't suffer from UV degradation all the time.