Best NON-Warn winch? Give your thoughts...

[LCW]

Looking for the best NON-Warn winch out there. Best doesn't mean highest rating or most expensive. I only need a 10K. Something RELIABLE, waterproof, durable, good remote - wireless preferred.

Superwinch? Smittybilt X2O? Badlands? ETC...


What you got?

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[Rustynail11]

I have the Badlands with synthetic line. Only had to use it once and it performed well. Got it on post Xmas sale for less than $500

 

[LCW]

I have the Badlands with synthetic line. Only had to use it once and it performed well. Got it on post Xmas sale for less that $500

They seem to be popular

 

[limeade]

Looking for the best NON-Warn winch out there. Best doesn't mean highest rating or most expensive. I only need a 10K. Something RELIABLE, waterproof, durable, good remote - wireless preferred.

Superwinch? Smittybilt X2O? Badlands? ETC...


What you got?

Other than removing highest rating and price and considering Reliability, Waterproof, Durability, and Good Remote, what other criteria do you consider for BEST Non-Warn winch?

There are many criteria: Line Speed, Current Draw, Warranty, type of motor and electrical components, type of gearing, gearing ratio, solenoid location, etc.

Would I consider a Smittybilt or Badlands to be the best Non-Warn winch? Nope. Are they a popular alternative? Yes. Is their popularity due to their lower price? Possibly. But with that lower price, are you getting a quality product? I don't know. I have an aversion to bolting anything to my Jeep which is manufactured by Smittybilt, Rugged Ridge, etc. Their products don't live up to the hype and usually fail due to poor manufacturing methods, quality of materials, etc.

Several years ago, one of the best winches for the price was the Superwinch EPI series. It featured a lower amp draw than almost every top of the line Warn winch, almost as fast line speed, and it's brake was not in the drum (which made it the best design for using synthetic rope). Plus, it's was hundreds of dollars cheaper than a similar Warn. Check out this oldie, but a goodie, article called "Winches in Hell" to see the results of several winches tested in Moab:

Winches in Hell

In addition to the above article, several other off-roaders suggested the Superwinch EPI to me. I used it for many years on my 2004 TJ Rubicon and it never failed and was just as good as a higher priced Warn. I specifically selected the EPI based upon the review and it had the lowest amp draw and fast line speed as I was not running a dual battery setup.

To answer your question: Yes, price can be a factor in determining what to buy. But almost every winch (cheap to expensive) nowadays is waterproof, has a good remote, etc. For reliability and durability, those thin the herd down A LOT. My own preference is either Warn or a Superwinch.

 

[Huntinwild88]

Had a Badlands on my old jeep but it then it was totalled. Need to find a replacement. Just wished they shipped to Alaska. I'm now looking for something other than warn.

 

[Buddy Lee]

Most of my friends have Warn winches. I decided to venture out and purchased the Super winch SX 10000. It comes standard with a wireless and wired remote. It is easy to use, well built and has a decent price point. It has worked flawlessly the times I have needed it.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Matt's off-road recovery uses a Badland...and with what they do, it's not for show.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

 

[Maverick909]

Can’t beat the badlands for price and 12k pulling.

 

[Tank the Jeep]

I am on my second SuperWinch 9500. My first one was on a JK. The only trouble I had out of it was forgetting that I hung the remote on the tow hooks and run over the cord… twice. Parts were easily ordered.

 

[Jhint77]

Here is a comparison video of many different winches.

 

[Sublime]

Here is a comparison video of many different winches.

This guy is barely watchable. I gave up a third of the way in.

 

[Tpom]

I have not ordered it yet, but 99.9% certain ill be going with the Superwinch SX10SR. For the money it appears to be one of the best options.

 

[Canucklesammich]

This guy is barely watchable. I gave up a third of the way in.

Spoiler alert: you can always skip to the end for the final rankings. I'll admit, he does have kind of a non-New York Gilbert Gottfried sound to his voice, but he does some great reviews with a lot more real world testing than most.

 

[JEEP4U]

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