Best value winch?

[desmo2]

I have spent a couple of hours reading threads, and my eyes are hurting. Fatigue is kicking in. And, a JL has different needs than a JLU, which most of the comments refer to.

8k-10k #, for an infrequent off-roader (so far?)...what winch is reliable enough, yet affordable enough? You know...best bang for the buck? Warn is pretty proud of their stuff, even though they aren't the only reliable winch manu in the biz. I don't give a flip about the name plate, as long as the darned thing works.

I am trying to prioritize my mod list (aluminum bumpers, winch, muffler), and cost has to be considered...

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[Chile1]

if you want Warn, i would go with a Warn VR EVO 10-S w/synthetic - it's a 10,000Lbs winch. i purchased mine new from eBay last year and it was <$650.

 

[Some Random Guy]

The best value/cost is someone else’s winch.
If you’re going out with friends or a group you might not need one. While I like the independence, the truth is that at least half the rigs I go out with have them and would help me for the $1 tow fee to the club. Also consider that when I get stuck, my rig is probably not pointed in the best recovery angle so we use someone else’s anyway.

Now, on the other hand I like being helpful. Pulling people out if snow drifts or getting them out of the ditch on country roads is rewarding. When a neighbor asks for help, you can help. I was just trying to give you a logical reason to dodge the cost.

 

[entropy]

Id suggest smittybilt or the "cheap" warn. Another good value winch with good reviews is the harbor freight one. Some people will even tell you to buy the cheapest amazon winch. I went with SB gen3 synthetic because it has good reviews and it is also very light.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Went cheap with Quadratec. Before and after pics. Win or learn!

 

[Philly_]

Had a Quadratec winch that took a beating on the front of my last Jeep through 6 or 7 salty Michigan winters with no cover and no maintenance. I definitely could have taken better care of it, but never had a major issue until it up and quit one day.

Didn’t bother trying to repair as it would have been more cost effective to buy a new one and I was selling that Jeep soon anyways. Solid winch and would buy another one if I didn’t have my eye on a Warn Zeon 10S.

Whichever you choose, just make sure you take decent care of it and test it before any major outing. Better to fail in your garage or driveway than on the trail when you need it.

 

[GATORB8]

First decide on wire or synthetic.

 

[desmo2]

First decide on wire or synthetic.

Synthetic.

 

[Rescue119]

(Vehicle weight x 2) + 25% of that.

I never wheel alone.

I've never had a winch.

Anytime I've been stuck a 30ft Bubba rope was all I needed to get out.

 

[DavidArmen]

Best value winch:
Badlands Apex 12,000

 

[GATORB8]

(Vehicle weight x 2) + 25% of that.

I never wheel alone.

I've never had a winch.

Anytime I've been stuck a 30ft Bubba rope was all I needed to get out.

All you need is a snatch block to double the capacity. I'd need like a 17k lb winch to make your number otherwise.

Best value winch:
Badlands Apex 12,000

My issue with the Apex was that it was in the same price range of more established brands. Of course, I was never going to pony up the cash for a Warn Zeon, but the $600 range puts it close to the Evos and nicer Smittybilts. Also I shy away from a product with a 90 day warranty compared to a slew of 10+ years from their competitors. I'm sure most of us have had a HF tool burn down shortly after purchase.

When I was shopping, I went and looked at the Apex, SB, and Warns in person, actually felt the SBs looked pretty solid quality wise. I rolled the dice a little with Superwinch's new SX10SR for the same price as the Apex was available, Westin backed limited lifetime warranty on mechanicals, 7 year on electrical.

Really, all you need is something that moves when you hit the button. I wouldn't be afraid of a 8k if you have a snatchblock.

 

[Vanburi]

Personally, I don't think an 8k is adequate anymore unless you want to snatch block everytime. JL's have several models with gross vehicle weight ratings over 6k. When people start upgrading with aftermarket stuff you are getting too close to 8k for me to be comfortable, unless you are on a flat level surface.

 

[GATORB8]

Personally, I don't think an 8k is adequate anymore unless you want to snatch block everytime. JL's have several models with gross vehicle weight ratings over 6k. When people start upgrading with aftermarket stuff you are getting too close to 8k for me to be comfortable, unless you are on a flat level surface.

Ya'll's light and nimble 2 doors should be within Warn's recommendation of 1.5xGVWR for an 8k, especially compared to my fatty carrying another half ton which does calc out to a 10k.

Doesn't mean it doesn't make sense to upgrade to a higher capacity. It normally comes with a relatively small price increase, because you are generally just gearing the same winch a little differently. Of course, that means you are giving up line speed for the extra headroom.

It's not like you are maxing out the winch all the time.

Personally, if my budget limited my choices to a cheap 10 or 12k synthetic, or a quality 8k wire, I'd go with the 8k.

 

[Vanburi]

Be sure to take into account that you are likely winching someone up and/or over an obstacle or out of a stuck situation. This will greatly increase load above the weight of the vehicle involved.

 

[AcesandEights]

That is the point of the 1.5x "rule". You're not lifting the vehicle, it has round wheels, so you don't need to be able to pull the entire weight of the vehicle, except it's rolling up/over rocks, roots and stuck in mud...so, 1.5x the vehicle weight. My JLR was 4,250 or 4,500, can't remember exactly. An 8,000 lbs winch is perfect, with room to spare, and if I need more a snatch block works.

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