Smittybilt X20 vs Quadratec Stealth Winch

[Jabarsetti]

well, I did it pulled the trigger on the Smittybuilt X20 10k comp. Northridge does have them for $419 however, you have to pay tax. 4WP has them for $428 out the door, they' pay tax. I'll let all know how everything goes. if everything comes on time by next Wed, I'll have the Rusty's winch plate ($251 from Quadratec) and this winch waiting for install. I might have to take a day of leave to go play. Thank goodness the wife is out of town .....

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[Jabarsetti]

If you go with the Factor55 Prolink or Flatlink you won't have to do any splicing, they'll go right on the thimble end of that Smittybilt Winch after you cut the hook off.

Factor55 Flatlink E

Factor55 Prolink


Splicing is a great skill to learn, especially if you own synthetic line. You can learn it online or find a class put on by an I4WDTA (Intl. 4WD Trainers Association) instructor in your area. The guys over at Masterpull winch ropes taught me to splice many years ago, but never really practiced it much until this past year when I started going through training to become an I4WDTA instructor.

My favorite tool is the Factor55 Fast Fid.

It's not needed to do splicing, you can even do splicing with a knitting needle or a ball point pen, though the Fast Fid sure makes it easier.




Creates what is called a "closed loop recovery system" meaning everything is securely connected, no chance for a hook (or other connection) to slip off.

Pros and Cons to both.

I'm Pretty sure I don't have the tools to cut that hook off. I would love to be able to just attach it to the thimble at the end. Maybe I'll see if a local shop would cut it off for me.

 

[Tech Tim]

I'm Pretty sure I don't have the tools to cut that hook off. I would love to be able to just attach it to the thimble at the end. Maybe I'll see if a local shop would cut it off for me.

A cut off wheel on a 4" hand grinder cuts through the hook eyes like butter!

The thimble is the better way to go if you can swing it, the rope is supported over a larger diameter in the loop, less stress on the rope fibers.

 

[ChattVol]

A cut off wheel on a 4" hand grinder cuts through the hook eyes like butter!

The thimble is the better way to go if you can swing it, the rope is supported over a larger diameter in the loop, less stress on the rope fibers.

Can you shed some light on differences between the quadratec stealth and x20? It appears people dont know the differences and if they go with the stealth, they're simply paying more based on looks and favoring the brand. Thoughts?

 

[Tech Tim]

Can you shed some light on differences between the quadratec stealth and x20? It appears people dont know the differences and if they go with the stealth, they're simply paying more based on looks and favoring the brand. Thoughts?

I don't have any experience with the Quadratec Stealth winch, so I can't fairly comment on it.

As far as my thoughts on the Smittybilt Winch? It is an overseas built winch with a lifetime warranty. It has its market and if someone was looking for a low-cost winch, with the Smittybilt warranty and at that price, it would be a good one to choose.

The price really is spectacular, where else can you get a 10K winch, synthetic rope and aluminum fairlead for $420.00 (on sale). Heck, I paid more than that for one high end synthetic rope on one of my 4x4s.

 

[IronScott]

I bought the X20 from Northridge and didn’t like the stock hook, so I used a cutoff tool but

I don't have any experience with the Quadratec Stealth winch, so I can't fairly comment on it.

As far as my thoughts on the Smittybilt Winch? It is an overseas built winch with a lifetime warranty. It has its market and if someone was looking for a low-cost winch, with the Smittybilt warranty and at that price, it would be a good one to choose.

The price really is spectacular, where else can you get a 10K winch, synthetic rope and aluminum fairlead for $420.00 (on sale). Heck, I paid more than that for one high end synthetic rope on one of my 4x4s.

I bought my X20 from you guys. I haven't used it on the trails yet but did tension it across my yard on a bit of an incline with the wireless remote. Really impressed with how easy it is to use and how strong it appears to be.

I didn't like the stock hook so ordered a Factor 55 link but needed to cut off the hook. I screwed up and nicked the rope, so I got a F55 Fast Fid and fixed it in less than 5 minutes. Stupid easy. That tool makes repairs simple and quick.

My only complaint about the X20 is that non-detachable hook. It's actually a nice, heavy hook but not what I wanted. Wish I didn't have to cut it, though in hindsight I could've cut the rope instead. Noob mistake but either way I had to cut something.

 

[TheEddie]

The Smitty is a great deal but its looks are a bit cheesy. This video compares them well. The Qtech just looks more premium and refined. Aluminum covered integrated solenoid, LED light for night use, better wiring design etc.



I'm between the Smitty with a different fairlead and side mounted solenoid, Qtech Stealth, or a $459 Warn VR8 with steel cable (and put third party synthetic on it possibly).

 

[Chaostactics]

@Northridge4x4 I noticed the X20 is now $555 unless I'm missing something?

 

[Tech Tim]

@Chaostactics

Yes, that $420.00 deal went on for a few weeks, once the pallet was empty, the deal was done.

We do have the X20 10K with wire rope on Black Friday special at $275.00, though they are almost gone. Might be 5 or 10 of them left.

Smittybilt X20 Gen2 10K w/ wire rope SALE $275.00:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...7510-smittybilt-gen2-x20-10k-waterproof-winch

 

[DonBindas]

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...lt-x2o-10k-winch-waterproof-gen2-and-fairlead

I just went there and it was $555.04

 

[DonBindas]

@Chaostactics

Yes, that $420.00 deal went on for a few weeks, once the pallet was empty, the deal was done.

We do have the X20 10K with wire rope on Black Friday special at $275.00, though they are almost gone. Might be 5 or 10 of them left.

Smittybilt X20 Gen2 10K w/ wire rope SALE $275.00:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...7510-smittybilt-gen2-x20-10k-waterproof-winch

I just went there and it was $391.84

 

[mrcmosx]

@Chaostactics

Yes, that $420.00 deal went on for a few weeks, once the pallet was empty, the deal was done.

We do have the X20 10K with wire rope on Black Friday special at $275.00, though they are almost gone. Might be 5 or 10 of them left.

Smittybilt X20 Gen2 10K w/ wire rope SALE $275.00:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...7510-smittybilt-gen2-x20-10k-waterproof-winch

@Tech Tim price list as 391.84. I was hoping to purchase one today.

 

[Northridge4x4]

Sorry everyone, as @Tech Tim mentioned above, we bought a bunch at a discount for the Black Friday sale and when that stack was gone, so was the deal.

 

[Tech Tim]

I just went there and it was $555.04

I just went there and it was $391.84

@Tech Tim price list as 391.84. I was hoping to purchase one today.

Those last few I mentioned we had lasted about 10 minutes. That's why I was posting up, trying to get people to get them before they were gone!

 

[Smike83]

I must have ordered just in time!! Got one for $275

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