Which Winch

[Shane]

Ok so I have about 325.00 to spend on a winch and was debating on either a superwinch or a smittybilt that is about what I can find in my budget price range aside from the HF winches. Has any one used a superwinch? If anyone has a smittybilt how has it held up.

[Patrolman]

Keep in mind they sell a winch with accessories at Costco for about the same price. I don't know the brand/reputation.

Personally, I would get a used Warn or Ramsey. I have had great luck with both, even if they were well used. A bit of patience could get you one in your price range.

[Patrolman]

Unsure of the brand, but here is a 10,000lb brand new for $230 obo
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/pts/4512835559.html

Or a good deal on a Warn 12,000 for $300, but no solenoid pack. That is easy/cheap enough to take care of considering the price.
http://rockies.craigslist.org/pts/4492402261.html

[Serious Offroad]

http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?21478-Rugged-Ridge-Winch-Savings!

Sold a few to a few members here.

[scout man]

I have a Smittybuilt on my truck which has treated me well the little bit I have used it. Also a HF on the trailer which I was actually rather surprise with the quality of. Both out pull my warn 8274, which is odd.

[Shane]

Thanks all for the input, I no I won't have it before the clean up run figured I would get the winch and then figure out the winch mounting route I want to go.

[The StRanger]

I would buy local and support our own..

[jayson44]

I had a SB on my last Jeep and it pulled strong the handful of times I used it.

J.

[Rick]

I have the SB 10k on mine and its worked great for 5 yrs now...The Fairlead is a piece of **** though....

[xaza]

I have a SB H2O8000k. Only had it a year but have used a dozens times or so. It pulls strong and has had zero issues.

[EKXJ87]

My 2cents I have a smittybuilt XRC comp 8 w/synthetic two of my buddys have the same one cable and one syn. and I have seen them recovery several veichles (ranger/rubicons) this past winter the SB with no issues. FYI the ranger required both winches it was quite a pull !

[Java]

I'm getting the HF 12000lb winch for $299.00 with the coupon, probably in the next week or two. It's a great deal if its a good winch, which I'll try to figure out before I mount it. There are pics and video of winch guts all over to compare to; I plan on opening it up as soon as I get it to see what the internals are, I'll post up when I do. If it's made from plastic and bubblegum I'll return it, if it looks proper I'll run it.

[Haku]

As far as I can tell, the main thing you get with the more expensive winches is faster line speed rather then less pulling power. If speed is really something you want, save up and get a more bling winch. Otherwise, any of the cheap winches like SmittyBuilt or the cheaper Super Winch or even Harbor Freight. Synthetic line is kinda nice too, but drives the cost up so its up to you on whether its worth it.

Other then that, the only other thing I can say is that one reason to get Warn is that they still make replacement parts for every winch they ever made, so if you someone break something in the future, you can get parts and fix your winch instead of just having to throw it away and get a new one. I'm unsure, but I suspect none of the other winch manufacturers can say that.

[Shane]

Thanks all for your input.

[JFjeld]

X2 on the Smittybilt X20 8000K winch. I've had mine 3-4 years. The X20 has some upgrades to their other 8000K winches, lifetime warranty, and really fast line speed. I did have a problem with my solenoid box 1-2 years after purchase in which case it wouldn't wind out (would wind-in and free spool), but I took pictures of the box and they promptly sent me a replacement; no hassle. It must've been a minor issue because I gave that solenoid box to someone here on the forum, and they used it without problem.

It sells for about ~ $400 but they threw in their winch accessory pack for free (snatch block, tree saver, d-rings, extra tow strap) which sells for $100 itself.

[glacierpaul]

I have 2 Warn winches and just bought a 8500# Rugged Ridge from Frank and put that in a receiver mount. I used the R.R. pretty hard actually, and it performed flawlessly. My Warns have never been an issue. I Have synthetic on my Warns and am going to replace the R.R. from cable to synth this summer for sure. I feel the price for the synth line is well worth the price, it has come down in price some what too. Just the easier use factor alone makes it worth it, lighter & stronger than cable, then the almost zero recoil if breakage....no brainer.
Get any winch, just get synth line is my :2c: Also, I have come-alongs(or Hi-Lift) in case the winch fails too, another suggestion as I don't know what all you carry along with you.

[ColoJeeper]

I have a Ramsey 9000 Lb on the CJ, at Mile Marker 9500 lb on the YJ and a Smittybuilt 10,000 lb winch on the JK and would purchase another one of each and recommend any of them. They have all performed well, and been trouble free.

Don