I've read and read and read and I can't decide what winch to buy. I guess I need one that can do 8k lbs since your supposed to have double your vehicle weight. I want the synthetic rope. I want durability and I want the best waterproof/water resistant. So I'm stuck between warn and smittybilt. The question is I don't know what all these different series mean and solenoid location and all that whatnot. I don't plan on using it a whole lot maybe 5-10 times a year. I'm not a hard core wheeler but I want something that's gonna work/perform well when I need it. I have a 2013 jk 2 door. My brain officially feels like mush. SOMEONE HELP PLEASE!!!!!

 

Warn = Cadillac.

Smitty = Kia

You said you want the best... Choice is clear.
I think it's hard to go wrong with the zeon line

 

That's a good comparison lol now what are all those same different series tho

 

I don't think the zenon series are submersible winches. Of course all winches can be submerged in water but most WONT work while under water, they fry the electronic parts. My Warn xd9000i is a waterproof winch, and yes I tested it unfortunately when I was stuck with my hood under water. Pulled me right out. I would definitely do some research because as far as I know not very many winches are able to be used while under water.

Sent from my obama monitoring device

 

Zeon is ip68 tested waterproof (I think that's the rating). The OP didn't ask for submersible, he asked for water proof/resistant.

OP the warn lineup is confusing, what helped me is looking at a pricing sheet while comparing. Some were completely out if my range so that cut my choices down greatly.

 

While I cannot find any info on the Warn site about waterproof or submersible use, to include the xd9000i, I did find a couple videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XadtHjzLY - 4 Wheel Parts interviews Warn rep at 2012 SEMA show. Rep states Zeon is IP68 rated, but nothing about working while submerged.

JKOwners.com - The community for Jeep JK Owners - JKOwners TV tours Warn plant with Jessi Combs on Aug 2010. Tour starts just after 1 hr 2 min mark. At the 1hr 16min 34sec mark they go into the testing lab. Rep states that some winches (severe duty) are tested under water, but nothing specific.

So it is basically saying call Warn and ask which winches are water proof.