winch advice needed
09-09-2009 | 07:01 PM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette,La
winch advice needed
ok im on the market for a winch and have seen lots of winches for many different prices i would like to know what to look for as far as price vs pulling power what do you guys have?
09-10-2009 | 05:22 AM
#3
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta area
If you look at the specs the main difference between the XRC8 and XRC10 is the gearing ratio. Motor is the same. So the XRC10 while being 25% more powerful than the XRC8 (once all the line is spooled out) is also 25% slower than the XRC8.
Lots of people seem to be happy with the Smittybilts. Buy from 4wheelparts and you can get a very good warranty. Trouble is the warranty doesn't do anything for you if it breaks when you're stuck on the trail.
Personally I ended up choosing a Warn M8000 which was under $500 at the last 4wheelparts Jeep+Truck show. It was between that or the Superwinch EPi9.0. The Smittybilts are probably fine for moderate or occasional use, but for the $200 price difference to the XRC8 I'll never be left wondering if I should have bought a Warn winch.
As to the XRC10 HD, while I understand the convenience of having air compressor and winch both in the same package, I'd rather keep the functions separate. No slight against those who like the Warn Powerplant or XRC10HD, but it reminds me of this:
Last edited by gpb; 09-10-2009 at 11:08 AM.
09-10-2009 | 11:37 AM
#5
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,568
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
I like the Warn M8000 - cheap and good. Easily rebuildable. Tons of parts available. You shouldn't need any more pulling power than 8000lbs. Don't do the superwinch unless you have made sure it will fit, but its a good value as well. Any Warn will fit just about any bumper out there.
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09-10-2009 | 11:51 AM
#8
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,258
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From: Los Angeles, CA.
A winch is a pretty significant mod and you should weigh the cost and use of the winch for your needs. I looked at my likely uses and the weight of my 4door and how often I would really use the winch. The Smittybuilt is a good choice for many, the Warn m8000 is also a great choice for a little more money. I weighed all of the variables and decided on the Superwinch EPi 9.0. I am happy with my decision. Here are some of the reasons I choose the Superwinch but your needs might dictate something else. Fast line speed on the trail does matter to you and to the folks behind you. If your like me when I get the chance to go out with friends I want to spend as much of my trail time going down the trails as possible. I am in the market to buy another winch and will buy the same one again.
Reasons for the Superwinch. $600
Low Price for a High end quality winch,
Fast line speed- Powerful - Waterproof Contactor- Low Amp Draw - External Brake Great for Synthetic line -Great Warranty -Snatchblock - 125ft. cable - well built thimble
Factory sales pitch...
EPi9.0 Warranty and Solenoid details:
"The Best Winch Warranty in the Winch Industry:
Limited Lifetime on winch mechanicals, 3 years on the switching solenoid, and 1 year on the remainder of winch electrical components
Superwinch builds exceptional quality, and value into every product we build. It was the development of the EP series that has brought our company to a new high in value and has prompted us to increase the warranty on the EP series, among others. EP winches have features that our competitors cannot match, even at nearly double the price!
Our exclusive solenoid, with its silver-alloy contact pads, thick copper buss bars, and submersion-quality sealed construction, make it clearly unmatched in the winching industry. It is simply the most reliable solenoid in the industry, so thousands of off-roaders can now enjoy the trail, worry-free. Our confidence in this product allows us to extend the electrical warranty on these solenoids to 3 years. Spare solenoids are not needed with a Superwinch EP or any of the other Superwinch products that carry this exclusive component."
Reasons for the Superwinch. $600
Low Price for a High end quality winch,
Fast line speed- Powerful - Waterproof Contactor- Low Amp Draw - External Brake Great for Synthetic line -Great Warranty -Snatchblock - 125ft. cable - well built thimble
Factory sales pitch...
EPi9.0 Warranty and Solenoid details:
"The Best Winch Warranty in the Winch Industry:
Limited Lifetime on winch mechanicals, 3 years on the switching solenoid, and 1 year on the remainder of winch electrical components
Superwinch builds exceptional quality, and value into every product we build. It was the development of the EP series that has brought our company to a new high in value and has prompted us to increase the warranty on the EP series, among others. EP winches have features that our competitors cannot match, even at nearly double the price!
Our exclusive solenoid, with its silver-alloy contact pads, thick copper buss bars, and submersion-quality sealed construction, make it clearly unmatched in the winching industry. It is simply the most reliable solenoid in the industry, so thousands of off-roaders can now enjoy the trail, worry-free. Our confidence in this product allows us to extend the electrical warranty on these solenoids to 3 years. Spare solenoids are not needed with a Superwinch EP or any of the other Superwinch products that carry this exclusive component."
I too have the Epi9.0 and I love it. It is actually my second winch (first was a Warn 9.5ti), and I like it better than the first. Great winch, good pulling speed, and the price is phenomenal (I actually found mine on Amazon for around $550.00).
Russ D.
