im going to be buying a winch this week and need help deciding on what one i want.

the rugged ridge has a series wound motor 5.5hp, and is rated at 8500 pounds

the smittybilt xrc8 has a permanent magnet motor according to the winch advisor in the quadratec book but the add says it has a series wound motor, 5.5hp and rated at 8000 pounds

 

I know two guys with the 8000 Smitty and they like them. The RR is rated at 8500 lbs, 500 more than the Smitty so I would say buy the one that will get to you costing the least. They are both good buys.