I bought a badlands 12k for 299. Had it for 3 years. Made over 100 pulls with it. Everything from fullsize pickups buried in mud to tree stumps. Now my buddy has had it on his truck for the last 2 years. Still works perfect.

 

I can't agree with this... you don't need an expensive winch to have a "real winch.

 

Didn't say it had to be expensive but it should probably cost more than 300 bucks.

Most of the reviews & info I have read on the cheaper ones is they are like northern tool....buy it when you only need it once or twice, not when you use it daily.

Sometimes, you get good ones....most times you don't.

 

But the reviews of the 12k Badlands winch contradict your view point.

 

exactly. And a few others in the $300 range. Hell my buddy has a $300 rc winch he uses consistently for 3 years so far on his farm and wheeling and works great. Plenty of good options at the op price point.

 

One big controversy that can be found on most winches reviews and frequently asked questions is whether it is better to have it steel or synthetic cable and if both options are available. While this is not a big factor when deciding on getting a winch it can still affect it in the long run🚗

 

What is the difference between steel and synthetic? Weight? Pliability so the winch doesn't work as hard to pull in the steel?

 

I know this is an old thread but I ended up getting a Smittybilt X20 with the steel cable. It's been working great for over a year now, but when the time comes I will be switching to a synthetic rope.

 

I've been running engo 9k for 5 years or so. Not sure how many pulls it made. It just keeps working when I need it.

 

I'm a long time Factory Rep for a company that sells very high end suspension equipment, alignment, balancing, etc. (Hunter Engineering) We are the most expensive on the market, but enjoy 85 to 90% of that market. Most business owners know, ya get what you pay for. I was told years ago by a long time rep,, "The most expensive piece of equipment you will ever buy, it the one that wont do what you bought it for". I've read on line, and heard stories from many budget minded off road enthusiests about the winch that wouldn't work, or failed on the first use on the trail, just when you REALLY needed it. Like most, I'm not on an unlimited budget, but understand that theory well. I just researched winches, and ended up buying one today for my XJ, and I bought Warn. It was 450 bucks verses 300 for a Smitty-built, but chose the Warn just from reviews I've read. Another thing to recognize, when ever the competition is comparing themselves to another product, such as Warn,, what does that tell you. I'm not saying that other winches don't work good, even a Warn can break, and do break at times, but 70 plus years in the business means they must be doing something right. Remember also, the ability to talk to the MANUFACTURE verses a supplier also tells you something about the product. If you really need a winch, you really need a winch. And is has to work when you need it.

 

Engo for a few years

Warn doesnt have the reputation they used to

 

"Warn doesnt have the reputation they used to",,,,you are spot on for sure,,,NOBODY does. We live in a Chinese driven throw away world,,everything is junk.

 

Yes. Sometimes by going with a name brand we just over pay for Chinese junk.

 

In today's rip off market,, the ability to get direct to the manufacture and get the warranty backed up is paramount. Just for kicks,, I called Warn Factory direct before ordering, and talked with a very skilled factory contact, received a comprehensive and logical explanation of their winches,and models, WARRANTIES EXPLAINED, PROS AND CONS OF ALL THE MODELS, PLUSES AND MINUSES, THIS IS THE BEST COMPANY, IF NOT THE ONLY COMPANY I WOULD CARE TO DEAL WITH.

 

My Smittybilt is still working fine, I had to use it a couple weeks ago.