http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/65.htm

10,000 lb winch
94ft 21/64" synthetic rope
218:1 ratio
total weight 67lbs
price 549$


http://www.roughcountry.com/winches/..._rs12000s.html

12,000 lb winch
85ft 3/8 synthetic rope ( maybe 100ft? on the page it says 2 lengths )
265:1 ratio
total weight 97lbs
price 549$


anyone have any feedback to help make my decision easier?
im putting it on a 96 cherokee 33s plan on 35s with full spare and lots of gear. 4.5 lift if it makes a difference
and im basing my winch bumper off of logansmetal bumper.

 

Personal preference would be for the lighter one. Weight isn't an advantage.

 

someone correct me if im wrong
but the weight comes from the gear ratio being lower
the lighter is 218:1 the heavier is 265:1

which again correct me if im wrong
i think that has to do with line speed.

but it is deff something to consider cuz 30lbs is a good amount long term.

 

Well part of the weight is probably from the gear ratio being lower but most of the weight comes from the extra bulk needed for the increase of 2000 lbs in the winches capacity.
Your Cherokee weighs maybe 4000 lbs so the 10000 lb winch is more than enough to handle the weight, and it is 30 lbs lighter so it means less stress on your rig.

 

Both have Synthetic rope so both are approximately the same weight. The difference is in the gear ratio which will affect the line speed, amperage draw and pulling performance.

 

http://www.roughcountry.com/winches/...h_rs9500s.html

what if i throw that into the mix at 100$ cheaper!
with 1500lbs more rated
and its got the 265:1 gear ratio and synthetic rope
but it is still up there on the weight at 94lbs

i guess what im asking are your opinions on smitty bilt vs rough country?

 

The winch line is a non factor the weight difference will not be much. The weight difference because of gear ratio will not be much. The weight difference because of thicker stronger gears and heavier bearings and bushings to handle a ton more weight will be where you pick up most of the 30 lbs.

If it was me I would go with the 9500 lb winch, your Cherokee is going to weigh about 4000 lbs, so the 9500 lb winch is more than enough to handle the weight. Lighter is better.

 

I would pass on both and buy the 8K version

Both winchs come from the exact same manufacure and are rebranded in the US. One is a 10K and one is 12K, the 12K will be much slower. They both use the exact same 5.5hp motor and use lower gearing to get the extra pulling power. The 8K and 9.5K that both companies sell also have the same motor and is faster with even less gearing.

-Chris

 

Actually I have visited both factories, the RC and Smittybilt do not come from the same factory. The weight is approximately the same for both winches, the 97 lbs. has to be a mis-print on the weight of the RC winch.

 

Have you now?