XRC8 Comp Series Smittybuilt Winch
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,492
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From: KY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6
Im looking in getting a XRC8 Comp Series Smittybuilt winch and was wondering is the XRC8 Comp Series worth tha extra money over the XRC8
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 440
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From: Akron, OH
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
When I got my xrc I wish I had enought $ for the comp series just for the weight factor but looking at what I have used my winch for I'm glad it has the steel cable or I know I would have had to replace the synthetic line more than once. Just my opinion.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 3
From: SLC, Utah
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I have it on my XJ, I bought it over a VR8000 cause of the synthetic rope. I am happy with my purchase. Ive seen steel cables snap an it is violent where a rope will drop and not transfer energy. A rope is much safer and worth the extra money on any winch.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Akron, OH
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Not if it is rubbing against metal or a tree. Synthetic can and will fray, steel can too but no where near as easy. So it really depends on how you are going to use the winch. I use mine more for pulling heavy stuff and loading scrap cars on a trailer more than anything and flipping a tracker right side up after a buddy of mine rolls it.
P.S. Yes Synthetic rope is waaaaay safer to use!
P.S. Yes Synthetic rope is waaaaay safer to use!
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most trucks on four wheelers ultimate adventure and also on top truck challenge all use steel cable, havnt seen too many tow trucks with rope either lol just my two cents anythings dangerous if you dont maintain it or use it properly id save the money i love my xrc8 had it a year
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Akron, OH
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
most trucks on four wheelers ultimate adventure and also on top truck challenge all use steel cable, havnt seen too many tow trucks with rope either lol just my two cents anythings dangerous if you dont maintain it or use it properly id save the money i love my xrc8 had it a year
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm no expert by any means, but I've been researching this topic myself while deciding to get steel cable or synthetic rope. Here is an article by Warn the explains the differences:
https://www.warn.com/blog/2011/11/18..._is_best.shtml
From what I understand, if you don't use the winch a lot, then steel is best. Again, this is just based on what I read from Warn.
https://www.warn.com/blog/2011/11/18..._is_best.shtml
From what I understand, if you don't use the winch a lot, then steel is best. Again, this is just based on what I read from Warn.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I also thought about this before I bought my winch along with other things. After wheeling with 2 different clubs in my area for 3 months or so about a dozen times and talking to other winch owners I found out several different things about the 2. The rope came on 3 of the winch's the guys had ordered after 2 years only 1 still had rope on his and it had been replaced the other 2 had replaced their rope with cable.
All told about same story rocks and trees, we have lots of them in the 4 state area around here. 2 out of the 3 ropes failed in less than 16 mo., one failed in less than 4 mo. Everyone else in these 2 clubs had cables on their winch's, with the area I planned on using most I decided on cable as the best choice for me.
On one other issue we have a lot of creeks we cross and the winch gets wet a LOT. After checking all the mfg's specs. I decided on Superwinch Talon 9.5i and I will attest to it that "It really is waterproof"!
All told about same story rocks and trees, we have lots of them in the 4 state area around here. 2 out of the 3 ropes failed in less than 16 mo., one failed in less than 4 mo. Everyone else in these 2 clubs had cables on their winch's, with the area I planned on using most I decided on cable as the best choice for me.
On one other issue we have a lot of creeks we cross and the winch gets wet a LOT. After checking all the mfg's specs. I decided on Superwinch Talon 9.5i and I will attest to it that "It really is waterproof"!
I have the same winch you are looking at, no problems with it. If you use the fray guard that comes with it the rope won't be a issue. I have had the rope contact rock, but used the guard and didn't hurt the rope.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 3
From: SLC, Utah
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L


