Ok so this may be dumb and I understand what type of stuff typically comes out of harbor freight BUT I’ve been doing winch research and as much as I’d like to be able to right now spend 3 or 4 grand in the warn winch I want, has any had any experience with the badlands series of winches? The internet (which is always true) has honestly said some pretty good things to say for the price point. Any and all responses are welcome.

(side note after posting I see a long list of old threads in regards to these winches. Any one currently using them?)

 

I have the 1/2 step up, or maybe just a side step, Barricade winch and it works when I need it to. I've also had the Smittybilt winch and if you perform the monthly maintenance, it shouldn't be an issue. The problem with a winch and buying cheap is that when you need it, usually you REALLY need it. Case and point- last time I was using it, I was in a familiar area and just having fun on a Friday night. Well, the rain had really slicked things up to where I couldn't make the hill climb to get out of a gully. The winch was the only way out as I left my hi-lift at home. I was glad I bought from a slightly more reputable brand but in that moment- it doesn't matter what name is on the winch, it matters that the solenoids do as they're intended to do.

 

That’s a very solid point. I go out pretty frequently alone (I know it’s dumb) and I’d be super pissed if I went cheap and the dsm thing crapped out on me

 

I'd LOVE to have a Warn, but I just couldn't justify spending the money on one myself. I've had a Smittybilt X20 10k synthetic that I think was $540 new several years ago. It's served me well to date, and I've used it several times to get me out of jams in additional to the random stuff around the house like pulling shrubs n stuff I felt it was a pretty good compromise of performance and value. Many don't agree with this idea, but I really think anything is better than nothing. That said, if you can scrounge a little more, I really do think getting synthetic line is well worth the extra $100 or so regardless of what winch you have. So many people are completely careless, or don't know proper safety precautions, when using a steel line. Synthetic is so much safer.

 

I used one on. 2009 I had. I only used it to pull Jeep close enough to connect tow bar to motorhome. It lasted okay

 

Safety aside- dragging cable out to your anchor point sucks. Synthetic is much easier to climb up that clay slick hill and carry a bunch with you without worrying about cutting your arms and everything else it touches. The weight factor isn't only at play on the Jeep, but also when you're pulling line......ask me how I know.

 

I have a Badlands 12k with synthetic line. I have had it for 7 years. I did put better grease in the gears on it a few years back. It has served me well. The only problem I ever have is the ground wire coming loose.

 

I have an X-bull. Like most here I’d have loved to get a top of the line Warn but could justify the cost right now. Used it a few times over the last few months and it’s worked great.

 

12K badlands ( older version) maybe 6 years old.
I have had warn 9k’s in the past without issue.
decided to give it a shot anticipating failure in short order. To say I have abused this winch is understatement .
I have beat this winch since day one, long pulls, pulling trees down at camp when skid loader broke down ( static pulls while chainsaw was making notch0 just being in a hurry and truly unsafe. This thing has been whooped on, best winch ever!1
have sold many friends on these winches since seeing the hella abuse I have dished out on this unit.

may have just lucked out but it’s impressive to say the least

 

I just did the same thing, bought badlands apex winch based on online reviews. Also, I have seen JKUs with pretty solid builds (coilovers,etc.) roaming around my local off road park (Windrock) with the badlands apex winch.

Enough to have sold me on the idea before I bought mine 2 weeks ago, it was on sale for $479 and I paid an extra $100 on a warranty as well.