I'm looking into purchasing a winch. I'm not planning on using it often because my Jeep is my DD and weekend warrior. I want a good winch, but affordable. Looking to spend $400 max at the moment. What are some recommendations? Are there brands I should avoid, if so, why? I prefer synthetic rope & +8k# .

 

I use to run the Superwinch lp8500. I would not recommend it. It gave out after 2 years, and maybe a total of 30-40 pulls. With that said, It was always uncovered in Eastern Canada with salt on the roads 5 months a year and salt in the air 12 months a year. So, be your own judge on that.
Currently running the Smittybilt XRC 9500. I have a cover for this one, lesson learned. That winch pulled out a Dodge power wagon up to its doors in bog. Happy with it so far... but its still relatively new. Plus its IP67 rated. Bonus

 

As a super winch tiger shark owner, that kind of worries me. I've got a solid pull out of it at least. (Sarcasm) I find that hard to believe, not because I don't believe you, but super winch started out as a nautical winch company I think. Sea salt water all around those winches but Canadian salt destroys their automotive winches? Seems strange. Regardless, I'm ordering a cover asap with winter right around the corner! Thanks for the info tnt.

 

My Engo 9000lb winch has been crazy reliable...an absolute workhorse. For the money I paid for it I'd buy another for sure. So for its been on my JKU for 5 years trouble free with many hours of winch time. I have had to replace a few batteries though due to extended use, one recovery lasted 8 hours and included 6 very stuck jeeps. That particular day, my winch was the only winch that did not fail. The others that did fail included, Smitybilt, Superwinch and 2 Badlands winches. That day my winch proved it's worth to many people.

Again, in that price range....I know what brand I would buy. Money no object...I'd buy a Viking winch.

 

I have the Engo 10K with synthetic about 2 and 1/2 years now about 15 pulls some difficult ... I believe the solenoid is done .... I'm going to replace that part first to see if that fixes it.

 

I have the Engo 9000 with synthetic line and have been very pleased with it. Ordered it from Chris at Jeep Addons. I believe they are one of the sponsors of this forum. Got the winch plate from him also at a very good price and mounted it on my stubbied stock bumper.

 

I ordered mine(e9000 syn) from Chris about 3 years ago and still have no complaints! He was cool to deal with/talk to on the phone too!!

Sent from my iPhone 5s

 

Engo! When they did the winch shootout a few years ago, it came 4th. However other than the Warn, it was the only one that still worked after all the abuse. And it's pretty cheap, with good customer service. Had mine on 2 years now, and it's still going strong.

 

I went Engo 10k synthetic. I used the crap out of it this year with not a single issue. It's loud, but that is fine with me so long as it pulls.

 

This is what I read.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/12...inch-shootout/

Same shootout?