better to have and not need...Which Winch
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Brownwood, TX
I saw in my research that the leadership of Mile Marker and Engo are Father/Son.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From: Canada
I didn't say that it was crap if it wasn't made here, and I don't think anyone else did either. I do think that you generally get a higher quality product if it's made in the US compared to most Chinese manufacturers.
I don't understand your point about the reliability. If you're implying that a Chinese-manufactured winch that costs half the price of a similar Warn is every bit as reliable, I think you're out of your mind. Do Warn winches fail? Of course. Anything can fail. However, a company that has focused on quality and reliability as their reputation is not going to skimp on QA - it's too much of a risk to their bottom line. A company that is focused on producing the most affordable equipment possible, however, MUST cut expense somewhere, and that tends to be in the "softer" areas of manufacturing, such as QA. This is exactly why Quadratec and Smittybilt winches are so often reported as replaced immediately and without question when they fail under warranty - it's far cheaper for the manufacturer to replace those winches that do fail rather than expend the significant amount of dollars required to ensure that they don't fail in the first place.
I'm not saying that Engo or Recon aren't reliable winches (although I've read posts about problems with customer service). Overall, I've heard good things about both. I'm saying that, for my money, I'm going to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible.
I do agree with your statement that ultimately the OP must choose for himself. However, since he specifically came here asking for opinions...
I don't understand your point about the reliability. If you're implying that a Chinese-manufactured winch that costs half the price of a similar Warn is every bit as reliable, I think you're out of your mind. Do Warn winches fail? Of course. Anything can fail. However, a company that has focused on quality and reliability as their reputation is not going to skimp on QA - it's too much of a risk to their bottom line. A company that is focused on producing the most affordable equipment possible, however, MUST cut expense somewhere, and that tends to be in the "softer" areas of manufacturing, such as QA. This is exactly why Quadratec and Smittybilt winches are so often reported as replaced immediately and without question when they fail under warranty - it's far cheaper for the manufacturer to replace those winches that do fail rather than expend the significant amount of dollars required to ensure that they don't fail in the first place.
I'm not saying that Engo or Recon aren't reliable winches (although I've read posts about problems with customer service). Overall, I've heard good things about both. I'm saying that, for my money, I'm going to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible.
I do agree with your statement that ultimately the OP must choose for himself. However, since he specifically came here asking for opinions...
Without a doubt WARN makes the best winch on the market and they stand behind it. If a WARN is what you want by all means get a WARN. Comparing an ENGO to a WARN is like comparing a Cadillac to Cavalier.
Do some homework, search around there are many threads on all brands of winches and see what problems some may encounter versus others and what others think and then make your decision.
Last edited by SpicedCrusher; Feb 12, 2014 at 09:34 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 577
Likes: 3
From: North Port, FL
I wasn't saying you thought they were crap. I was just saying that just because someone chooses to buy a winch that isn't a WARN he/she should be worried that when they go out wheeling that their winch is going to fail. Just because you have a WARN doesn't mean you can go out with no fear and it's going to work flawlessly every time. Like you said anything can fail, even a WARN. I also agree customer service is important, fortunately I haven't had to use it so I don't know what its like. I am just speaking from personal experience, I have no problems with my ENGO it's worked great but that's not to say it won't fail next trip out either, it could.
Without a doubt WARN makes the best winch on the market and they stand behind it. If a WARN is what you want by all means get a WARN. Comparing an ENGO to a WARN is like comparing a Cadillac to Cavalier.
Do some homework, search around there are many threads on all brands of winches and see what problems some may encounter versus others and what others think and then make your decision.
Without a doubt WARN makes the best winch on the market and they stand behind it. If a WARN is what you want by all means get a WARN. Comparing an ENGO to a WARN is like comparing a Cadillac to Cavalier.
Do some homework, search around there are many threads on all brands of winches and see what problems some may encounter versus others and what others think and then make your decision.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 1
From: South Windsor, Ct
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 17
From: Oxford, AL
I'll second this recommendation. At the time of my winch purchase, the M8000 was a little out of my budget because I wanted rope. I ended up getting the Mile Marker SEC8 Scout with synthetic. Its been great so far, but if I would have waited or had 200-300 more I would have gone with the M8000. That being said, I have a 2 door, with a heavier 4 door I might be inclined to step up to something in the 10k - 12k range.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar, FL
I spent the money ($1200) and went with the Warn Zeon 10-S. Warn has a proven track record of reliability. This is the same winch that was used to pull me out when I was stuck up to the frame in mud. It did it without even hesitating.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: waterford ct
I just purchased the recon 10500 waterproof unit with synthetic. Cost $535 shipped with 2 d rings, cover and 10 foot tree saver. Recon has a three year warranty and everything I have read has been positive. Should be here weds.
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Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Brownwood, TX
Congrats you have been able to make a decision. I am stuck in analysis paralysis! But I think I am leaning towards Warn. I like the power plant but it is pricey. Maybe I hold out for it?