Warn Winches
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Warn Winches
So I'm looking at getting a Warn winch.. Either the 9.5cti-S or Zeon 12. I do a lot of heavy off roading and need something extremely durable as the winch will be used quite often.. So I have been leaning towards the 9.5cti-S, but one of my friends has a lot of complaints about the synthetic rope fraying whereas the Zeon 12 comes with steel cable. Price is not an issue here, looking for overall best performance with least number of issues. Element proof definitely a factor as well.. Any input is welcome. Thanks!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue, WA
You can get the CTI without the S designation. It will come with standard steel cable....
But honestly, synthetic is very durable. It will get ugly quicker than steel, and might fray a little bit, but nothing to worry about. You just have to watch out for cuts in the fiber.
The benefits of the synthetic line in safety, usability and weight far outweigh the durability of steel cable... at least in my opinion.
I have the older version of that winch (9.5TI) with Synthetic Masterpull line and its a great winch.
But honestly, synthetic is very durable. It will get ugly quicker than steel, and might fray a little bit, but nothing to worry about. You just have to watch out for cuts in the fiber.
The benefits of the synthetic line in safety, usability and weight far outweigh the durability of steel cable... at least in my opinion.
I have the older version of that winch (9.5TI) with Synthetic Masterpull line and its a great winch.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland, WA
I ran steel cable in the 90's and still remember the splinters in my palm. Made the switch to synthetic a few years back and have no regrets or issues.
I'm curious why you would compare a 9500lbs winch with a 12k winch? It seems to me, you'd do well with a Zeon 10k.
I'm curious why you would compare a 9500lbs winch with a 12k winch? It seems to me, you'd do well with a Zeon 10k.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Can't help with those two choices, just a pro-Warn plug 
to say that I have had my HS9500i hanging off the front of my 4x4's, uncovered, since '99. Don't use it nearly as much these days as I used to, but it's still running strong.
I suppose I could upgrade to synth line for the safety factor, but as I have been lucky enough to not mangle or shred the wire, it's still running the original steel cable as well.
to say that I have had my HS9500i hanging off the front of my 4x4's, uncovered, since '99. Don't use it nearly as much these days as I used to, but it's still running strong. I suppose I could upgrade to synth line for the safety factor, but as I have been lucky enough to not mangle or shred the wire, it's still running the original steel cable as well.
Trending Topics
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 2
From: south carolina
if price isnt a concern why NOT go with a 12k same bolt pattern not much difference if any size wise esp vs a 10k . not to mention the winch wont be workin as hard when you do use it .im of the mind that , within reason , theres no such thing as too much winch