what type winch to buy
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 195
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From: Buena Park, CA
I'm looking to buy the Warn Zeon 10S within the next couple months, just because it'll fit perfectly in my bumper.. Previously I owned a Superwinch LP10000 and it worked very well.. A lot of people on here run the Smittybilt XRC's.. Haven't heard many complaints from them.. Definitely checkout Quadratec's line though.. They're right in your price range.. I really like the comparison chart they show in their catalogs.. Call them to ask if the're waterproof.. IMO though, whichever winch you end up getting go with synthetic line.. Good luck!!
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 195
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From: Buena Park, CA
I've also heard great reviews about the Recon 10,500 Premium. For under $500, you get synthetic rope and an accessory kit that includes tree strap, 2 shackles, and a snatch block. It also has a free cover to boot.
Recon 10,500 lbs Premium Winch Kit | TruckandWinch.com
Recon 10,500 lbs Premium Winch Kit | TruckandWinch.com
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 195
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From: Buena Park, CA
For christmas Got an 10,500 lbs recon winch with syn line ip67 water proof rating tree strap snatch block two d rings and neoprene cover for $475 plus shipping which total was $517 to door. I looked at winches for almost a year and read over 50+ pages of reviews on recon and went that route. Havent got to use it offroad but I did pull under tension in a gravel parking lot with 12" deep pea gravel that you need 4x4 to get through. Pulled its self no issue and didn't even get warm through a 82' pull no stopping. My vote is the recon
Thanks
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 195
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From: Buena Park, CA
Waterproof and working while submerged are 2 different things. U don't want to run a winch that is submerged unless it's a sealed winch. I run a Warn XD9000i and it IS a sealed winch but they sell for about $1100 and I must say from personal experience that this winch works just fine completely under murky water. U try to run one of those winches that aren't sealed ur just gonna fry ur electronics.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Carolina
Waterproof and working while submerged are 2 different things. U don't want to run a winch that is submerged unless it's a sealed winch. I run a Warn XD9000i and it IS a sealed winch but they sell for about $1100 and I must say from personal experience that this winch works just fine completely under murky water. U try to run one of those winches that aren't sealed ur just gonna fry ur electronics.
Last edited by GunDude; Dec 31, 2013 at 03:46 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 588
Likes: 3
From: NARDIAN!
Cheap, new to the ball game Chinese winches are probably just fine.... but only probably.
I have seen Smittybuilts fail (can recall a recovery where three Smittys failed), but don't have experience with the other listed brands.
My guess is they would fail before a Warn, Superwinch, Mile Marker, etc.. At least that's been my experience with the Smitty and I see a lot of them on the trail and in my club.
Problem with failure is when? Likely these things are going to fail or at least you will notice it when you need the winch, during a recovery.
So... would you save some money and take the chance to have a winch fail at the wrong time or would you rather pay a little extra and get a brand that has a long standing, proven record of success?
Most of my buddies run Warn... I have always run Superwinch. Both brands aren't bulletproof, but have a reliable history.
Again... I think these "off brand" winches are okay.... just wouldn't trust one for my own car.
I know my suggestion is out of the OP's budget, but something to ponder if he wants to save a little longer.
I have seen Smittybuilts fail (can recall a recovery where three Smittys failed), but don't have experience with the other listed brands.
My guess is they would fail before a Warn, Superwinch, Mile Marker, etc.. At least that's been my experience with the Smitty and I see a lot of them on the trail and in my club.
Problem with failure is when? Likely these things are going to fail or at least you will notice it when you need the winch, during a recovery.
So... would you save some money and take the chance to have a winch fail at the wrong time or would you rather pay a little extra and get a brand that has a long standing, proven record of success?
Most of my buddies run Warn... I have always run Superwinch. Both brands aren't bulletproof, but have a reliable history.
Again... I think these "off brand" winches are okay.... just wouldn't trust one for my own car.
I know my suggestion is out of the OP's budget, but something to ponder if he wants to save a little longer.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 543
Likes: 2
From: Jersey Shore
I'm looking to buy the Warn Zeon 10S within the next couple months, just because it'll fit perfectly in my bumper.. Previously I owned a Superwinch LP10000 and it worked very well.. A lot of people on here run the Smittybilt XRC's.. Haven't heard many complaints from them.. Definitely checkout Quadratec's line though.. They're right in your price range.. I really like the comparison chart they show in their catalogs.. Call them to ask if the're waterproof.. IMO though, whichever winch you end up getting go with synthetic line.. Good luck!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor, FL
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,013
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From: West Richland Washington
To say warn is always the best is not true. My friends boss has a rubi built to the hilt with 40's and front and rear winches. Used to have warn in front but it failed him 4 times. Now smitty up front no fails amd warn on back