OK, trying to get some opinions on which winch & mounting plate for a stock front bumper. Jeep is a '13 JK 2 door. I like the "little" bit of protection the front bumper gives so I really think that's gonna stay for now. I know I want synthetic line, would love to be atleast 10k pull but that's usually another $100. Gimme some feedback on brands & models please, I need to get this mod soon. Oh, $550 is max for now, + the mount plate.
Thanx in advance,,, Bill A
ps: pics will help

 

I have a superwinch tiger shark 9500. You can get one with a synthetic rope for 500


Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 SR 1595201 | superwinchexperts

 

I was in the same boat last month. I am convinced that the best winch available is a WARN. That being said, for my needs and use I chose the Smittybilt XRC 9500 Gen 2 with synthetic line for a few reasons. Delivered to my door is was just under $500 from Amazon and the reviews I read were good minus the WARN fanatics who dog on everything else. Plus I think it's a good looking product. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your decision.

 

I'm running the same winch on my 2 door. Really like it. Why do you feel you need a 10K for a 2 door? (just curious)

Edit: Mine is the synthetic line, btw. I can't remember what Mike has.

 

Mainly because I might be pulling someone else out of some pretty deep, wet clay type stuff. It's not always gonna be a Jeep Wrangler at the other end. thanx for the input so far, I've been leaning towards the Smittys,,, contemplating between "Smittybilt 98495 XRC Synthetic Rope Winch - 9500 lb." & "GEN2 Smittybilt 12,000 lb Winch 98412 Synthetic Rope XRC12", & even "Smittybilt XRC 10 Comp-Series Winch 98210 10000 lbs Synthetic Cable"... beating my head against a wall trying to weigh the differences. Thx again,,, Bill A

MikeJKUR,, thanx for the Superwinch insight, That just added another dent in the wall tho,, lol. looking at the Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 SR 12V, 1595201 now too.

 

That's a good point. Best of luck

 

I, too have been reading up on winches trying to decide which one to get. Lately I've been leaning towards an Engo winch with syn line, mainly because of the winch comparison shootout I read in a 4 wheel magazine. I've also read through the forums and a lot of people seem to like them. Now, back to beating your head...

 

I got a engo synthetic 10k in the $400 from Offroad elements call Eric up and see what he can do.

 

I got my smittybilt x2o gen 2 12k comp from Eric @ offroad elements. Best price i found by far, and superb customer service

 

I also am running the Smitty Built 9.5 and am not happy with mine. I wish I would have budgeted more money into the winch fund and bought a better winch. Mine will not free spool, it overheats easy, it is extremely slow and the mounting hardware is junk. Just my own opinion, but you do get what you pay for. I will be replacing mine this summer.