I'm looking for a black winch for the front of my 2008 2DR JK. I want everyone's opinion on this . I'm looking for something that if it does get submerged or wet i don't have to worry about it whatsoever. I'm torn between smittybilt and quadratec's new line. Keep in mind I go off-road about once a month. I don't need the king of winches. These are the 4 I am considering. Please vote as well. The numbers correspond with the choises. # 3 claims to be waterproof. Im looking to order soon. Please let me know! Thanks everyone

These are the links for each winch.

(1) Quadratec Exclusive 92122 2010 - Quadratec Q9000 Self Recovery Winch in Black - Quadratec

(2) Quadratec Exclusive 92122 2020 - Quadratec Q9500i Self Recovery Winch in Black - Quadratec

(3) Smittybilt 97380 - Smittybilt X2O-8 Winch - Quadratec

(4) Smittybilt 97281 - Smittybilt XRC-8 Winch - Quadratec

 

I have the black Q9000 on my JK and think its great for the price. I haven't had to use it for recovery yet but have tested it a couple times and it has plenty of pulling power. I have submerged mine in mud completely a couple of times. I take it home and clean it up and test it just to make sure I haven't broken anything and it has worked every time. I should note that mine is "hidden" and built into the stock bumper so it sits pretty low and is easily submerged. I highly recommend it but I rarely will use it.

 

I was looking at the Q9500 and had actually called and ordered it. I got all the way to the total. When he advised $70 bucks for shipping, I was like "hold on a sec!" 4-wheel parts.com has free shipping on their winches, however that didn't sway him. So the great deal kinda looses its luster. I think if I tac on the extra 70 to the Q9500 price I can get the 10k Smittybuilt waterproof one with free shipping.

That extra 70 bucks for shipping just kills it for me though. I do want to see which others think is the best as I really want to pick one up too.

 

Quadratec offers free shipping to forum members order it from here you should save that 70$

 

No offense to anyone I was going to get a smittybilt wench and I saw a guy that had one it looks really old and the finish was coming off of it and I asked the guy hold it was he said it was only 1 year old after that I bought a Warn vr10,000 I have had it on my Jeep for a year and it still looks new.

 

I've been really happy with my Quadratec Q9500i. I took advantage of the free forum shipping.

 

Smitty Built has the reputation of being Shitty Built. I think the waterproof one looks interesting. Personally I would recommend checking out the Engo. They are supost to be just about waterproof and very light. Try googling "Massive Multi-Winch Shootout" where it tells more about them. I don't have the money but I'm dreaming of buying a 9,000 one with synthetic line for my 2dr. The cheapest place I have found is through JeepAddOn's by calling chris. SALE LINK-> https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...c-line-200819/

 

Hey got my free shipping woot!!


I read somewhere the Engo and quadratec are the same winch, just rebadged as the Quadratec. I ordered the 9500i. I hope it is good as what I have read. I had a Warm M8000 on my TJ and it was a solid beast, however it eventually locked up and wouldn't free spool.

 

the quadratec Q9000s in black also looks like a good deal

 

I have the Smittybilt XRC-8 Comp on my companies JK. I have recovered myself in the JK multiple times as well as recovered my business partner in our XJ. It makes some funny noises but overall works great.

I have had it submerged before but I did not operate it at that time. It worked just fine after it wasn't submerged anymore.

I would have gone with the X2O-8 Comp if Smittybilt was making this at the time we put it on the JK.

Its time for the XJ to get a winch so we will probably go with the X20-8 Comp when we install that.

This weekends project is installing the Rock Krawler 3.5" X Factor Plus kit in the JK.