I know this has probably been covered on here many times. However, I am in the market for a new winch and was wondering what everyone is running? So far, I have heard good things about Warn, and was considering the Warn Powerpland HP. I would like to stay relatively low in cost, but wouldn't mind spending a bit more for quality. I have also heard good things about Ramsey and Superwinch. I'm not too sure about Smittybilt's winches. Please, if you have any suggestions, pros/cons, and any other useful tips, they would be greatly appreciated. P.S. my Jeep is my daily driver, and I don't wheel too much. But occasionaly I do get stuck or my friends get stuck, so it would help to have a reliable winch. Thanks in advance.

 

I've got a Superwinch Talon 9.5. The waterproof features were a major factor in the decision. Years ago, had a winch fail from water intrusion, and one day I found out all I had been carrying was 100 pounds of ballast on the bumper.

 

Look at the Engo 10 with synthetic.... Popular choice too for the price. There's threads out here on them Engo winches.

 

I've owned six wranglers and several different brands/models of winches.


I currently run a Powerplant. I'm quite happy with it but I run ARBs and have a separate compressor to run them. I use the Powerplant for airing up. The downside is cost. I paid about 1200 for mine but they are more now.

I've also owned T-max, Ramsey, Warn and Smittybilt. In general the cheaper a winch is the slower the recovery. Usually speed isn't a problem in recoveries. I've winched a lot and never had one of any brand fail on me. Of. All basic winches I liked my Tmax best but that's just based on my experience.

Most anything will work as a basic winch. You me to decide if you want a compressor too.

 

I have the RECON winch and a lot of people here too. Why i choose that winch and why i would recommend you? Here some tips:

- Complete WATERPROOF (winch 3 times submerged)
- 10500lbs (once i winch 2 jeeps same times, and works really good)
- HEAVY DUTY (works in every condition and no rust at all)
- SYNTHETIC rope (you dont need to buy one, its come with the winch!
- 2 remote controls (you broke one, you have another one)
- 429$! (i only paid that price on ww w.truckandwinch.com)

Look on youtube for Recon winch and you will find some good stuff about that winch. People pulling...

Good luck

 

I went with the Smitty XRC8 Comp winch with synthetic line. It's a cheap winch when compared to Warn but I have no complaints with it. Have used it 3 times for recovery and it perfomed well. Not a bad winch for the $$.

 

I've been running an XRC8 for quite a few years.
it has never let me down.

 

i went with the engo 12k needed the extra pull power with my weight

 

Superwinch Talon 9.5 iSr. Completely waterproof, synthetic line, very fast line speed, great warranty. Highly recommended

 

I just installed a Recon 10.5 on my rig last week and I love it so far. For the price, you cant beat it. I paid 535 shipped and it included a cover, snatch block, tree saver, 2 shackles and a wireless remote. It might be slower that the $1,000 plus winches, but that just means more money for other goodies