I've finally decided it's time for a winch. I've avoided getting one, because I hate to add weight, but we always wheel alone (I know, I know!), and sometimes with our off-road trailer, so finally looking into it. I'm hoping to never need it, but want it there for emergencies. I've narrowed it down to three choices, all with synthetic rope, light weight, and budget priced.

1. Warn VR8000-s



I like the Warn, even though I realize it's their bottom of the line winch, but it looks like higher quality than the other's I've selected.


2. Quadratec Q9000S



This doesn't look as good to me as the Warn, but it does show that it has faster line speed and draws fewer amps than the Warn. It's also lower priced.


3. Quadratec Q10000C



Again, doesn't look as good as the Warn, but faster line speed and fewer amps, but since it's a competition winch it only has 50' of rope. Should I even consider this one? It's the lightest of the bunch.

Let me know your thoughts and vote for what you think is the best option from these 3.

 

If you wheel alone, I would pass on the 50' of line. With 100' and a snatch block, you can double your pulling power. 50' would limit you.
I went for the Warn M8000S. Cheap insurance against getting stuck in the boonies.
Are you beefing up your front end?
I dropped 1/4", but added 1/2" spacers and ended up 1/4" higher. On #15 front springs.

 

I actually just realized that with the current Warn rebate, the M8000S would only cost $100 more than the VR8000s, and it sounds like it's a much better winch, so I guess I will add it to my list. I already went from #14 to #16 springs in the front, and I can afford to drop 1/4", maybe more, so I'm hoping it will come out ok if I go with a lightweight or stock bumper. And that M8000s is pretty light at 55 lbs. If not, I can go from the 1.5" in Teraflex spacers that I already have to 2" or jump up to #17 springs. The front ones are easy to change, so not too worried.

 

Installed a WARN M8000 on my 94XJ back in 96. Used it many times through the years from pulling bushes out to winching alot of vehicles including my own. Sold the XJ to a co-worker last year and he's used it at least 8 times this winter. The only thing that went bad on it was the solenoid and that was this year so I'd have to say the WARN 8000 is a very good winch for the cost.

 

I also opted for the M8000s, and I added the Teraflex 1.5" performance leveling kit (the coil kit) to beef up the suspension. For me, there's no way I'd consider a 50' winch line, especially if I wheeled alone. If you need to use a snatch block, you'd better have a tree within 20' of you or you're stuck (figure you need to leave at least 10' on the spool at all times).

 

I'd toss this one into the mix.... https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/spon...c-line-200819/

I haven't used mine much but you can read all the positive reviews in the thread.

 

I vote spend another $100 and get the VR10000. I am pleased with mine but funny thing is I am thinking of going to a 50 foot line. Most places I wheel there are plenty of winch anchors that are closer then 50' and I would rather carry a winch line extension for when I need it vs having to unspool only 1/3 of my line. I will say I was disappointed when my VR10000 arrived in a box that said made in china as at the time warn said they were assembled here. regardless it is a good winch so far. It caused my front to sag 1/2" total.

 

I bought the Engo 10k with synthetic great price not too heavy never noticed any sag..... Over 2 years old used a dozen times only complaint a tad loud.. Good luck

 

I tried to contact that site on Monday to ask a few questions about the Engo line and couldn't get ahold of them. I did a quick google search and found that the company went out of business. That said, I was hell bent on buying the Engo before this happened. After finding out this retailer went out of business I started to second guess going with a smaller Winch company. I didn't want to spend the money on a Warn but am now leaning that way. Currently I intend to buy the Warn M8000 in a month or so. I keep bouncing around on what to buy first though so it may be sooner. I still need to figure out what I'm going to do bumper wise first.

My decision to move up the winch on the list was caused by me getting myself stuck a week and a half ago. It took me an hour to get out, and I was able to, but it would have only taken me about 5 minutes with a winch. I don't think that a winch is the end all, be all solution. You can use straps and a hi-lift like I did, or a come along, but they sure do make things easy don't they. I think the important thing is having the gear on hand.

 

Just to be clear Engo is not out of business. and if anybody wants a deal on them give us a call we have them in stock ready to go

David