Hi i need a winch for my 2012 jk 2 door. Its relatively stock and i am stuck between the apex badlands 12000 from hf and the smitty built x20 comp. I know a warn would be better option but im just a teen that goes to the trails every now and then and am short on cash so i have my eye on these and i have heard good stuff about both with little complaints about both of them. Both are synthetic lines but the apex can pull 2,000 pounds more. I know both are Chinese made and both are around the same price point with the apex at 630 and the x20 at 600 on amazon. I know the x20 comes with a better 5 year warranty while the apex is pretty bad at only 90 days. But i know the apex is more water resistant with a 9x rating while the x20 is only at 8 and i see rain quite a bit. What do you guys think is more durable and be a better option?

 

I have nothing but good things to say about my apex 12000. Never let me down, and I've put it through some hard pulls. You don't hear many people having issues. People that have them are overwhelmingly pleased with them. I've got no experience with any other winch, so take that for what it's worth.

 

I've had that Smitty X20 10k with synthetic line for almost 7 years now and it's been great for me. It has seen decent use. I found it to be a great value for the price at the time I bought it. I have no direct, or even indirect, experience with the Apex so can't speak to that unit. I wouldn't focus too much on the extra 2k lbs the Apex is stated to pull. If you were going to dangle your jeep off the side of a cliff that would come into play, but for normal use like what you're talking I'd pick what your gut tells you is right and not have that be a huge factor. Both will get the job done well. My Jeep is a heavy 4dr and never had issue with that 10k winch. A solid recovery knowledge base and equipment like snatch blocks go a long way as well.

 

Check out the Traveller 10,000 winch from Tractor Supply. Synthetic line, 3 year warranty, wireless remote $599. Its a good looking winch too with good fit and finish. Never used one though but with what you are looking atI would not have an issue getting it.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...r?cm_vc=-10005

 

I think im gonna go with the x20 comp because of the warranty but im wait a little and do some more comparisons

 

Even some Warns are Chinese made. I like the ones that are geared down the most as they draw less current from the battery to do the same work but they run slower line speed of course.