I was looking at getting a warn 9.5, but holy crap they are wanting a lot more than I was wanting to pay. Is the warn worth it or is there something just as good for less?

 

Well per the title of the thread...Warn is about the best there is.

 

Comes down to this from where I see it. There are your $300 to $500 winches that are typically permanent magnet motors. Usually slower, dont last as long, but do draw less current. They need more frequent cool down rests while winching.

The above $500 winches are series wound motors which winch faster, need less cool down breaks, last longer, but do draw more current from your battery.

Some say the cheapies dont last and break when you need them most. Others say they're great for the few times you may use them. The more expensive and supposedly better winches can break too but not as likely, especially after passing the famous infant mortallity bell curve that most electronical/mechanical products do.

The trick I think is maybe to pick up a lower end series wound winch that wont break the bank but should give you more reliability in the long run.

I think it really comes down to you get what you pay for. You will hear both ends of the spectrum on this subject. The bottom line is you will have to soak up the facts and make your own decission based on your needs and funds.

Do a search, there are a lot of threads on this already.

 

Check out Superwinch EP/EPI 9 for Warn-Like performance at ~$600

Checkout Smittybilt XRC8 for basic performace for ~$300. I think the ones shipping now are series wound. I know mine is PM.

 

this should help you decide, it did for me!!


www.moabjeeper.com/articles/general/listing.cfm?articleID=353

 

What he said :-)

 

It also comes down to if you want to go electric or hydraulic! - KY

 

awesome post blackjkrubi, I couldn't resist C&C'ing this section because this is the exact winch I have, wow 6hp and the best winch in hell...according to them. I've used mine maybe 3 times and was always pleased.

Warn: The Warn 9.5xp is a fast, powerful winch designed to meet the needs of any serious off-roader. This winch has none of the “bling” of some of its competitors such as wireless controls, blinking LEDs, or sound effects. It is purpose built as the workhorse of the Warn stable. Under max load it has the longest duty cycle and fastest line speed of any winch in the test. It features an all new High Output Parallel Series Wound motor that pumps out 6 hp. The drum, motor, and end housing are sealed for water resistance. And for good looks, the finish is a high gloss, chip resistant powder coat.

 

The way I see it, go with the el-cheapo winch. When it breaks on the trail and you are stuck, then go out and buy a good one. Why spend $900 on a good Warn when you could buy a junk winch for $300 and then replace it with a Warn next year.

 

Wow maybe it's just me but you lost me there! ...I'll assume it's sarcasm