I was wondering what everyones opinions on these two were. Both have good reputations as far as I can see, the Ramsey has a better warranty but has a 2.5 Hp permanent magnet motor vs. the superwinches series wound 4.5Hp motor.

I can get either for basically the same price. Thanks for the help.

 

NOT the LP8500 but my thoughts on Superwinch

The EPi 9.0 Superwinch is a great winch and a great value. $553
I will buy the Superwinch as soon as the funds allow. I won't say anything bad about Ramsey. They make good winches.

One of the things to look at is line speed. Superwinch is quite fast.
Second a series wound is better.
Third the Superwinch has great sealed contacts. One of the areas that typically causes problems.

More little things for Superwinch EPi 9.0
4.6 hp motor
longer line at 125 ft.
Thimble is covered by metal sleeve inside ( This is where the hook fastens)
comes with pulleyblock
line can be reattached on the drum in the field with a set screw if you had a line break
one of the finalist in the MOAB "winches from hell test" While this was not a scientific test by any means it does point out that the Superwinch went head to head with arguably one of the best Warn winches (9500xp) and matched the heavyweight in the industry.
Read for yourself: http://www.moabjeeper.com/articles/g...?articleID=353

 

The Superwinch EPi9 also draws a lot less juice from the battery....yet another reason why i have one on my jeep.

Chuck

 

Yes, amp draw is another great reason for the EPi 9.0! Well done!

I need this winch to fill the void in my bumper. No respectable bumper should go this long without a good winch.

 

I really like the EPi but for just an occasional use winch (maybe once or twice a year) is the LP8500 really that bad of a choice? Thanks alot for the replies btw.

 

No it is not a bad choice for that price range. This is Superwinch's answer to the Tabor and Harbor Freight low priced winches. It has a series wound motor and that is a real plus for an entry level winch. It is slow however. You might think that doesn't matter to you but when you consider the few times you might take the opportunity to go out wheelin do you want to spend an extra hour getting your Jeep out of a situation. You also need to understand that slower winches can build up more heat on longer pulls and if you don't give them the cool down time they need it will shorten the life of the motor.

Any winch on the front of your Jeep beats my empty bumper. I am going to save a little longer and get a higher quality winch. I feel the extra expense for the EPi 9.0 is worth the wait. Everyone here knows that it boils down to what you personally need in a winch and what you can afford. I wouldn't bad mouth anyone's choice in winch. If it works for you that is all that matters. I just want to help my fellow Jeeper be as informed with their decision as possible.

 

^good points.