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Posted by: Aniel
I'm planning on getting a winch soon and I'm pretty unsure about what brand I want to go with. I think Warn is the most experienced company but I would like your input on your likes and dislikes with the different brands. Who gives the best 'Bang for the buck?'
Posted by: Tree Farmer
Warn or SuperWinch? Aniel, you ask a "frequently-asked" question, at least on the previous Forum format.
I can't blow you off by referring you to the archives, because: there are no archives!
Currently owning both a Warn (8000 # on truck) and a SuperWinch (ATV1500 on quad), I think both manufacturers produce equipment of excellent quality.
The "bang for buck" analysis depends upon your own "table of indifference;" where do your desirability of features and willingness-to-pay curves intersect?
In terms of pounds-pull-per-dollar, I think SuperWinch wins the game. From the inexpensive X1, EX1, and X2 non-freespooling winches with hand-crank capability through the freespooling T1500, ATV2000, and X1F models, I think SW products retail for less than similar-rated Warns.
Warns cost more; you must decide whether their quality and design is worth the extra price. Both Warn and SW have provided me with outstanding customer service and support over the years.
SuperWinch maintains a website at www.superwinch.com; Warn doubtless has one also but I do not know its address.
As to features and rating, freespooling is worth paying extra, I think, even if manual operation must be sacrificed. As to pull rating, more pull also is worth paying for, within reason. While my 1500 # wonder (with a snatch block) has never failed me, what if it did? Then, I'd wish I'd paid the price for the extra quarter- or half-ton of pull on the bumper.
An electrical weak point of most small winches is the control switch because this device must carry extraordinary current loads at full pull. Warn, with its 2500 model, solves this problem by using a solenloid with a remote hand-held switch to power and control the winch. SuperWinch sells separately a remote switch and solenoid kit. (Kevin Staton of the Windrock ATV Club put together his own solenoid kit with four auto starter solenoids and a hand-held switch.)
Summarizing, both Warn and SuperWinch produce quality products at fair prices. If you're on a budget, SuperWinch bears close examination. If you're willing to pay enough, you can get a solenoid power/control setup with a remote hand-held switch, eliminating the manual power switch, a vulnerable point in small winch operations.
Whatever winch I'd buy, I'd also get an adequately-rated snatch block, because this relatively inexpensive accessory doubles the effective pull and permits versatile angle pulls, even backwards.
I doubt I answered your question; I hope I provided you with some ideas helping you in forming your own answer. Good luck.
Tree Farmer.
Posted by: Tree Farmer
Living without freespooling capability on my vintage ATV1500, I appreciate the operational advantage of the feature, Harold.
SuperWinch says only Models X1, EX1, and X2 in current production 12-volt winches have no freespooling capability (these three however permit hand-cranking).
If buying an ATV winch today, I'd dig deep enough into my pocket to pay for a freespooling model, I think.
Tree Farmer
Posted by: mudmachine
Aniel,
Thats a good one. I own a Superwinch 1500 that has served me well. I used to not think so, until using it on numerous occasions when other riders Warns would mysterously not work. Im NOT bad-mouthing Warn at all, They make great winches, but bang per dollar would have to be the little Superwinch, I think I gave 230.00 for the winch all the hardware, and the mounting kit.
It would also depend on what you plan on mounting it on, if its a large machine, then go with ATLEAST a 2500. Mine is on a Yamaha Big Bear 2wd, its always pulled me out, but i've had to use a snatch block on occasion. Using the snatch block and anchoring the rear-end to a tree, I've pulled out Foremans and Sportsmans, not easy, but possible.
If you go with the Superwinch, before you install it, take the back plate off the electric motor, and put some RTV in there to make a water tight seal, I recently waterlogged mine while playing in the river.
I've heard that the RULE winch is an awesome setup, but haven't had the opportunity to see one in action. I don't know if they have a web-site, but I think Highlifter has them on their web-site.. I've also heard that they are kinda expensive.
Good Luck!!!
Posted by: mudmachine
Aniel,
If you plan on winching something up, such as deer stands, or winching your quad up the side of a hill. Make SURE the winch you buy has a positive brake, I don't think the Warns have it, my Superwinch "seems" to have one most of the time, I KNOW the Rule 3300# does.
I agree on that cheesy rocker switch, get two grains of dirt in it, and it will self destruct. I'm running a Warn Heavy Duty switch on my Superwinch, I think they make that little boxed yellow topped rocker switch to sell, not to use.
Anyway, think about the braking effect when buying a winch.
Posted by: Harold
I own both warn atv2000 and Superwinch atv 1500, both are good products if costs was a main concern I would buy a Superwinch atv 2000, it has 50ft. of cable instead of 25ft. like the 1500 has, also both Superwinchs DO HAVE freespooling just like the Warn does. Also see the winch shoot out on this web site.
Posted by: Foreman4x4
I'm new to the winching thing and don't have alot of experience but one thing I do have is a budget . I did alot of looking before I found my Warn ( paid $215.00 for the winch , new in the box . And a warn accessory kit ) I found the deal on E-bay and I was actually outbid but the high bidder never contacted the seller so he offered me the deal at my bid . I've talked to guys that have the Superwinches and the only complaint I've heard is with the rocker switch that sometimes won't work . I found a place online called Northern tool that had the superwinch 1500 for $132.00 + shipping . The cheapest I could find the warn a2000 retail was $279.99.
Warn has a good reputation as far as I know .
Like I said earlier I don't have much experience but I do know that for the price of one Warn at retail you could buy two Superwinches at retail. Realistically (sp ?) , how often do most people use their winch ?
I would probably say if money is no object get the Warn . If your on a budget get the Superwinch .
This thread has me curios and I think I'll do alittle more research and see if you relly get what you pay for when it comes to winches . Good luck .
Posted by: Foreman4x4
I almost forgot , I assume you've read the winch review on ATV connections online magazine ? Lot's of info on Superwinch but for some reason Warn didn't submit a winch . The Rule winch sounds awesome but is way expensive . Good luck .
