Which Winch?

[Greg]

Just a thought @Stephen.... I recently purchased a NIB Warn Zeon 12 for my TJ, but it's overkill for my needs. A Zeon 10 would be a better fit. The 12 retails for $1250 and the 10 for $1150. If you want a Zeon and would like to save $100, I'd trade my 12 for a 10.

(Prices based on 4WP price)-

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/warn-zeon-premium-series-winches/11241

 

[gijohn40]

Just a thought @Stephen.... I recently purchased a NIB Warn Zeon 12 for my TJ, but it's overkill for my needs. A Zeon 10 would be a better fit. The 12 retails for $1250 and the 10 for $1150. If you want a Zeon and would like to save $100, I'd trade my 12 for a 10.

(Prices based on 4WP price)-

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/warn-zeon-premium-series-winches/11241

man I would trade my 8k+ plus some money for that 12k... Clifford is weighing in around 6100 lbs.

 

[Greg]

man I would trade my 8k+ plus some money for that 12k... Clifford is weighing in around 6100 lbs.

I'd prefer a Zeon 10, I think the TJ isn't going to be a lightweight.

 

[Stephen]

Just a thought @Stephen.... I recently purchased a NIB Warn Zeon 12 for my TJ, but it's overkill for my needs. A Zeon 10 would be a better fit. The 12 retails for $1250 and the 10 for $1150. If you want a Zeon and would like to save $100, I'd trade my 12 for a 10.

(Prices based on 4WP price)-

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/warn-zeon-premium-series-winches/11241

Thats an intriguing option... Let me ponder that over a Bewilder ESB and get back to you.

 

[Greg]

Thats an intriguing option... Let me ponder that over a Bewilder ESB and get back to you.

Kurt might have better prices on a Zeon 10, as well.

 

[gijohn40]

its a zeon 8+ with the syn rope... it was given to me by Jessi Combes that alone makes worth thousands!!!!

 

[jeeper]

Just throwing out another opinion:
I buy cheap winches. I have a 9.5k smitty on my Colorado, and a 12k x-bull on my f350. I have abused both of them pretty hard. They both cost less than $300.
If you’ve got extra money, and a fear of not having name brand, then get whatever makes you happy.
I believe both of these cheapo’s have proven themselves worthy to me, and would buy again.
Of course, I am not traveling to a 3rd world country depending on them to save my life either.
But for unstucking vehicles, toppling trees, pulling stumps, and dragging tractors they have been great.

 

[Unimog]

I'm somewhat in the same camp as Brian. I have a Pierce 12500 on the mog. I can count the number of times I've used it on one hand. Usually some task involving pulling up a tree. Only once to pull someone else out on a steep mountainside and never to get myself out of anything.

 

[TRD270]

Just throwing out another opinion:
I buy cheap winches. I have a 9.5k smitty on my Colorado, and a 12k x-bull on my f350. I have abused both of them pretty hard. They both cost less than $300.
If you’ve got extra money, and a fear of not having name brand, then get whatever makes you happy.
I believe both of these cheapo’s have proven themselves worthy to me, and would buy again.
Of course, I am not traveling to a 3rd world country depending on them to save my life either.
But for unstucking vehicles, toppling trees, pulling stumps, and dragging tractors they have been great.

13k xbull with synthetic line and a nice fairlead for $330 on the f150 figured it was worth a try

 

[Stephen]

What's everyone's thoughts on steel vs. synthetic line?

 

[DAA]

I've had to drag my steel cable across rocks and crap enough times that I'm glad it's not synthetic.

- DAA

 

[Tonkaman]

What's everyone's thoughts on steel vs. synthetic line?

I think if your like Dave and your going to Ironman your way through the wilderness all alone every weekend with the sole purpose of finding Verizon’s dead zones, then get steel. If it’s up there just in case you find that bad situation “some day” then keep it light weight with synthetic.

 

[Jinx]

What's everyone's thoughts on steel vs. synthetic line?

I used to be pretty PRO-steel; more durable, more traditional, less expensive....

Then over the years, after play winch b!tch at a couple of events and rallies, I have really grown to appreciate the synthetic line. Easier to work with, easier to handle, (especially when pulled 30+ rigs through a wet nasty trail), the rock rash sleeves address the rock rubbing problem, no need to put a weight in the middle of the line to keep from killing someone...

I have even moved to the synthetic/soft shackles, simply because they are easier to use. Not much is worse than being at the hook up end of the winch party and having someone toss a metal clevis/shackle down to you with cold, wet hands 28 times...

Just some things to think about.

FWIW my scrambler has synthetic on my Warn and my wife's rig has steel on her Ramsey... Both have worked great at helping with recoveries...

 

[Hickey]

Mythbusters addressed the steel cable myth.

I use my winches for dragging trees through rocks, dirt, and mud. That is the main reason I've stayed with steel. I am a fan of the soft shackles for either type of winch line.

 

[Kiel]

I've seen synthetic snap more then 7 or 8 times, steel for me. Plus if it gets messed up, there are always guys selling their steel take offs. But it's not cool

 

[jeeper]

One of each for me.

I am always scared when I use the steel that I am going to get a sliver stab, and ALWAYS wear gloves and am cautious.

But I am always scared when I use the synthetic that I am going to rub it wrong or slice it on something sharp.

I say run what you brung and be happy.

 

[N-Smooth]

Steel cable isn't even allowed in competition so that makes the choice even easier for me. I prefer a winching system with synthetic line and and no hard parts to kill me but I understand my needs are not the same as everybody else's. I look at all of Factor55's shiny parts and think wow that would be way cool to have that hit me in the face when the cable breaks

 

[jeeper]

I just looked up some soft shackles on Amazon. They have REALLY come down in price. They used to be like $75 each, so I never bought them. Now you can get a 2 pack of 48,000lb for $25!
again, I am sure these are not the same as name brand stuff.. but I bet they will fit my needs great.

 

[Kevin B.]

I look at all of Factor55's shiny parts and think wow that would be way cool to have that hit me in the face when the cable breaks

I guess I need somebody to sit me down and show me what those bring to the table besides make your wallet lighter, because I don't get the appeal. But maybe that's because I'm dumb.

 

[N-Smooth]

I guess I need somebody to sit me down and show me what those bring to the table besides make your wallet lighter, because I don't get the appeal. But maybe that's because I'm dumb.

I'm pretty sure it's just street cred