The outside world is all about competition between brands to lure their customers. That is why you should do enough research before buying anything.
While you already know that Smittybilt is a trustworthy brand, there are several options that they offer too.
source: smittybilt.com
You can choose the best after going through our smittybilt winches review. No one wants to be in a tough situation when their automobile buddy decides to get stuck in 'God-knows-where'. Smittybilt winches will do everything to get your vehicle out of the ditch. Here's a clear analysis of the Smittybilt atv winch for the money.
Comparison Table Of Smittybilt Winch
Product Name | Horse-power | Remote Control | Gear Ratio | Cable Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 6.6 hp | Excellent Corded | 161.28:1 | Wire Rope | |
 Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Winch | 6.6 hp | Advanced Wireless | 218:1 | Synthetic Rope | |
 Smittybilt XRC 9.5K GEN3 | 7.0 hp | Corded | 173:1 | Steel cable | |
 Smittybilt XRC-4 Winch ATV UTV | 4.1 hp | Corded | 198:1 | Steel cable | |
 Smittybilt X20-8 8,000 lbs Winch | 5.5 hp | Wireless | 180:1 | Galvanized steel cable |
Smittybilt Winches Review
#1. Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch
This product brings power and efficiency under one roof, and that's the biggest plus that we won't miss to mention in the smittybilt 9500 winch review. It has a 6.6 horsepower amphibious motor, automatic in-drum break, and remote control system.
It has sufficient torque to pull out a car or truck from the mud because of its 9500 pounds pulling capability and planetary gear technology. It gets delivered with the entire installation wiring, and it is better to use these and not go for others if you want to get the work done fast. Remarkably, it has a lower gear ratio of 161.28:1, and a high winding speed, so controlling will be hassle-free for you.
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The best way to find yourself the right winch is by calculating the load capacity of your vehicle. Taking the Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR), multiply it with 1.5
#2. Smittybilt X2O COMP Waterproof Winch
Smittybilt 98512 x20 review is worth it because of the splendid features that it has. You don't have to worry about the presence of water at the rescue spot because of the amphibious motor that has 6.6 Horsepower. You can go easy on manual operations because of the quick remote control benefit.
The low gear ratio and efficient pulling strength are a blessing to the ones with heavy automobiles. With a minimum time of installation, it is easy for you to fit it on your vehicle. It also comes with two solenoid mounting options. You cannot ignore the 3-stage planetary gear technology that makes the product very reliable.
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When using steel cables or winch ropes, try not to place them over a rock since there is a high chance of breakage (courtesy - friction) and human injuries in this scenario.
#3. Smittybilt XRC 9.5K GEN3 Winch Steel Series
The main reason to leave the smittybilt xrc 9.5 winch review here is that this is the newest addition to the Smittybilt winch family. With more advanced features and better attention to detail, this one is the finest in the 9500lbs range. It has a highly efficient steel cable of 94 feet that goes through the roller fair-lead.
It has a spectacular 7.0 Horsepower motor that is better than the models we've discussed so far. This GEN3 model is faster than its GEN2 counterpart. It has the innovative Load indicator warning system that tells you the tolerance limit of your equipment here. Most importantly, because of the flashlight and tie-bar light, you can work conveniently in the dark as well.
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#4. Smittybilt XRC-4 Winch ATV UTV Marine Trailer
This product is manufactured to deal with vehicles like UTV, ATV, or marine trailers. It has a load capacity of 4000lbs that is not much when compared to the other products previously mentioned. Well, in that case, you should make sure your vehicle has less gross weight.
It has a low gear ration and 4.1 Horsepower motor. It has a strong steel cable that goes through a four-way roller fairlead. The control is convenient with the 11' remote control. Along with the remote and handlebar rocker, it is easy to guide its action from quite a distance.
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#5. Smittybilt 97380 X20-8 8,000 lbs Winch
If you are on a budget and you can settle for something that has less horsepower, then you can go for this. But this winch works well for no so heavy vehicles. It has a 3-stage planetary gear system with a 5.5 Horsepower motor.
It has a very long 100ft cable that makes work easy-peasy. On the plus side, the cable is galvanized and light in weight too. The cable goes through the 4-way steel fairlead. It has a 10 feet long protective sleeve. You get the 12' remote control to monitor the work from a distance.
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Difference Between The x20 And XRC
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, then this comparative study of smittybilt xrc vs x20 will give a clear perspective.
Wireless Control
The XRC models have a corded control system that is efficient and reliable. However, if you like to keep the wires and ties away, X20 has wireless remote controls
Load Capacity
Based on your vehicle weight, you need to go for the suitable winch. Higher load capacity is meant for heavier vehicles ( XRC GEN2- 9.5k lbs ,Smittybilt X2O COMP - 12k lbs, XRC 9.5K GEN3) while lower load capacity is for lighter automobiles (Smittybilt 97380 X20 -4k lbs, Smittybilt ATV UTV Marine -8k lbs)
Solenoid mounting options
The XRC models (XRC 9.5K GEN3, Smittybilt ATV UTV Marine, XRC GEN2, ) have an upper hand here because they offer 3 different areas for the solenoid mounting unlike the X20 models ( Smittybilt X2O COMP, Smittybilt 97380 X20,) that only give two. The more solenoid mounting location options, the merrier.
Power and Efficiency
The one that demands less power and has good speed is efficient. XRC models (XRC GEN2, XRC 9.5K GEN3, Smittybilt ATV UTV Marine) have high speed, but require high power that batteries sometimes can’t supply. However, even if the X20 models (Smittybilt 97380 X20, Smittybilt X2O COMP) have less speed, they get the work done with lesser power. This makes them the winners in smittybilt x20 vs xrc debate.
Brief About the Brand Smittybilt
In 1956, ‘Smittybilt’ was a small machine shop named ‘Rock-ett Products’ that eventually evolved to become a leading brand. Basil Smith was a travel enthusiast who has great love for the four wheels. He knew the ups and downs that a Tao Tao 4 wheel traveller would face when he decides to embark on a road journey. This thought has led to his desire to bring 4WD products into the market.
His son, Tom, joined the mechanic garage business. He has been surrounded by the wheels and nuts from a very young age. His father’s vision became his mission. His determination led to the empowerment of the leading brand in winches. They’ve been in the business for about 5 decades and provided the best 4WD products to their customers.
FAQ's
#1. How do I know which winch to buy?
Load capacity should tally with vehicle weight.
#2. Where can I find the GVWR for calculating load capacity?
You can find it online or the door of your car.
#3. Will you need a battery for your Smittybilt winch?
Yes, a 650 CCA battery will be great.
#4. Should I look for warranty while buying winches?
Yes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The smittybilt winch reviews will help you to pick the right winch model for your car. Before you make any choice, keep in mind all the parameters, weight factors that are important for the good functioning of a winch. Be cautious while working with the winches and take all the safety precautions.
Finding the right winch is crucial because that is the magic equipment capable of making sure that you are not stuck anymore. Be it mud or ditch, your winch should be able to tackle all the hard situations.