12k Winch Comparison: Pull Strength, Pull Speed, Power Amp Draw

[nolimits]

The owner of that bronco was in my group! Seen it in person and it’s crazy clean. Unfortunately it’s never seen dirt

Man, that feels a little sacrilegious.

I’m glad someone has seen it. I was scheming all sorts of ways to try to justify going to Cali for bumpers, lol. They look so good and the guy doing the fab seems like it’s his passion, not just a job and pays attention to the details. Love to see that craftsmanship!

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[popo_patty]

Man, that feels a little sacrilegious.

I’m glad someone has seen it. I was scheming all sorts of ways to try to justify going to Cali for bumpers, lol. They look so good and the guy doing the fab seems like it’s his passion, not just a job and pays attention to the details. Love to see that craftsmanship!

The owner designed it and Stellar built it. The owner has some super sick builds. I think he sold this one or at least tried to

 

[Bird Dog Off Road]

As we near the holiday season and BF deals start popping up, I thought maybe others could benefit from some of my research and analysis I did earlier this year when trying to pick a 12k winch for myself. It's easy to focus on the dollars only, but I have always looked at best bang for the buck. Sometimes that means I spend more dollars but get something much greater in return, at least that is the hope/goal.

Ultimately I ended up with a Warn Evo 12s. Mainly because I liked the warranty, confidence of knowing they would be around for easy parts/repairs/support & I got a smoking deal to boot.

A few key points:

1. Most data pulled directly from the manufacturer's website. A few I had to call or email and request the data. Overall, everyone responded & played nice.

2. All data was compiled back in May 2024 and based on the most recent generations available at that time which usually meant "Gen 3" but not always. Obviously specs can vary based on generation and you should double check. Let me know if you spot an error, and I will update.

3. I had the least confidence in HF Apex generation/specs. Mainly because they had about a dozen different manuals. I spot checked and they seemed to match for the most part. Not sure why so many. If it's like their 44" toolboxes, it's because they have minor variation between plant locations so you end up with several different model/SKU's.

4. Both line & bar charts are provided for each primary segment. When values are near identical like pull strength, the line charts can be difficult to read. However, when you have multiple testing intervals by different manufacturers like line speed & amp draw, the opposite is true. Hopefully one or the other is helpful to you.

5. Charts state "synthetic" but all test values collected were not different for steel cable or synthetic rope.

6. Charts and test data don't tell the entire story. Duty cycle comes into play and needs factored in. I was going to add various manufacturer recommendations but didn't make much traction. The Apex manual has a printed duty cycle they recommend. When I called Warn, the rep flat out said they didn't duty rate anything but their industrial winches and had no interest in sharing any practical advice other than feel the winch and stop when it gets warm. The Superwinch rep was very nervous to answer the question and stated to run 15 seconds and let rest for 45 seconds and then repeat.

7. I didn't include warranty terms but they vary. This may have impact to you if you plan on keeping a long time and want to ensure you can get support and/or parts for future repairs.

Edited 11/18/24
Changed labeling from Superwinch SX12 to Superwinch SX12R. While values are the same per Superwinch's product catalog, the labeling did not match chart descriptions that specify "synthetic".

Edited 11/18/24
Updated data to include Rough Country 13k Pro Series synthetic winch (RC TS13000S; magenta colored in charts). Data for max pull strength is limited due to the fact I could not find the data on their website or catalogs. I have emailed a request to customer service requesting the data and will update when/if I receive.

I really like my Open Road 4x4 13k winch. Have used it quite a bit for over a year now and it works great and reasonably priced.

 

[GPPBronco]

Actually Superwinch was included. In the first chart, it's 3rd down from the top and it's color is grey throughout all the charts. However, I noticed that I had the labeling incorrect. Previously it was Superwinch SX12 which is the WIRE version. I have re-labeled and re-uploaded new images to show Superwinch SX12R which is the synthetic version. Per Superwinch's catalog data, they do not differentiate any performance variation between wire or synthetic rope so the tech data was correct, just a labeling issue.

https://www.superwinch.com/public/m.../7d0187e305c518c99c178662a2304221.pdf?v=0.1.2

Hope this helps. By the way, Murphy's law....when you need a winch, you won't have it. And when you have a winch, you will only need it to help others. I much prefer the latter.

Wow. I can’t believe I missed that! Thanks. This tracks with what I found about the SX series winches when doing my research. They hang with the rest of the pack on most metrics but line speed is a little slower. When I was researching, I was also looking pretty closely at IP waterproof ratings (since I park outside year-round and many winching scenarios around here would involve deeper-than-expected water) and construction of the housing (more metal, less plastic). The lighted drum and controller were nice perks as well.

 

[orion]

In regards to the wraps on the drum, an aussie cut his winch line down to like 20' or so and is always pulling on first wrap. He then uses a winch extension if he has to use pullies or reach far out. I'm thinking of doing this with mine and making a winch extension with what I cut off and buy a 100' extension to go along with it.

When I do this, I want to make my winch extension like Bleeping Jeep's winch line with basically a soft shackle on each end. No hard points at all except if I use my Yankum Ropes Snatch Rings.

 

[vrtical]

Steve @Valhalla has a custom rear bumper / mount winch setup. There is a front receiver mount bolt on for the 6G but I wouldn't use it for a winch plus I think it mounts to an existing winch plate anyways.

 

[nolimits]

When I was researching, I was also looking pretty closely at IP waterproof ratings (since I park outside year-round and many winching scenarios around here would involve deeper-than-expected water) and construction of the housing (more metal, less plastic). The lighted drum and controller were nice perks as well.

When shopping I also liked the lighting on the Superwinch winch and controller. Thought it would be a handy feature. When I added the RC winch yesterday for someone else I noticed it had a load indicator so it cycled through green, yellow and red to give a visual cue. Not sure if just gimmicky or useful but I also thought it could be handy for quick reference.

Also you raise a good point about Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Most I’ve seen live between IP66 to IP69. Here’s some data on how to decipher their meaning

https://www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php

 

[Valhalla]

Steve @Valhalla has a custom rear bumper / mount winch setup. There is a front receiver mount bolt on for the 6G but I wouldn't use it for a winch plus I think it mounts to an existing winch plate anyways.

Here is mine, no polish just plate steel.

I normally carry a shovel and axe on the attach point but wasn't this day.
Mine has a 3" bodyift.

 

[nolimits]

Here is mine, no polish just plate steel.

I normally carry a shovel and axe on the attach point but wasn't this day.
Mine has a 3" bodyift.

Sweet. Any pics behind the bumper or without it mounted? Curious to see your cradle and subframe mods.

 

[Valhalla]

Sweet. Any pics behind the bumper or without it mounted? Curious to see your cradle and subframe mods.

It's on my build page.

 

[Mako]

I absolutely love the passion for brands people have, styles and mechanical vs high tech. I have my opinions on heavy equipment winches and Tulsa over Braden . I am lucky or unlucky enough not to have to use winches often enough on my vehicles to have the passionate endearment some have. I bought the Warn EVO from a Ford dealer that was surplus for a reduced price and installed it myself. I bought it mostly for the brackets and hardware that come in the kit so that I did not have to procure it piece meal. I have used it three times in 2 years , so lucky I don't need it much or unlucky that I am not out there running fun where I need it every week. You decide and rock your brand. As for a haul truck...give me a Tulsa 64 every time.

 

[B22-2023]

As we near the holiday season and BF deals start popping up, I thought maybe others could benefit from some of my research and analysis I did earlier this year when trying to pick a 12k winch for myself. It's easy to focus on the dollars only, but I have always looked at best bang for the buck. Sometimes that means I spend more dollars but get something much greater in return, at least that is the hope/goal.

Ultimately I ended up with a Warn Evo 12s. Mainly because I liked the warranty, confidence of knowing they would be around for easy parts/repairs/support & I got a smoking deal to boot.

A few key points:

1. Most data pulled directly from the manufacturer's website. A few I had to call or email and request the data. Overall, everyone responded & played nice.

2. All data was compiled back in May 2024 and based on the most recent generations available at that time which usually meant "Gen 3" but not always. Obviously specs can vary based on generation and you should double check. Let me know if you spot an error, and I will update.

3. I had the least confidence in HF Apex generation/specs. Mainly because they had about a dozen different manuals. I spot checked and they seemed to match for the most part. Not sure why so many. If it's like their 44" toolboxes, it's because they have minor variation between plant locations so you end up with several different model/SKU's.

4. Both line & bar charts are provided for each primary segment. When values are near identical like pull strength, the line charts can be difficult to read. However, when you have multiple testing intervals by different manufacturers like line speed & amp draw, the opposite is true. Hopefully one or the other is helpful to you.

5. Charts state "synthetic" but all test values collected were not different for steel cable or synthetic rope.

6. Charts and test data don't tell the entire story. Duty cycle comes into play and needs factored in. I was going to add various manufacturer recommendations but didn't make much traction. The Apex manual has a printed duty cycle they recommend. When I called Warn, the rep flat out said they didn't duty rate anything but their industrial winches and had no interest in sharing any practical advice other than feel the winch and stop when it gets warm. The Superwinch rep was very nervous to answer the question and stated to run 15 seconds and let rest for 45 seconds and then repeat.

7. I didn't include warranty terms but they vary. This may have impact to you if you plan on keeping a long time and want to ensure you can get support and/or parts for future repairs.

Edited 11/18/24
Changed labeling from Superwinch SX12 to Superwinch SX12R. While values are the same per Superwinch's product catalog, the labeling did not match chart descriptions that specify "synthetic".

Edited 11/18/24
Updated data to include Rough Country 13k Pro Series synthetic winch (RC TS13000S; magenta colored in charts). Data for max pull strength is limited due to the fact I could not find the data on their website or catalogs. I have emailed a request to customer service requesting the data and will update when/if I receive.

Edited 11/19/24
See post #52 to decipher the various IP ratings. Generally speaking, the larger number is more protection against moisture.

It is too bad some of the manufacturers wouldn't quote accurate duty cycle. It's one of the top things you need to know to plan your operation of any on their electric motor-driven machinery. The portable and on-board compressor companies quote it, even the low rent ones. and they are all over the place on duty cycle specs so all the more reason want to know the data. Better than "go find out yourself on the trail."

 

[SierraBronco]

It is too bad some of the manufacturers wouldn't quote accurate duty cycle. It's one of the top things you need to know to plan your operation of any on their electric motor-driven machinery. The portable and on-board compressor companies quote it, even the low rent ones. and they are all over the place on duty cycle specs so all the more reason want to know the data. Better than "go find out yourself on the trail."

"if you get a second degree burn when checking the temperature, then it is time to let it cool down for 45 seconds"

 

[nolimits]

"if you get a second degree burn when checking the temperature, then it is time to let it cool down for 45 seconds"

And if you manage to catch yourself on fire make sure you have friends around to help….

 

[nolimits]

This is what I like. Cut the hook off, loop in a brummel lock splice, and hook it on to the fairlead. The rope is protected from rocks, you can use the loops to lock the rope in the event it bundles up and flips direction, and you have eliminated a hard projectile when using soft shackles. (I cringe at the thought of hard shackles/hooks between two ropes. No bueno)

We have them front and rear. (Have since cut off the red handle thingie. It was always tucked in but we actually used the winch that day and didn’t put it back. Not sure why I even left it on there )

I caved to the peer pressure. Ordered a groove fairlead from Yankum today. Never done a brummel connection. I may need to borrow your crotchet needle, lol.

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