Warn is a very good winch but they also do an amazing marketing job. Just like KC lights. Most people, when you mention Offroad lights immediately think of KC. Once you start researching them though, and comparing specs, you realize you can get a better light for 1/3 of the price. Warn is very similar. If you look at the specs, internal materials, etc… you’ll realize you’re paying more for name than anything. That said, if I were to use the winch on a weekly basis, it would be a Warn due to the warranty. For occasional use, it’s just not worth the cost difference to me. JMO

I’ve probably had 10 winches on various trucks throughout the years. The only two I’ve had issues with were the only two that weren’t Warns. The two trucks in the driveway both have warn M-series winches. There’s a reason the others say “they’re just as good as a Warn”. I hunt and trap by myself, in the woods year-round. I’ll pay to have something I know will work.

I had a Ramsey Winch years ago and it was slow but reliable. I'm not sure if they are still relevant in today's market though. I doubt they are still built to the same specs today, but I remember it being a good one.

I have 2 warn 9500’s and a smittybuilt 10k. I’m a Warn fan

I've had the same Warn 9,000 lb winch since 1992 - it was first on a 92 Toy., then a 93 Toy, then a 98 (bought in 97) Z71 where it has been for the past 27+ years. It's done what it was designed to do, it hasn't let me down.

I've had friends that had knock offs, Harbor Freight, Am%^&*, etc., let's just say, you might want to have block and tackle and a comealong with you just in case.

I have always used warn. Current is a 12k on a GMC Sierra. Best advice I can give is that if it has a separate controller (not integrated into head unit) you need to replace the wires with longer ones and move the controller (really solenoid) to under the hood. Water is hell on them and since I moved mine to under hood I have not had a problem. If the contacts or solenoid get any corrosion it wont pull in or will keep cutting out.

I have always had a wire cable and like them. Another advantage to having the controls under the hood, you have to raise the hood to run it. So if the cable breaks it doesnt hit the windshield.

I bought a New in the box 12000 Badlands from a pawnshop for 100$ back in 2015. I only had to use it about 8 times. It worked great every time. My son totaled that truck in July 2024 and I took the winch off. I am currently putting it on a plate and having it to put into a rear 2 inch receiver tube for emergencies.

If you wear Sitka and Duck Camp clothes you'll need a Warn Winch no doubt. Pony Up.

Otherwise a cheapo Badlands will do whatever you need it to do.

There is nothing special about a winch for the most part it's old technology hasn't changed in 50 years. If it has some special circuitry.... you certainly don't need that model.