Best Smittybilt Winch Review | Is smittybilt a good winch?

A winch is one of the go-to tools for every off-roader. There is a whole bunch of manufacturers available that make winches. And Smittybilt is one of them and produces some of the top quality winches in the market.

 Smittybilt produces different kinds of winches with varieties of characteristics. If you are someone looking to purchase a winch from Smittybilt and confused which one you should go for then just go through this whole article. Since today I will share with you an in-depth Smittybilt winch review to make your purchase decision easy.

Apart from that, I will share a thorough buying guide to make your winch buying decision even easier. And finally, I will answer some of the most asked questions about Smittybilt winches.So let’s get into the business without any further talk.

Best Overall

Smittybilt X2O COMP – Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch

Smittybilt X2O COMP - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch

Top Features

  • Great performance.
  • Lightweight.
  • Sturdy build quality.
Premium Value

Smittybilt 97695 XRC 9.5K GEN3 Winch

Smittybilt 97695 XRC 9.5K GEN3 Winch

Top Features

  • 7.0 HP motor.
  • New XRC GEN3 design.
  • 94 feet steel cable.
Great Value

Smittybilt X2O – Waterproof Steel Cable Winch – 10,000 lb.

Smittybilt X2O - Waterproof Steel Cable Winch - 10,000 lb.

Top Features

  • IP 68 waterproof.
  • Powerful performance.
  • Easy installation .

1. Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch

Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch comes with a maximum pulling capacity of 9500 pounds. It is one of the most selling winches of Smittybilt for its top-notch performance.The winch comes with the new XRC GEN3 design. The winch uses a long 93.5-inch wire rope to pull out things.The winch uses a 6.6 horsepower wound series motor. It has a three-stage planetary gear system. It also features Fairlead – 4-way roller.This winch model is 100 percent waterproofs. It has IP 67 waterproof rating. So you won’t face any problems when you use the winch in the rainy season and muddy circumstances.The package comes with all the necessary tools you need to install the winch. So you won’t need to purchase anything separately.It has a gear ratio of 161.28:1.The winch use sliding ring gear for the clutch. It has remote switch which ranges in 12’ (3.7m) lead for controlling. The remote control cannot be unplugged here, and external wireless remote control is not available.The automatic braking mechanism means the winch is treated safely. For free spooling, as with most winches, the motor has power-in and a power-out mechanism.Mounting plate and winch cover are not provided with the product, so you must buy a suitable plate for your vehicle. But the solenoid architecture makes simple mounting of the winch in three separate places. This also has mounting bolts that make it simple to install.

smittybilt xrc 9500 winch

Technical features

  • 6.6 Horsepower wound motor.
  • Automatic in drum brake.
  • Battery leads: 22mm2, 72″(1.83m).
  • Gear Ratio: 161.28:1.
  • 93.5-inch long wire cable.

Specifications

  • Brand         –         Smittybilt.
  • Dimension –        5.4 x 9.4 x 22.3 inches.
  • Weight       –       78 pounds.

Why Will You Like This Product?

The main reason one should go for this winch is its powerful performance and great build quality. And the price is fairly reasonable too.

PROS
  • Powerful 6.6 hp motor.
  • Great quality cable.
  • IP 67 waterproof.
  • Easy to install.
  • Power in and power out mechanism.
CONS
  • Lack of wireless remote.

Let’s watch the installing video of this Smittybilt XRC Gen2 winch:

2. Smittybilt X2O COMP

Smittybilt X2O COMP is yet another powerful winch from the brand Smittbilt with a maximum pulling capacity of 10000 lbs.The model comes with hawse fairlead with a forged hook. It makes hooking thing much easier. The manufacturer includes all the necessary cables with the box needed to hook up your winch perfectly.The model comes with a 98.5 feet long synthetic rope. This rope is very sturdy in quality and as it’s long in size. So you can easily pull things from long distances.This winch has an IP 68 waterproof rating. This makes the winch easy to use in wet and muddy conditions.The winch has a powerful 6.6 horsepower wound series motor. And this motor is very capable of pulling heavy things and works great for a long period.

The winch can be run by a remote switch from up to 12 feet distance. So operating the winch is much easier compared to operating the winch manually.It has a three-stage planetary gear system which makes the operation of the winch effortless. The ratio of the gear is 218:1.The winch is built with stainless steel hardware. So you shouldn’t have any doubt about the great build quality of the winch.The dynamic brake system of the winch makes it extra safe for the users to run the winch. The winch got two solenoid mounting options.One great thing about this winch is that it comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty and a five years electrical warranty. So you can be tensed free for this warranty period.

smittybilt x20 winch review

Technical features

  • IP 68 Waterproof rating.
  • A three-stage planetary gear system.
  • 10000 lbs pulling capacity.
  • Auto out of drum brake system.
  • 6.6 HP wound series motor.

Specifications

  • Brand         –           Smittybilt.
  • Dimension –          14.5 x 24 x 11.5 inches.
  • Weight       –          16 pounds.

Why Will You Like This Product?

The build quality and the engine performance of this winch are quite amazing. And for these reasons, one should go for this winch without any hesitation.

PROS
  • Lightweight.
  • Powerful performance.
  • IP 68 waterproofing.
  • Long cable size.
  • Great built quality.
CONS
  • No significant drawbacks.

3. Smittybilt 97695 XRC 9.5K GEN3 Winch

This Smittybilt winch is a powerhouse with a 7.0 horsepower wound series motor. This is the highest-rated HP in the winch industry.It has a 12 percent faster average line speed than the previous GEN2 model. It adds more speed and power with lower AMP draw while loading.The model comes with remote control and a built-in flashlight with the remote. It makes working with this winch in a dark condition quite easy and convenient. A 12-volt power post is located on the control box if additional light is required

It has a smart new load indicator. The indicator’s warning system will always warn you about how much your equipment can handle. The indicator comes with many other interesting features too.For simple positioning on any metal surface, two magnets are integrated into the controller, leaving it out of the way when not necessary.A high-viz clutch lever features wide lettering which helps you to see if your winch is spooled at a glance. You may remove or use stylish body armor to tailor your winch that fit your vehicle.The winch XRC Gen3 arrives with 9500 lbs. maximum load-capacity and the COMP Series update features fairlead nylon rope and aluminum hawse.You will get a lifetime mechanical warranty from the manufacturer for the winch. Apart from that, you will get 5 years of electrical warranty and legendary customer service facilities from the Smittybilt.

Read more related post:

smittybilt xrc 9500 winch

Technical features

  • 9500 lbs. load capacity.
  • Corded remote control.
  • 94 feet long steel cable.
  • 7 HP series wound motor.
  • IP 67 waterproof rating.

Specifications

  • Brand         :          Smittybilt.
  • Dimension :         27 x 14 x 10 inches.
  • Weight       :         82.8 pounds.

Why Will You Like This Product?

Powerful performance; is the main highlight of this winch. So if you are looking for a winch with a powerful engine then go for it.

PROS
  • Industry-leading 7.0 HP motor.
  • High-quality steel cable.
  • IP 67 waterproof.
  • New XRC GEN3 design.
  • Easy to operate.
CONS
  • The manufactures guide could be more precise.

4. Smittybilt 97204 XRC-4 Winch

This particular winch model by Smittybilt is made for pulling up light things. You cannot perform high volume work with this as the maximum load capacity is only 4000 lbs.This is one of the most powerful ATV winches available in the market. It comes with more features and accessories than most other winches of its class.The winch has 4.1 horsepower permanent magnetic motor. The power is decent for pulling out most of the ATV and UTVs. But anything more than that won’t be suitable for the winch.The winch comes with a three-stage planetary gear system. It makes pulling things with the winch easy and convenient.The winch features a remote control that ranges in up to 11 feet. And the remote covers a decent range considering its class.It includes a universal mounting plate and 4-way of steel roller fairlead. It makes pulling out things with the winch very easy for the users.The winch comes with a decent 32-inch steel cable. A synthetic rope version of this model is available too. The model has less weight and a higher price tag than the steel cable version. So if you wish you can buy that version.

smittybilt winch review

Technical features

  • 4000 lbs. pulling capacity.
  • 4.2 hp permanent magnetic motor.
  • A three-stage planetary gear system.
  • 32-inch long steel cable.
  • 4 ways steel roller fairlead.

Specifications

  • Brand         :        Smittybilt.
  • Dimension :        11.3 x 6.7 x 15.9 inches.
  • Weight       :        27 pounds.

Why Will You Like This Product?

One who wants a great ATV/UTV winch at a reasonable price, this winch will perfectly match their demand and desire. If you want to do any heavy work with your winch then just leave this option.

PROS
  • Easy installation and operation.
  • Best in its class.
  • Fast pulling.
  • Remote control facility.
  • Reasonable price.
CONS
  • The cable size is too short.

5. Smittybilt X2O – Waterproof Steel Cable Winch

The Smittybilt X2O comes with a huge 10000 lb. load capacity. It has a powerful 6.6 horsepower amphibious motor. So pulling heavy things is effortless with this winch.The winch comes with a three-stage planetary gear system and the gear ratio is 218:1. So controlling the winch isn’t that of difficult. The winch has stainless steel hardware. So you can say they are pretty sturdy.The dynamic brake system makes it easy to control the winch. The winch comes with two solenoid mounting options.One great thing about the winch is that it comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty. It also provides five years of electrical warranty.The winch is IP 68 waterproof. So using it in muddy and wet conditions isn’t a problem at all. The remote control system allows the winch to be operated from a maximum of twelve feet distance.The winch features automatic out of drum brake system. The Drum Size in Diameter is 2.5″ (63.5mm).It makes controlling the winch much easier.The package comes with a 4-way roller fairlead with a forged hook, all required power cables to hook up your vehicle, rope sleeve, and wireless remote.

smittybilt x20 winch review

Technical features

  • 10000 lb. load capacity.
  • A three-stage planetary gear system.
  • 6.6 hp amphibious motor.
  • Dynamic brake system.
  • Solenoid mounting option.

Specifications

  • Brand          :       Smiittybilt.
  • Dimension :       11.7 x 24.1 x 14.3 inches.
  • Weight       :        87 pounds.        

Why Will You Like This Product?

One should go for this winch for its great performance and sturdy build quality. It also comes at a reasonable price considering its performance.

PROS
  • Remote control facility.
  • IP 68 water-resistant.
  • Powerful performance.
  • Great build quality.
  • Easy installation.
CONS
  • No significant drawback to mention.

6. Smittybilt X2O – Waterproof Steel Cable Winch

This Smittybilt winch has the highest pulling capacity in our list; 12000 lb. maximum capacity. This winch is capable of pulling heavy trucks, cars, and trailers quite easily.

The winch can be operated both manually and with remote. Users can choose the one which is suitable for him. The package box a remote while purchasing the winch. So you won’t need to buy one separately.The 6.6 horsepower amphibious motor is very powerful and makes pulling heavy things quite easy. The three-stage planetary gear system makes the operation of the winch easy for the users.The winch has stainless steel hardware which is strong and highly durable. The dynamic brake system makes it easy to control the winch while operating.

The winch features two solenoid mounting options. The 4- way fairlead with forged hook is also featured in the winch.The box comes with all the required cables hooking up your vehicles, rope sleeve, and the Smittybilt X2O steel cable winch.The winch comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty and a 5 years electrical warranty. So you can remain tense free for this time period.

smittybilt x20 winch review

Technical features

  • 12000 lbs. pulling capacity.
  • A three-stage planetary gear system.
  • 4- way fairlead with a forged hook.
  • 6.6 hp amphibious motor.
  • Dynamic brake system.

Specifications

  • Brand          :        Smittybilt.
  • Dimension :        24 x 10.4 x 14.7 inches.
  • Weight       :        90.4 pounds.

Why Will You Like This Product?

The raw power and high-quality build materials make this winch stand out from others. Those who need a high-performance winch, this winch will perfectly suit them.

PROS
  • Lifetime mechanical warranty.
  • Remote control facility.
  • IP 68 water-resistant.
  • Sliding ring gear clutch.
  • High pulling capacity.
CONS
  • Higher price tag.

A Comprehensive Buying Guide on Smittybilt Winch

As you have finished reading the top six Smittybilt winch reviews, now you might be thinking which winch will best suit for you. If you possess less knowledge about winch then gathering some knowledge about winches will help you in making the right purchase decision.In this section, I will share some of the crucial points you need to consider before making a winch buying decision. So let’s take a closer look at those points.

Pulling Capacity

Pulling capacity is one of the most important factors while you are considering purchasing a winch. The Smittybilt winch review I shared in this article has a different pulling capacity. Choose one according to your demand. I would suggest buying one with a bit higher pulling power than your present demand.

Motor Capability

The motor of the winch plays an important role in the performance of the winch. More horsepower means better performance. If you don’t require high performance then don’t choose a winch with higher horsepower. That way you will be able to save a decent amount of money. All the above Smittybilt winches come with great motor quality and capability.

Rope

There are different types of rope used in the winches for pulling things. Like stainless steel rope, synthetic rope, etc. They have different characteristics and benefits. You should make a thorough research before buying the winch on which will best suit you. Usually, stainless steel rope is more durable than the synthetic rope.

Gear

Gear is yet another important factor when it comes to buying a winch. All the winches I shared in this article have a three-stage planetary gear system. So you won’t need to worry about the gear when you are choosing one from the above winches.

Warranty Facility

Not every winch comes with a warranty facility. But it is a benefit that helps the user to remain to worry-free after purchasing a product. So it’s important that you choose one with a good warranty period. All the above winches have a lifetime mechanical warranty and five years of electrical warranty.

Brake

If the brake system of the winch is not great then you won’t be able to operate the winch conveniently. Moreover, there is a chance of occurring unusual accidents. A great brake system helps you to operate the winch smoothly. Thus you will be able to avoid any unusual occurrences. The above-mentioned Smittybilt winch has a dynamic brake system which is extremely convenient and user-friendly for the users.

Remote Control

In many cases, you may need to operate your winch from a distance place. If your winch only can be operated manually then you just can’t do that. On the other hand, a remote will help you to operate the winch from a certain period of distance. Buy one with a long-distance range of the remote.

Waterproof Rating

You won’t like it to see your winch get damaged after it comes in touch with water. An IP-certified waterproof rating will ensure you that your winch will not get damaged in muddy and wet condition.As an off-roader, it’s common that your winch will come in touch with water. So must check whether the winch is water-resistant or not. The above winches I mentioned all are water-resistant. So you can be worry-free when choosing one from the above list.

Weight

Nobody likes to carry heavy tools with them and I am sure you don’t like it too. As an off-roader, it’s common that you frequently travel distance places. And if the winch is heavy then it became difficult to carry with. Another negative aspect of heavy winch is that it’s difficult to operate and install them. So choose a winch which is lightweight and easy to carry.

FAQs

Why The Brand or Manufacturer is Important?

One of the most crucial benefits of purchasing a winch from a renowned manufacturer is that it assures you that the product quality will be great in quality. A renowned brand always gives value to the customers. They want to make sure that they provide the best quality products to the users.

Where are Smittybilt winches made?

Smittyblit winches are made in China and then marketed around the world.

Are Smittybilt winches any good?

Of course, they are good. Smittybilt is renowned for its high-quality products and great post-sale customer service.

Is Smittyblit made in the USA?

No, they are not. They are originally made in China and then sold in the USA under the brand name Smittyblit.

Which is the best Smittyblit winch for money?

I think Smittybilt X2O – Waterproof Steel Cable Winch is the best winch for your money for its great performance, sturdy build quality at a reasonable price.

Concluding Words

Throughout the years Smittybilt winches have earned a lot of applaud and reputation for their great build quality and post-sales services to the customers. They are now one of the most renowned winch companies in the USA.Today I shared the six top notch Smittybilt winch review with you. All the above winches have their own benefits. I hope this review will help you to choose the right Smittyubilt winch which will perfectly suit you. Other than that that the buying guide I shared will come quite handy when you are making a purchase decision.I tried to cover all the important aspects when it comes to buying a Smittybilt winch in this article. Let me know in the comment section if I missed something. And feel free to ask any queries if you have. I will happily answer them.

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