So far Ive got the requisite straps and shackles to cover the basics in off road recovery but am looking to add to this gear with a jack of some sort. Ive got a small lift and larger-than-stock tires as well as sliders so a Hi-Lift would work and seems like a good value for the money. However, it seems like there are a ton of accessories you need to buy in order to make this jack useful to its full potential. On the other hand, the X-Jack is a ready to go system, albeit a bit more money. However, this system seems a lot more versatile, not to mention lighter and more compact. How would you guys spend your money?

I would go with the X Jack.

Go with the X-Jack.

There are a lot of accessories for the Hi-Lift, but you don't actually need them. If you have sliders, I'd say at least look at Hi-Lift Ultimate Combo (Jeep site, I know, but they have good prices). That will have everything you need for a good jack.

Also, if you start wanting a winch later, as long as your up for quite a bit of manual labor, all you have to do is buy the winching kit and then your Hi-Lift can be a jack or a winch (I'll admit though, using a Hi-Lift as a winch is not fun, it's a last resort, but it's a good back-up if you do a lot of solo exploring and don't have a real winch).

I'll agree that the X-Jack is pretty cool, but I have no real experience with one.

The X-jack only goes up to 31". A normal Hi-lift is 48" and they come in 60" also. 31" is fine if you need to change a tire on semi-flat ground, but I've been in lots of situations where 31" just wouldn't be enough. Just my $.02.

Both- sand or mud the x-jack will work better most of the time.As far as the accessories needed to make the Hi-lift work, I only use the basic Hi-lift and no issues with numerous recoveries. Would the different accessories make it more versatile? Yes but I don't feel they are 100% necessary. I would only get 3 to add to mine, large base, slider adapter and the wheel hook adapter.

Different terrain and situations call for different needs/ tools.

List to ludedude and the advice you posted on toyota120. Everything they said is right.

Jim

I went with the Hi lift since it was more affordable and I think it can be used in a lot more ways. Here is a good example
YouTube - 4runner Rollerover accident

Wow, I watched all of that video to not get to see them actually right the thing with the Hi-Lift. I was looking forward to that too.

Sometimes you need both... AND a winch!


The Hi-Lift is one of the most versatile, and most dangerous tools that you can bring along. I have had one for years. There are so many things that you can do with a Hi-Lift that you can hardly afford to be without one sometimes.

The X-Jack has particular advantages. It is much more stable then a Hi-Lift, and can be used in places where the hi lift cannot. It opens up your possabilities for lifting points and is a wonderful tool, especially in the sand. Add to this that it is supported by ARB, a company with an excellent reputation for customer service and well tested products. The way I see it, you can't go too wrong with an X-Jack. I'll be doing a full product review of the X-Jack later this year.


If you don't have rock sliders AND armored bumpers, you will not be able to use the Hi-Lift much. Given the modifications that are on your truck right now, I would recommend the X-Jack.

^Well put

Trail armored = hi lift
No armor = x-lift

My last rig had an exo cage and I loved my hi lift and missed it the one time i decided not to bring it. If you can use them they are worth every cent. I only advise caution when using them as I've seem some situations on the trail when you want to ask the people using them WTF.

Hi-Lifts can be very dangerous.
They're more suited for mounting on the hoods and roof racks of Jeeps.

Hi-lifts can be dangerous-true. However take the time to educate yourself on the use and uses of them and they can be an irreplaceable tool. Any tool or device not used properly can be dangerous including an X-lift. I love hearing people say they are strictly Jeep bling and dangerous because they obviously don't know how usefull they can be when used properly.