Smittybilt XRC_9500k Winch - Any Thoughts?

GVL

GVL

New member
Hey guys, I know there are a lot of winch threads out there but I can't find much feedback on this Smittybuilt XRC 9500k Gen2. I just ordered an AOR front plate bumper and this is the winch I'm considering. Any reason this wouldn't be a good choice for my gen 3 Runner? Thanks for any input. The 9500 rating and synthetic rope under $500 is what has this at the top of my list so far.

Smittybilt 98495 XRC 9.5K GEN 2 Winch Synthetic Rope & Fairlead
 
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When I get a winch I really want synthetic rope as well. From a quick peak at the link you provided I see one issue immediately. This is basically a winch designed for cable but wrapped with rope. Rope cannot stand up to the heat that cable can without breaking down and the in drum brake on this model will allow more heat to build than I am comfortable with.

I suggest you do some research on synthetic line and really get to know what all comes along with running it. There's a lot more to it than buying synthetic instead of cable to do it properly. That is why most winches with synthetic from reputable brands are going to be way more than your price point. If budget is your main concern I would buy a quality winch with cable until you have enough money to upgrade in the future.

This is my opinion based on research and very little field experience so take it for what it's worth. I will likely go with a superwinch similar this:
Amazon.com: Superwinch 1695211 Talon 9.5iSR, 12 VDC winch, 9,500 lb/4,309 kg capacity with hawse fairlead & synthetic rope: Automotive
 
ARC said:
When I get a winch I really want synthetic rope as well. From a quick peak at the link you provided I see one issue immediately. This is basically a winch designed for cable but wrapped with rope. Rope cannot stand up to the heat that cable can without breaking down and the in drum brake on this model will allow more heat to build than I am comfortable with.

I suggest you do some research on synthetic line and really get to know what all comes along with running it. There's a lot more to it than buying synthetic instead of cable to do it properly. That is why most winches with synthetic from reputable brands are going to be way more than your price point. If budget is your main concern I would buy a quality winch with cable until you have enough money to upgrade in the future.

This is my opinion based on research and very little field experience so take it for what it's worth. I will likely go with a superwinch similar this:
Amazon.com: Superwinch 1695211 Talon 9.5iSR, 12 VDC winch, 9,500 lb/4,309 kg capacity with hawse fairlead & synthetic rope: Automotive
Click to expand...

Thanks ARC, you're right the more I'm reading about winches and lines I think I'll start with a cable line and make my initial mistakes with something on the more durable side. Besides, my rig is in the mountain elements 24/7 and it sounds like a cable may hold up better in the long run unless you really care for the synthetic line properly. I think I'll start out with something basic like the SuperWinch 8500 with steel cable then really figure out what I want/need for my upgraded 2nd winch. This winch was recommended by AOR as a good fit for their plate bumper. Appreciate the input..
 
GVL said:
Hey guys, I know there are a lot of winch threads out there but I can't find much feedback on this Smittybuilt XRC 9500k Gen2. I just ordered an AOR front plate bumper and this is the winch I'm considering. Any reason this wouldn't be a good choice for my gen 3 Runner? Thanks for any input. The 9500 rating and synthetic rope under $500 is what has this at the top of my list so far.

Smittybilt 98495 XRC 9.5K GEN 2 Winch Synthetic Rope & Fairlead
Click to expand...

Feel free to read the Manufacturer's info on this winch also. I wouldnt hesitate to run any of the new Smittybilt Winches. Please read these two links, dont rely solely on misguided information from others.

GEN2 Waterproof Winch - Smittybilt

http://www.smittybilt.com/downloads/SB_Gen2Winch_NPA-Extended.pdf

You dont have to buy basic first then upgrade, educate yourself from the get-go and make one smart purchase.

ARC said:
When I get a winch I really want synthetic rope as well. From a quick peak at the link you provided I see one issue immediately. This is basically a winch designed for cable but wrapped with rope. Rope cannot stand up to the heat that cable can without breaking down and the in drum brake on this model will allow more heat to build than I am comfortable with.

I suggest you do some research on synthetic line and really get to know what all comes along with running it. There's a lot more to it than buying synthetic instead of cable to do it properly. That is why most winches with synthetic from reputable brands are going to be way more than your price point. If budget is your main concern I would buy a quality winch with cable until you have enough money to upgrade in the future.

This is my opinion based on research and very little field experience so take it for what it's worth. I will likely go with a superwinch similar this:
Amazon.com: Superwinch 1695211 Talon 9.5iSR, 12 VDC winch, 9,500 lb/4,309 kg capacity with hawse fairlead & synthetic rope: Automotive
Click to expand...

Your assessment of the winch in question isn't close to accurate. Read the links i provided above.

The only time a winch builds heat from the brake is when it is powering out. Never when freespooling out which is what you should be doing anyway. Read the pages i linked above, also, most every synthetic line comes with a heat resistant sheath to go over the first wrap on the drum to keep things copacetic. As far as being a lot more than just adding rope, lol not really. Do you see Warn changing ANY winch in their existing lineup that they are now selling with their own synthetic line? Nope, just spool rope instead of cable and swap the roller fairlead for a Hawse fairlead and you are good to go.

Happy researching.:becky:
 
NateMob said:
Feel free to read the Manufacturer's info on this winch also. I wouldnt hesitate to run any of the new Smittybilt Winches. Please read these two links, dont rely solely on misguided information from others.

GEN2 Waterproof Winch - Smittybilt

http://www.smittybilt.com/downloads/SB_Gen2Winch_NPA-Extended.pdf

You dont have to buy basic first then upgrade, educate yourself from the get-go and make one smart purchase.



Your assessment of the winch in question isn't close to accurate. Read the links i provided above.

The only time a winch builds heat from the brake is when it is powering out. Never when freespooling out which is what you should be doing anyway. Read the pages i linked above, also, most every synthetic line comes with a heat resistant sheath to go over the first wrap on the drum to keep things copacetic. As far as being a lot more than just adding rope, lol not really. Do you see Warn changing ANY winch in their existing lineup that they are now selling with their own synthetic line? Nope, just spool rope instead of cable and swap the roller fairlead for a Hawse fairlead and you are good to go.

Happy researching.:becky:
Click to expand...


I welcome your differing opinion, but I don't see how linking the specs from the manufacturer is supposed to prove anything or change my way of thinking.
 
Because you are clearly uneducated on the winch in question and how they work.


[MENTION=49649]KidVermicious[/MENTION] good link, that was a big reason i ended up with my Engo. They should do it again with some of the new winches available now.
 
Last edited:
NateMob said:
[MENTION=49649]KidVermicious[/MENTION] good link, that was a big reason i ended up with my Engo. They should do it again with some of the new winches available now.
Click to expand...

Your review (that was yours, right?) plus that article is the reason I have mine. :happy:
 
NateMob said:
Feel free to read the Manufacturer's info on this winch also. I wouldnt hesitate to run any of the new Smittybilt Winches. Please read these two links, dont rely solely on misguided information from others.

GEN2 Waterproof Winch - Smittybilt

http://www.smittybilt.com/downloads/SB_Gen2Winch_NPA-Extended.pdf

You dont have to buy basic first then upgrade, educate yourself from the get-go and make one smart purchase.



Your assessment of the winch in question isn't close to accurate. Read the links i provided above.

The only time a winch builds heat from the brake is when it is powering out. Never when freespooling out which is what you should be doing anyway. Read the pages i linked above, also, most every synthetic line comes with a heat resistant sheath to go over the first wrap on the drum to keep things copacetic. As far as being a lot more than just adding rope, lol not really. Do you see Warn changing ANY winch in their existing lineup that they are now selling with their own synthetic line? Nope, just spool rope instead of cable and swap the roller fairlead for a Hawse fairlead and you are good to go.

Happy researching.:becky:
Click to expand...
he is at least partially right. there are some winches, even in the warn line that are not designed to use synthetic rope. its an issue with drum deforming, the rope has friction, and creates heat that the drum cant handle, and thus it dimples.

to the OP, for the price point, I think that's a fine winch.
I really like my rigged ridge winches, and I WANT to suggest you buy one of those instead. but, the more I read about the new smittybuilts, the more impressive they are.

in regards to cable or rope, I prefer cable. its more durable, and a hell of a lot cheaper. winches can be dangerous period, no matter what you use, be safe about it, and you'll be fine.
 
nevada said:
he is at least partially right. there are some winches, even in the warn line that are not designed to use synthetic rope. its an issue with drum deforming, the rope has friction, and creates heat that the drum cant handle, and thus it dimples.

to the OP, for the price point, I think that's a fine winch.
I really like my rigged ridge winches, and I WANT to suggest you buy one of those instead. but, the more I read about the new smittybuilts, the more impressive they are.

in regards to cable or rope, I prefer cable. its more durable, and a hell of a lot cheaper. winches can be dangerous period, no matter what you use, be safe about it, and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

I know what you are talking about and you are right, but thats not what he was alluding to.

I am in the same vein as you in regards to the new Smittybilts, seems like a lot of impressive and innovative engineering went into their newest offerings. And you are certainly correct about rope and cable both being dangerous, rope doesnt "just fall" when it snaps but its not going to cut you in half or put a hole in your skull since it is so much lighter and less rigid. Winching technique coupled with some training is paramount.
 
Dont make the same mistake I did, I bought he X20 8k winch first, with the steel cable, and after the first winter it rusted like crazy! great performing winch though, I didnt need an under water winch, the new gen 2 xrc 9500 is a nice one I am actually picking one up this week to replace my x20 which i cannot get to disengage therefore cant freespool. 4Wheelparts is honoring warranty and all I had to do was call and tell them my situation and they put a new xrc 9500 on order for me just like the one your are looking at, just read instructions, ask buddies watch some videos whatever it takes to just do it right the first time.
 
Thanks guys for all the great info, I'm sure I would be happy with many of the winches discussed, but I decided to spend a few more bucks and bought a WARN M8000 with cable line. They were running a manufactures deal that included a winch accessories kit with some nice medium duty pieces and I try to practice what I preach about buying Made in the USA on the more important pieces of equipment.

I haven't received the new AOR bumper yet so I haven't used it, but after examining it I'm pretty impressed with the build quality. My rig sits outside in the mountain environment 365 days/yr so I figure a frequently lubed cable might withstand that exposure better and put the extra $ into the winch rather than a synthetic line.
 
NateMob said:
Because you are clearly uneducated on the winch in question and how they work.



[MENTION=49649]KidVermicious[/MENTION] good link, that was a big reason i ended up with my Engo. They should do it again with some of the new winches available now.
Click to expand...

nevada said:
he is at least partially right. there are some winches, even in the warn line that are not designed to use synthetic rope. its an issue with drum deforming, the rope has friction, and creates heat that the drum cant handle, and thus it dimples.

to the OP, for the price point, I think that's a fine winch.
I really like my rigged ridge winches, and I WANT to suggest you buy one of those instead. but, the more I read about the new smittybuilts, the more impressive they are.

in regards to cable or rope, I prefer cable. its more durable, and a hell of a lot cheaper. winches can be dangerous period, no matter what you use, be safe about it, and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

Just rediscovered this while doing research as I am about to pull the trigger on a winch. Not sure how I drew all the animosity from NateMob, but heat build up from the brake and drum deformation from the extra stress by rope is exactly what I was talking about.

That being said I am pretty much sold on the Smittybilt X2O 10k with synthetic rope. It costs $100 more than the XRC, but you get 500lbs more capacity, a braking system designed to reduce heat for synthetic rope, a better waterproof rating, and an extra 2 year warranty on the electronics. Seems like a great value to me. Opinions?

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pn=S/B98510
 
Last edited:
ARC said:
Just rediscovered this while doing research as I am about to pull the trigger on a winch. Not sure how I drew all the animosity from NateMob, but heat build up from the brake and drum deformation from the extra stress by rope is exactly what I was talking about.

That being said I am pretty much sold on the Smittybilt X2O 10k with synthetic rope. It costs $100 more than the XRC, but you get 500lbs more capacity, a braking system designed to reduce heat for synthetic rope, a better waterproof rating, and an extra 2 year warranty on the electronics. Seems like a great value to me. Opinions?

Smittybilt Part 98510 - X2O-10K Waterproof Synthetic Rope Wireless Winch Gen2 with Fairlead - 4 Wheel Parts
Click to expand...

That's the winch I've been wanting too. If you do buy it, please post up a review.:thumb3:
 
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