T-Max or CSI winch experience?

[BucknutBob]

Anyone have any experience with T-Max or CSI winches? They're Australian products (like ARB and OME, etc.), and have very impressive specs and features that guys like Warn don't, like full ball-bearing construction, gear-locked clutches, and higher hp motors. They haven't made big inroads into America yet, which means the prices are much more reasonable than Warn or Ramsey, etc.. Anyone have personal experience, or other real, usable hard evidence about these (please, no popularity contests--I'm looking for fact-based info). Links would be great, as well.

 

[Doozi]

I'm just starting to think about winches and have been doing a bunch of research. These look like pretty decent units that I haven't seen yet. Have you checked out Engo winches? They've had some pretty good reviews and are very inexpensive.

 

[BucknutBob]

I'm just starting to think about winches and have been doing a bunch of research. These look like pretty decent units that I haven't seen yet. Have you checked out Engo winches? They've had some pretty good reviews and are very inexpensive.

Thanks for the tip, Doozi! I'll definitely look into these. I've got plenty of time--won't be pulling the trigger for a few months, just want to know my options.

 

[CAN-03runner]

I'm thinking of getting one of these Titan Winches. Titan Offroad Recovery Gear (Powered by CubeCart)

They have great reviews for the winch itself and for the customer service provided (presales and after sales) on the different FJ cruiser forums and Jeep forums.

I have sent them 3 emails so far and basically the owner/shop manager replies within the day.

The winch selenoid has been made as water resistant a possible. Has double seals, and can be relocated into the engine bay for more protection if you want.

At 650 for 12000lbs and synthetic line, you could almost get one for the back too.

 

[BucknutBob]

I'm thinking of getting one of these Titan Winches. Titan Offroad Recovery Gear (Powered by CubeCart)

They have great reviews for the winch itself and for the customer service provided (presales and after sales) on the different FJ cruiser forums and Jeep forums.

I have sent them 3 emails so far and basically the owner/shop manager replies within the day.

The winch selenoid has been made as water resistant a possible. Has double seals, and can be relocated into the engine bay for more protection if you want.

At 650 for 12000lbs and synthetic line, you could almost get one for the back too.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Daron-t4r]

just recently found this article on winches: Engo Winch? - Pirate4x4.Com

its going to take a lot of research to decide.

 

[Daron-t4r]

If there is anyone out there who knows alot about the different winch companies, it would be really neat if they made a thread about it (or a collaboration of people) then we could make it a sticky, since there are so many people wondering about different model winches and different companies.

 

[BucknutBob]

I agree, Daron. It's just so hard to sift through the hype and BS. I know Warn is probably the best, but like many, I hate paying their outlandish prices just to finance their huge advertising campaign. They aren't the only quality winch out there, but there are definitely a lot of dogs, too. The little bit of info I've dug up makes T-Max sound like a viable option, and at a reasonable price. I was actually kinda hoping this thread might turn into what you are suggesting, with others throwing out their experiences with their winches in addition to the ones I asked about. Oh well, I still have a lot of time--probably won't get one until later this summer (I just got the bumper this week, so that part's out of the way). Thanks again for the input!

p.s. That Engo winch thread was quite interesting-- a lot of differing opinions, with many strong endorsements for many different brands through first-person experience.

 

[xcmountain80]

I did a great deal of research some years ago and ended up with a T-Maxx 9k Outback. Uses a newer solenoid type that I mounted into the engine bay with supplied cables. Every time I've needed it, it's worked. Funny each time was to winch my non traction* butt up a hill.

*(locker in the front LSD in the rear)


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