Why is this winch $1200 MORE than the smittybilt?

[GogDog]

So, looking to get a SSO slim line (or similar). The accessories department at my dealer just installed the SSO plus a Warn Zeon on a 4runner 2 weeks ago ->

https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/warn-zeon-10s-platinum-winch/

But the winch is $1750. We looked it up and see that SSO also offers a smittybilt x20 for $580, which it seems to have just about the same specs. They had no idea why the warn was so much more. Does anybody here know?

Also....what exactly am I "accessing" with access hole cutoffs on the bumper? You can also get a SSO without the access holes (but still a winch hole). Does it allow me to access the clutch release to pull out the line? And if I didn't have the access holes, I would have to do it from the engine bay?

 

[dot_tom]

I have the x20 as do a few of my friends. I picked mine up for $413 shipped, synthetic rope, wireless remote. Search for the deals.

This is how I see it... spend ~$500 on a winch or have no winch. I can't justify 1750 for a winch.

I can't speak to the access holes for SSO but I know my access holes allow me to reach the clutch. Very helpful.

 

[redneckcrawler]

Because Warn

 

[LandCruiser]

20 years ago I'd tell you that's because you can use the Warn more than 2-3 times before the motor burns out. But these days all winches are shit.

 

[ADK Explorer]

I was looking at some Warn winches online the other day that are $2000 +. I bought an Engo 9000 Synthetic for $450. It gets good reviews. Guess I'll find out. Holes are for clutch and controller plug in access. Warn is so expensive because people think they are the best so have to buy them so Warn gets to charge crazy ass prices for them. Supply and demand.

https://www.mainlineoverland.com/co...warn-16-5ti-s-therometric-self-recovery-winch

 

[Fern]

They are the Mercedes of winches.
A Toyota will get you there just the same.

 

[raycie]

I’m waiting on delivery of a Warn Zeon 10s. The platinum is a remote controlled clutch, so techically wouldn’t need the access holes.. with another winch (with the clutch knob), you would need the access holes, or would need to figure a way to reach in from under the hood.

I’m doing a hidden mount, so I’ll figure a way to access from under the hood.

Although the Smitty did get some great reviews, some people had issues with the wireless remotes going bad, or even the wired remote connection disconnecting. Not drowning in $$, but still going with the buy once cry once mindset..

 

[sn_85]

They are the Mercedes of winches.
A Toyota will get you there just the same.

So then what is the Toyota of winches...?

 

[JSparky]

They are the Mercedes of winches.
A Toyota will get you there just the same.

I don't think I'd akin a Smittybilt as the Toyota of winches, perhaps Suzuki, maybe Nissan.. no I'm sticking with Suzuki.

Damnit, I fell into a clickbait post.

 

[billnourse]

I have the SSO bumper with Smittybilt x20 and syn rope. I did not get the access holes because I didn't want a direct funnel to dump crap on the winch and I didn't like the look of the big holes in the bumper.

My winch is wireless remote so really no need to access it that often, but when I do I have two holes in the plastic under the hood, one on each side of the latch that I can reach the winch through. After the holes were cut I used black trim from AutoZone to trim up the holes for a nice look and smooth edges.

Bill

 

[GogDog]

My winch is wireless remote so really no need to access it that often, but when I do I have two holes in the plastic under the hood, one on each side of the latch that I can reach the winch through. After the holes were cut I used black trim from AutoZone to trim up the holes for a nice look and smooth edges.

Bill

Ok, totally get going for a clean looking sso bumper without access holes. But I'm not following you on the holes you cut. Are you opening your hood, reaching through the engine block and had cut holes that way or ? Maybe a quick pic?

 

[Fern]

So then what is the Toyota of winches...?

A dependable one.

 

[Fern]

I don't think I'd akin a Smittybilt as the Toyota of winches, perhaps Suzuki, maybe Nissan.. no I'm sticking with Suzuki.

Damnit, I fell into a clickbait post.

Haha, you fell into my trap.

I wasn't inferring that Smittybuilt is the "Toyota" of winches. Just that a dependable winch could be purchased for a far lesser amount.

 

[Brandon H]

The Warn Zeon is one of the few winches that is still made in the USA. Most of the rest of the Winches (Including some of the lower warns) are made in China.

 

[adio3x]

Cause Warns don't suck.

I had the XRC (whatever waterproof one), worked great for the first year and then went through one deep water crossing and it killed the thing. It's just been a brick in my front bumper, until I can afford a Zeon, it's going to continue to be a brick.

 

[sn_85]

A dependable one.

Exactly. If you can't give an example then you don't know the answer.

 

[TOY2G]

As some of you might know, we build overland(ish) vehicles for customers and even more than a dozen of our own. We have used many different brand of winches (right now I have two Warn, 2 PRG, 1 Superwinch and one Smittybuilt). The PRG winches (same as Smitty) have been used MANY times more than any of the others and is still going strong. I did have to replace the soloniod on the Smitty winch one time due to water.

My two Warn winches have never even been spooled out but ALL of the winches I have are made in China.

 

[wcjeep]

Local friends with the Smittybilt have had to tear down and properly apply internal grease. Have not heard of a Warn with the same problem. Warn is also great with parts for repairs.

Smittybilt probably ok when wheelin with friends. In an emergency I'll take the Warn.