Is The Harbor Freight APEX Winch Any Good?? Lets find out!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Quite a few people have asked what Cassie’s channel is, kzbin.info/door/e97sOxRwtz6PTN_QGfIPBg And stay tuned for further Offroad testing videos! Either on her channel or this one. Thanks for watching!

[@nickstinnett933]

I am new to owning a Jeep i have a 2002 liberty 4×4 and i know nothing about lift kits what would you recommend?

[@MicDropBBQ]

Please subscribe to my Jeep channel! Going to add Cassie's channel too.

[@fhuber7507]

I put a 100 amp fuse at the battery for my winch. Overkill for my little winch. But if there's a dead short of the wiring it will blow the fuse right at the battery.

[@josephsepulveda8819]

After watching your video and everything I could find on the APEX winch this is the one I went with. I highly recommend getting the warranty. 👍🏼

[@robertemmons2260]

Ironically I've watched Cassie's LS swap video before I have even though of purchasing the Badlands 12,000# winch. Both her video on the LS swap and your video on the HF winch were great! Thank you for your out of the box install review!

[@stephenhunter6507]

Running the winch in the rain is great until you slip in the mud and lose your glasses only to find out a dilophosaurus is sitting in your passenger seat.

[@wyatt1339]

Underrated comment 😂

[@JosePerez-sj3mq]

And lose your shaving cream

[@tommiegeary7287]

Hahaha Hahaha 😅

[@112boatman]

Well we're back in the car again

[@Stoned2death6969]

Got em with the old Jurassic park

[@hamboneva]

I've had the Apex for several months and used it quite a bit with no problems.. I really like it so far.

[@michael102]

How is it after a year Chad?

[@hamboneva]

@@michael102 I still use it quite often and really like it and I have had zero problems.

[@LetsDoThis321]

Harbor Freight is going through a lot of changes lately hopefully they bring back some of the great coupon deals they use to have.

[@rcmike09]

499 this weekend

[@edwrench4796]

Prices will continue to rise on Chinese imports as they eliminate American competition.

[@beborosa2210]

@@michael102 thanks to Brandon 👍👍

[@jaygilley2223]

Got mine for $475 lady month in Seattle

[@johnspartan3405]

450 here. Finally got it in the bumper yesterday.

[@Brahmb]

This winch is PHENOMENAL!!! I have the 12k lb winch on my Gladiator. I used it first to help a buddy hoist a culvert into slide position for his son’s treehouse. Then I pulled a 6" diameter tree off a trail. Finally, I used it at least a dozen times to move through deep snow and turn the Gladiator around 180*. It pulls out easily, goes back on fine and more than easily handles the weight of the Gladiator.

[@siklegend]

I had a 9500 lbs badlands winch from 2016 for 3 years and it held up very nicely, took trees out of the road pulled huge trucks out of the ocean, pulled people out of the mud ect. And it never quit, I think badland winches are a little underrated just because of their price and that they don't come from an official offroad company.

[@ebayturboproductions6133]

Josh Drendel it’s funny because the older badlands from HF are identical rebranded smitybuilt winches

[@franco4201]

I used My Badlands winch every day pulled 5 car or better a day died after 3 years n I abused it every day pulled even what I shouldn't have been pulling. I'm replacing it with another one highly recommended it

[@dieselram05]

Mine lasted a year…barely used

[@vincesmith764]

@@dieselram05 warn sucker

[@jaimeherrerajr.3651]

I had mine for 6 months now. Used it several time and it works really great honestly.

[@YJKadventure]

cowboy Herrera how much did you get it for? And how much did the protection plan cost you?

[@steventrevino972]

Thanks for reviewing. I just bought the Apex because my old HF Badlands 12000 started drawing power down from the battery. That winch was with me for 5 years and performed multiple life and equipment saving pulls over those years in the Rockies, Moab, and the Rubicon. So people can say what they want about badlands but I had one that paid itself off 100 fold and expect the Apex to perform well also. It comes with some very nice add ons in the box and feels like a great value. Like with any winch I hope to never need it but I’m confident it will perform when the time comes. As confident as I would be with any other new out of the box brand on the first few hard pulls, you just never know till you know.

[@UncleRayRayGarageEmporium]

I was taught to always be watching the spool of the winch when pulling. It takes very little angle to get it to wind on one side of the spool and start to operate outside the proper diameter. If you are alone and have to use it the way you demonstrated, get out every 10 feet and check. Reset if needed.

[@slipknot7424]

The ultimate test is hooking it up in a tree and pulling the Jeep up of the ground, we hooked ours up to the bottom of a train bridge and pulled it completely off the ground, fun times. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@ryandavis4689]

Would be badass to watch

[@robertsonfamily2536]

And pull the tree on to the Jeep...brilliant

[@olivertaylor8788]

Ha ha now thats one way to get hang time,bigg air.heck,just leave it way up there,they make good bird houses.

[@dylanowens3173]

I don't have the apex but the cheaper badlands zxr 12k lbs got for $280. I put it on a hitch mount to move around , put on synthetic rope, and a non metal fairlead. It works just fine and doesn't sit out in weather bring it in on the hitch mount. With the synthetic rope it doesnt bind up like a metal rope saving the motor . Apex look nice but if on a budget the zxr for under $300 is a deal too.

[@daveschlitt6613]

Steel is bettrt

[@danarteritano1340]

I have this winch, like you said they set the bar high with the waterproof rating and line speed. It was an easy install. I did some tests and it works great. HF has coupons all the time so you could get it for $500-600.

[@andrewk8636]

What coupons? I never see any that work on the apex winch

[@troyblume51]

Yep. I used a 25% off yesterday. OTD price, $526

[@scottdaniels2877]

I got one yesterday, $480 with a 20 percent off coupon.

[@dorsk84]

I have the previous version on this. I had to change the grease in the planetary gears, and seal up the control box. I had to get the remote separate, and get a cover for it. Now I need to contemplate getting one of these new ones. And after all of that. It's still a beast. I have literally pulled a small sunk boat out of the pond I live on.

[@brucehirsch5437]

@ well. You obviously knew what he meant though. And I am willing to bet so will/has everyone else who read his comment.

[@brucehirsch5437]

I have the older model too. The non APEX one. How did you seal up the control box? Thought it was already sealed?

[@dorsk84]

@ Yes. That's what I ment.

[@dorsk84]

@@brucehirsch5437 The bottom of the control box had these little "drain holes". And the top and bottom had no gasket between the halves. So....RTV to the rescue. Filled the narrow channel where the two halves met with RTV, let it set. Then screwed them together. The holes where covered with small pieces of Flex Tape (that stuff is ridiculously good). I also put in a high grade grease into the gears, cause the stuff it came with was a joke.

[@c4onmylip]

@ Damn dude, don't suffocate on the smell of your own farts there.

[@user-lu9hq6jv4v]

It is so cool watching you and your wife working with the tools! Thanks

[@holnugget]

I no joke was looking to buy this today. There is a 20% off coupon and it seemed to have everything I would need. Thanks for posting the video!

[@zandersmith6960]

holnugget there was a 25% Mother’s Day coupon today! And I’m broke...

[@sgg17003]

Don't forget, you can add the coupons to the "everything off in the store" sales. That's how I buy Harbor Freight stuff.

[@c4onmylip]

I just bought one a few weeks ago with the coupon, It was only around 600 bucks with the 2 year, no questions asked warranty.

[@consaka1]

All the coupons I have seen exclude the winches.

[@charlesgarner3288]

I was not allowed to use my 20% coupon on this winch. Asked the manager and he said that I counldn't on any badland product. He even went a anounced it over the intercom.

[@kraigkaiser1961]

I mounted the Apex onto our Jeep back in February and used it extensively in February and it works well!!

[@kraigkaiser1961]

Like said before, just turn on the power disconnect switch when you hit the trail. I think it's a great to to have in line to the winch.

[@MrSnoop1987]

I been waiting on someone to do a honest review on this witch thanks Ben.

[@jmjl1994]

I've had a badlands ZXR 12000 on my jeep and have actually used it more than I thought I would have. Never had one issue out of it except for the time that I pulled the cable completely out but that was 100% due to operator error.

[@Mtg_MoBrocks]

jmjl1994 so I was looking at the zxr 12000 > the apex because of price and steel cable. How’s the water proofing on the xzr and do you prefer the steel cable I think I would? The only thing I like about the apex is the water proofing and wireless remote but I don’t think that’s worth the extra $300 if you’re saying the zxr 12k is decent.

[@jmjl1994]

@@Mtg_MoBrocks I havent had it submerged or anything but it's been used in pretty heavy rain and cold temperatures and hasn't had any issues yet. As for the cable, I like it so far. I havent had one with rope yet so I cant really compare the two. Everytime I use it though, I always clean it up when i get home and make sure that I respool it "correctly" (which basically I hook it up to a car and pull it up the hill to me) but that's more of me being a bit of a perfectionist but it also let's me inspect the entire cable so I know it's good to go the next time I need it.

[@Mtg_MoBrocks]

jmjl1994 perfect I think I’m going to go with the zxr 12k it’s $200 less and it says there is a wireless remote also.

[@icdproductions]

Thanks for hanging out in the rain for that test! 😆

[@jagers4xford471]

I have a badlands 12K winch on my Bronco, I love it. Unlike what wizbang saying them being unreliable, I've never had it fail me, not like my friend's superwinch. In fact I pulled his Jeep out of a swamp only two weeks ago. The Badlands winch pulled so hard on the 16K rope, it shredded the internals of the rope. Buy a badlands winch, you won't regret it.

[@joshuafrahm8778]

One thing I did find on this winch, the chrome plating on the spool lever does not like snow/salt if you live in a snowbelt state.

[@brutallyhonestmf5578]

Can you remove it and maybe have it powder coated? Or is a fixed part? Im curious because I live in north Ohio and hate rust lol.

[@joshuafrahm8778]

@@brutallyhonestmf5578 idk, I haven't tried yet. That might be a good idea though.

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Thanks for the review Ben. I've been researching winches and this really helped narrow my decision down. HF has really stepped up their game with the introduction of this series of winches. For its included features, that are options on other brands, that price out about three to four times the sale price of the Apex of $500. Even at the MSRP of $750. it's hard to beat. I think I'll take a chance with the Apex.

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Web Dev does the Smittybuilt come as a 12,000 pound with synthetic line and a wireless (or wired) remote?

[@shanecummings5178]

I’ve been looking at this winch for a bit. Thank you for making a video on it!

[@norsefalconer]

My experience with HF is that I get either a Wednesday built tool, or a Friday built tool.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Norsefalconer Meaning great design with inconsistent (or no) Quality Control....

[@charleswright86]

@Oskar Dirlewanger and NO Margaritta Mondays or taco Tuesdays!

[@dustyrieck7939]

I agree that it needs a cover to protect the synthetic line from sunlight UV. Good value.

[@timwatkins3828]

5:00 in: and I did that exact same thing yesterday with a nut into the body of the Jeep with the doors off, had to remove rock slider, and 4 bolts from the front quarter panel to get it out.

[@thead10]

If it was me, it would still be there!

[@outdoorstudios2022]

Thanks for sharing, thank you Ron, from rural life with Ron for bringing me here.

[@bobvedder2451]

That power disconnect might be a good antitheft device for the jeep itself. Hide the cutoff somewhere you can access easily, but not in plain view.

[@roughpatchroad]

Love my apex winch has gotten me out of multiple pinches already! Great winch reviewed it and thumbs up 👍🏽

[@1fsttoy]

I’m a fan of the wireless remotes ever since I ran over my remote cord and snapped it in half while not paying attention...

[@stevenbridgman7446]

Oops!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

1fsttoy Just an FYI, people are more likely to die from vehicle than a firearm.... PAY ATTENTION when using a vehicle... (/End Public Service Announcement)

[@jameschrisdavis]

They make large 12v fuses or even circuit breakers for marine /rv applications. You do not need to isolate the battery with a switch in order to be safe in the event of a grounded wire.

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

Great videos! On the power switch cut off... little story! We were at roush creek with our club from Connecticut and one of our members had a jk I was the vehicle right behind him and about 15 minutes into the morning trip he flexed on a trail and it started on fire! He had ran his positive cable between the radiator support support and frame... big fire but plenty of fire extinguishers and quick removal of positive terminal ending it... bad news was we had to pull him out! Fried his ECM... roush people connected him with a Jeep garage about an hour away and he was back on the trail with us on Saturday but a couple grand lighter🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rayzorjay7331]

Just got this winch for $350 at Harbor Freight during the Christmas deals after watching your review. Felt like a wild deal.

[@JonHosford]

I did the same thing! %40 off coupon good on Dec 19 only.

[@dannyeugenewaits9486]

Great review! I've had mine for over a year now, many many uses during the time I purchased it and still working Great! Thank gawd I live in Montana! Never even noticed that their was a pandemic going on...the price you pay for living away from the crowds! Just the few of us and the coyotes roaming our wide open world!! Cheers!

[@fbtippmann]

Awesome dedication filming in the rain! I appreciated seeing the unboxing and test pull through the ditch. However, I think your comment about pulling up a grade was a bit misleading. The winch line wouldn't see the full weight of the vehicle until the vehicle was hanging vertically. Your points about pulling over rocks and out of deep mud were very accurate and the best reasons to buy what seems like an oversized winch. FWIW the doubling of line capacity with a snatch block does come with a halving of the speed. Better to be safe than fast!

[@hansont821]

Thanks for the review, I just bought one and looking forward to it. Love your channels, keep up the good work.

[@evanbronstein3126]

Like a few others, I just installed this winch. I got mine once I saw a 20% discount coupon. It’s a great deal and one that I couldn’t pass up. Fit my Poison Spyder stubby, recessed bumper perfectly. I opted to install the disconnect switch. On my 2017 JK there was an unused bolt hole along the side wall near the battery. Used it and a 3x3 SS angle to mount the switch.

[@brianglave539]

2 things about the battery disconnect switch. I think Steven Toronto's comment probably explains why it was included. Previous winches started to draw power from the battery, then this is a cheap work around. I also think the disconnect would be very useful for those that mount this on a trailer. You can hook the winch to its own deep cycle battery and disconnect the battery when it's not in use.

[@joerivs80]

I was just researching this winch two days ago. Looking at reviews, price comparison, etc. then this video popped up! Thank you. I think I’m sold. I have a Renegade Trailhawk and I think I’ll be getting this winch for it for sure.

[@jakobwest4811]

I was tempted to get this winch but I ended up getting the Smittybuilt X20 for a little cheaper. It is nice that the badland comes with a fairly thick fairlead, really helps with those angled pulls. It looks thicker than the factor 55 1.5" surprisingly.

[@joedavis8072]

Got the same on my Rubicon JL. It's a beast. Pulled a F-150 out the mud couple weeks back, not one issue. I wired mine to my aux switch too. I didn't Iike the battery switch either.

[@eeassa]

Thumbs up for filming in the rain!

[@Zoro4rk]

Love your videos! Extremely informative and really like that you test the product and give instant feedback. This is why I subscribed to you and reasons why you’re #1 in jeep parts reviewing IMO! 😁 Keep it up brotha!

[@mthewolf1095]

I work an industrial job and my boss bought Bauer (HF brand) impacts and drills. WOW, they have lasted and they take a serious beating. Most stuff from HF is cheaply made, but it seems that Bauer is putting out some really good tools.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! I’ve been using their impact for a while now and it’s held up great.

[@MNDashcam]

Just scored one with a wireless remote for $150

[@josephmcclure6229]

Great job. Cant wait to see how it holds up.

[@jimschmidt4089]

I just picked up one of these a few months ago. Haven't had the chance to use it on the trails yet. Great to hear your opinions and thoughts on it. Thank you Ben for the international video. 😊👍

[@jkDLux1]

Had the old badlands winch for 4 years now, works great. Just have to let it cool down after 30 seconds. Its pulled me out 4 times and is totally worth it

[@realbob6669]

Thanks, great video. I would pit the battery cut-off in the hood, but turn it on before trial, part of being prepared.

[@KevinModz65]

Don’t forget the duty cycle, which is ignored by just about everybody. The badlands 12000 has a 45 second duty cycle, which means you can only operate it for 45 seconds then you have to let it cool down for 11 minutes. Nobody likes to do that. Everybody will push the envelope and many times it will burn thiswinch. All winches have duty cycles. 45 seconds is t long enough to get an average car into a car trailer in one go, just to put into perspective

[@blah9664]

Great advice/info ill keep that in mind as i plan on getting one this weekend during the black friday sale.

[@danielsmith7951]

You did a good job showing that it really works

[@ryananderson5552]

i like the idea of using the moving blanket in your work space

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

That is a good looking and appears to be well built winch. I have used Badlands winches on my flatbed trailers and they always worked when they were needed to pull something up onto the trailer. As you stated earlier, inexpensive extended warranty and available in almost every city when/if needed.

[@JEEPIMPACT]

Thanks for the video, I just purchased one of these and I plan on installing it on the Gladiator when I get home in a few weeks.

[@OvenBak3d360]

My last Jeep outing a xj got really stuck in mud. To get it out we had to attach a jk with a 12,000lbs winch to a tree in the back and a snatch block on a tree in front and it still slid the jk sideways inline with the pull. A 9000 lbs winch tried before we did and couldn’t do it. Always buy a big winch if we all had small winches that Jeep would still be stuck there. We even ripped the back bumper mounts right off the frame trying to tow it backwards

[@haloprogabriel]

Bought this winch a couple of months ago. Love it. Wanted to run something different and love the color scheme of it aswell. Not a fan of the looks of the Warn. Payed $500 for this when it was on sale regular price is $749 and comes with a lot of stuff.

[@EricCantin]

That battery disconnect can prevent an electrical fire if that positive power winch wire gets pinched during an accident. I have the same battery disconnect and turn on power to the winch before heading into the trail, and turn it off while air up the tires.

[@adamaldinger6960]

If only there was a Harbor Frieght near me in Anchorage, Alaska. Looks like a good package for not a bad price

[@dienekes4364]

One comment I'd like to make about the HF warranty: you can take the item back for ANY reason within the warranty period and get another one. The _only_ thing you would need to do is pay for another warranty. So, if a 2-year warranty costs $50 (I don't know what it actually costs, but I could see 10% being reasonable), every 2 years you get a brand new winch for $50. For the rest of your life. Seriously, I've never seen any warranty as good as HF has.

[@kpfeiffer8775]

I think we would all love a new wench every two years, but i think they sell winches :(

[@dienekes4364]

@@kpfeiffer8775 -- They sell both, but thanks for wasting everyone's time and attention childishly pointing out a simple spelling mistake. I bet you're the life of the party, right?

[@w9006]

@@kpfeiffer8775you must be a fun person to be around smooth brain

[@Boostedboizh22]

A 2 year on the apex 12k is like 250 bucks but will save ya haveing to replace a almost 750$ Winch

[@TheWuky22]

The only childishness is you getting butt hurt that someone pointed out your spelling error as a JOKE. I get it, spelling doesn’t matter to some people… they’re called stupid people.

[@recnepsgnitnarb6530]

I had a Bandlands 12K pound winch on my Suburban. Worked great, never an issue with it.

[@aprojectile4421]

Finally. I’ve been looking at the apex since it came out. Thanks Ben

[@trevorrandall1609]

I have it on my jku and it's pretty freaking nice and works every time i need it too

[@nathanwoodard7661]

Can’t wait for the follow up video! Very curious to see if it last.

[@alfonsoovalle9055]

Keep it going thank you for reviewing stuff for people with small to medium budget

[@thebunkerhillboys]

Pretty killer review ! In depth and a lot learned !!

[@FilthyHikikomori]

Didn't even need to watch, just liked it. Have been waiting for a real review on this for a while now! On a side note, it looks pretty dang similar to the warn china series.

[@mistercamaro1]

I have been curious about this winch. I wouldn't be afraid to run it. 👍🏽👍🏽💯

[@connorrice630]

I may need to get a Harbor freight winch that thing looks 🔥. Great Video Ben!

[@asperbergers7136]

@11:40 Ahh Chaffing gear, we used much larger ones in the Navy on our mooring lines.

[@sbcbaits994]

Shut up, shoe.

[@asperbergers7136]

@@sbcbaits994 Why would I listen to a polywog?

[@ninja63639]

Also winch ratings are only on the first spool full of wire. Every roll after the first, the load rating drops drastically so that 12k winch at 20 or 30 feet might only be pulling 9k or less

[@RidgeRunner304]

Thanks Ben! This came out after I had picked up my SB winch, but I did just go grab the hook this winch comes with to replace my SB one!

[@donwooton7460]

Obs Ford crew cab short box I’ve had this winch since it came out works great the extra length of rope is very handy it’s pulled me off of some logs in the snow here in Michigan so far very happy with it

[@DR-rk4qu]

When I had a winch on my XJ, I had the winch power hooked up to a solenoid that could handle the amp load. I could turn the power on and off from a switch inside the vehicle. In case there was wreck I didn’t want all that current being live.

[@paulhiebert1887]

I would install the battery disconnect, if I'm doing some serious off roading, I air down my tires and do a quick check on my engine components and fluid levels. I would turn on the power to the winch at that time.

[@jairosendsit8667]

I was literally gonna buy this thanks for review love the channel made sure to drop a like

[@markremillard5135]

I bought one today thanks for the review I haven't heard anything bad yet about this winch it's been all good or great

[@tonymengela3575]

word of advise get a sleeve for the front of the line, synthetic cables degrade under UV, at the very least find a good uv protectant for the line. I live in Florida where its extremely important, I run a 4 foot sleeve with a soft hook for the exposed part so when its wound no line is showing to the light. with soft ball hook you can easily add a big hook if needed but rarely need it

[@kaoticmotorsports872]

Thanks for the information. This is one of the winches I'm looking at putting on my Jeep Cherokee XJ when I get it ready for a winch.

[@gbrianmullinax8448]

I'm thinking about getting this winch. Have you thought about doing a review after two years, or did I miss it?

[@daveschlitt6613]

It is worth it get.it on sale though

[@fredwolf327]

It looks like a winner, and it performs very good , the winch looks great and as most people only use a winch once in a while it should last a long time. Harbor Freight has a great design and a complete package with all of the options available. I would give it a try if I needed another winch

[@19882fast4u]

Harbor freight winches are actually really good if you take the first step and set them up right, re-seal/lub/grease them correctly from the start. They get a lot of bad rap from non-users and from people that don't really know how to use a winch. I've had the original 12k winch from harbor freight for over 5 years before the brushes wore out. I replaced them, and it's still in-service for me today. A little note, most of harbor freights biggest winch problems came from their inline winch protection fuse block to the battery (and not the actual winch)....... That they supplied with their winches. These would cause power issues, and early power cut off to the winch because of fuse overheating issues. They would burn out and cause the winch to become weak when pulling even on flat ground, or not to work at all. Simple fix, buy an aftermarket fuse block. Personally, I've owned almost all their winches and still do, and really like them. Yes I've used faster line speed name-brand winches, with bigger drums, but at an extremely higher price for those 2 comfort's. And harbor freight actually has really good rated cable/rope/synthetic lines when it comes to cable strength ........ If you look it up on the International Cable Chart online, compaired to other companies and the cables they use.

[@goodtimes6184]

I feel like this winch is the little brother to warn winches. And depending on your offroading adventures , I honestly believe this winche would suit many people very well, now if you're are doing a bunch of nonsense with it, or you are a very serious wheeler using a winch every weekend or more than normal, then snag something with more of a warranty or a name so u don't feel like u bought wranglers instead of Levi's, or it sounds like u need to re adjust your driving style or your vehicle, a winch serves a purpose and again just like any jeeps mods or builds , buy what suits your needs, great video man, and very tasteful Jeep collection.👍

[@Mauser1965]

With a different perspective... Having a higher rated winch makes sense, as over time as this units operating temperature might go up over time. No different than choosing a 3/8" inch breaker, or using a 1/2" inch breaker which is heavier plus longer making it easier to loosen things up. I'm undecided if I'm going to install another secondary (AGM) battery in a '89 XJ project which I have to decide if it's easier to do a rear bumper install, with an isolator and heavy fuses at both ends for safety. I also have a 2k watt inverter which one can use 120v 8A devices, such as my Kobalt 1/2 corded impact wrench and other such light duty tools anywhere. Watched this while drinking some coffee waiting for a break in the rain to do more Jeep maintenance, though I'd rather be out on the trail as the fair weather people stay home to complain about the rain here in Washington State. Thank you for the content coverage, as the project only has the dash and front seats installed and everything else has been stripped out with no rushing a completion time. So for seeing this at this moment is perfect as I am doing all my own work.

[@VictorVectorJKU]

Good review Ben! I never really considered the badlands series winch from hearing bad reviews about the earlier generations. I will be interested if you do a review in a year after using it a good amount!

[@tommybomber]

People always badmouth anything that is harbor freight. My dad's had the 12k badlands on his tj for a couple years now. I've been considering one for my dodge dakota.

[@VictorVectorJKU]

Thomas Mcmullen I was in a pinch and needed to throw a winch on my jeep and ended up picking one up. I’ve used it twice now and it has gotten the job done so I have no complaints so far. And it it nice all the extra components it comes with!

[@rogerlehr7991]

Thomas Mcmullen Not sure but I heard Warn makes those

[@bendayho]

Thanks for the great video and thorough testing.

[@autoblog3922]

I put it on my JLU with an arcus front bumper and this winch is huge! Had to squeeze it in. It seems to be built well.

[@Phil4222]

Matts off road uses them on all their rigs and they do this for a living. That was all I needed to know

[@corbind.9395]

Ayyye! That's the first winch I've ever owned. Just I stalled it a few weeks ago.

[@bankaiz3468]

Iron Standard me too lol

[@MichaelCook1981]

Someone on Fakebook, said it was built in the same factory as the Warn winch. I can't find anything to substantiate that claim. I think it looks more similar to the Smittybilt winch. I know a lot of people swear by the Warn winches, but they've only used them maybe once or twice. I saw on Harbor Freight has it for sale for $499. plus 20% off can't really beat it.

[@edwrench4796]

Tha hard-core sales job is in full force. It's too bad that American manufacturers cannot compete against sweatshop labor and price dumping.

[@michaelhalstead64]

Good video! Thanks dude. By the way, that front bumper on the LJ looks dope!!!

[@yerwrng]

Got a 12 year old warn 9000I works every nut and bolt check before big trips and it sits uncovered outside all year round. Pull my 5600lb xj off rocks pretty easily. I still run a steel cable with steel hawse fairlead for reliability since steel cable is easily fixed with some u-bolts synthetic is not . I don't actually need a winch very often but when I do it absolutely needs to work .The price point of these new hobo freight winches are attractive and they look good . I'd like to see how these hold up over 5-10 years stored outside ...lol... they are attractive since they ate half or less the price point of a new warn just not sure in the long run if it's really any cheaper ?

[@jordannathanielballourealtor]

Great point with replacement and availability! I need a 12K for my Land Cruiser build and the price point is seriously tempting. Thanks!

[@SweatyCommando]

ive always wanted to run a winch but honestly i just love the way my truck looks stock and dont wanna change the bumper to make it winch friendly. super informative video about this winch though

[@blah9664]

Thats why im getting the winch holder from harbor freight that goes into the receiver hitch. Its 75 bucks.

[@foihdzas]

Great information here Ben. I am in the market for a winch, and the Warn VR Evo 10 was my pick, but seeing this may change my mind. Both made in china... I'm looking forward to another review once the world situation changes.

[@twistedfireman]

Are you going to do a long term review video on that winch ? That would be so cool !

[@matthewh3528]

Most major credit cards have a extended warranty after the manufacture warranty ends . my Citi Bank has 2 year extended warranty by default with any product I purchase with it. to repair or replace.

[@bogotstogoskiing]

What. That is a good deal! I really like the bracket cables to mount the control box elsewhere. I picked up a Smittybilt last year and had to make everything myself. Wasn't a huge deal but that's definitely a nice touch.

[@7CitiesVapesHampton]

I bought one of these a couple months ago due to my winch failing, turned out that it was just physically too big to fit in my DV8 bumper so had to take it back. Ended up taking my old winch apart and rebuilding it and now it works like new again.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

That seems like one downfall of this winch, it is very large and will be hard to work with jeep bumpers that are recessed

[@donhappel9928]

@@JKGearandGadgets Exactly what I was thinking. I have a Warn on my Disco, a Smitty on my LR3, and a Badlands for my trailer. (also a small badlands ATV winch for a boat davit). I wouldn't be afraid to run this and it looks like decent value for the money when it's on sale especially given all the accessories included with it, but it's just so damn big! I don't think I could fit it on either of my Rovers and even if I cut up the bumpers enough to get it on it would block half the radiator. As for quality, I suspect most any of the Chinese winches are going to be roughly equal there, be it a Smitty, HF,