Warn Winch Zeon vs. VR Evo: What's the Difference?

In this product review we take a look at the differences between the Warn Industries Zeon 10S and the VR Evo 10S winches. Both series of winches have proven themselves worthy of the WARN name.
They are two very similar, yet very different lines of winches and each has their place in the off road world.
If you are looking for a personal use, Warn quality winch, take a close look at the VR-EVO series winches.
If you are looking for a premium winch for heavy duty winching or you just like to run premium parts on your 4x4, then look no further than the Warn Zeon series of winches.
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐎 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
www.northridge4x4.com/warn-ze...
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
www.northridge4x4.com/brand/warn
Already got a winch on your 4x4? Let us know what winch you have in the comments!
NORTHRIDGE4X4 WEBSITE www.northridge4x4.com/
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[@Gzus]

Thank you for confirming that the VR Evo is more than enough for my needs!

[@jeffbailey7328]

All I can say is I love my two year old Zeon 10-S. It has been submerged completely underwater many times. I've only needed it once but I'm sure glad I had it. I was on an extreme incline and came across sheets of ice in a small portion of a trail I was on. Everyone else called it a day and turned around but I, using my Zeon 10-S dragged my Jeep up this icy incline and passed the obstetrical. I was able to continue on with the adventure and got through the trail safely, without damaging the trail, or my Jeep.

[@northridgenation]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@kendorney1628]

Always wondered what the difference was, now I know. Thanks!

[@marinehero]

Thanks guys! Really great video!! Very well put together!! I'm new to off-roading. Just picked up a 2021 Tacoma TRD OR 4x4, and building it. This was really helpful.

[@406Campr]

Great explanation. Northridge is my go to supplier now. Fastest shipping of any retailer and usually the lowest price. Just got my Tred GT recovery boards in 2 days. All other websites were out of stock. Excellent customer service!

[@stevenpeltier1376]

Finally, a thorough explanation compared to just about everything I have come across thus far was along the lines of “this one costs more therefore it’s better” with no real explanation. Outstanding informative video!

[@northridgenation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@4WDToyotaOwnerMagazine]

TECH TIM!!! Great video man.

[@fabienpics]

THIS REVIEW ARE VERY GOOD, THANK YOU FOR ALL THIS INFO. VERY HELPFUL

[@northridgenation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanweisenfeld8575]

Great review

[@bendunkelberger7430]

Thanks for this video! I've been thinking about the evo but I think you may have just talked me into the zeon.

[@northridgenation]

They are both good winches, but the Zeon is definitely better.

[@TerraFirmaX]

Thank you for the comparison.

[@northridgenation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philhowell4607]

Great comparison!

[@northridgenation]

Thanks Phil!

[@53andreb]

Tks nice info. I been Jeeping for 15 years extreme but now at 70 don't think so, So for Overland outings and relax outings now i believe the EVO would be plenty now. tks again :)

[@northridgenation]

Glad you are still out there enjoying it!

[@nickkatchmar5408]

Well explained. Thanks.

[@northridgenation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickh9112]

For anyone in Australia - the UV rating of the VR is none existing, while the zeon can withstand it fine fod years!

[@marcosierra2510]

Great information. Most importantly MADE IN THE USA. Support our products. I pulled my son’s JL out of a 100 feet ravine with my Zeon, that in itself paid for the price difference. Love my Zeon.

[@casey197930]

Lol no..

[@andreyleontyuk4445]

@@casey197930 why no?

[@MyProjectsFL]

Zeon is American, VR is Chinese.

[@Bigspoiledkid]

I got the Zeon 12 not to take my dually 4x4 but on dirt roads with heavy loads. It was the one that fit my bumper and I’ve used it many times but one in particular I exploded my Chinese snatch block and shredded my cable so now I only go synthetic and closed system. Also picked up a Zeon 10 Platinum for my tilt trailer for the wireless feature so I’m not tied 20’ to the winch but can winch and observe from all angles.

[@northridgenation]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dougenyart9243]

10s evo is the one I'm going with got it on sale witch made me feel better now just waiting on my frunt bumper to get in so I can get everything powder coat and installed on my jeep

[@drrussdc]

Outfitting my 4Runner. I wanted a Zeon but when it comes to my actual intended use the Evo will be just fine. I just couldn't sack that double the price problem. That said I think the value is there with the better drum and gears, bus bar, better line and all Made in America. Either way, I doubt you can beat a Warn to get the job done.

[@conmanumber1]

I like the Superwinch auto engage clutch tho.

[@dl9955]

I went with the VR EVO 10K. Been working great for me since I never get stuck. LOL 😆

[@marinehero]

Good one! Lol 😄 👍

[@averagejoe4101]

Is that synthetic or steel cable?

[@macp349]

Thanks for the great, informative video. I'm wondering if the clutch handles/internals or mechanisms are interchangeable

[@northridgenation]

No, the internals are different.

[@emu4wdadventures631]

Great explanation. Well done and simple to understand. Thoughts on 10,000 v 12,000 for a JLUR. Steve 🇦🇺

[@northridgenation]

Winch size suggestion has always been 1.5 times the weight of your vehicle. With a stock curb weight of 5K on your JLUR, the 10K would be plenty. That said, the 10K and 12K Zeon use the same frame, so it's a great way to increase your capabilities without a weight or size penalty.

[@SooSmokie]

12k 100% since you will use less battery on pulls and it will be easier to pull 20ft of line out and pull yourself out, vs 10k you may need to get out more footage. All in all, 12k is the best option as said since weight is same as 10k. But 10k will pull a little faster.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I bought a 10k evo from northridge 4x4 for my JKUR. It has been more than adequate for me. If I destroy it I might spring for the zeon but I am happy so far.

[@northridgenation]

We like the EVO, they have proven to be a pretty good winch.

[@phillipcraggs6202]

I bought the EVO 10s, but at the time didn't know it was made in China. Even after watching many videos. It just wasn't mentioned. If I had known, I would have saved up a little more money and bought a Zeon. Though, having it for the summer and not needing to use it, I figure now its fine for a just in case and peace of mind. I still don't like the fact it was made in China.

[@northridgenation]

All in all, they've been a pretty good winch for the price.

[@mattb2380]

They're made in Thailand not China.

[@phillipcraggs6202]

@@mattb2380 said made in China right on the box.

[@MikeyMuse52]

Damn, I bought the Evo rated for 12k. I didn't realize I was buying the lesser product. Wish I saw this video before hand. No biggie. It's going on my f250 that I use to pull a RV with. Not like that winch is gonna be professionally pulling cars out of ditches etc. 😂

[@zainabe9503]

Lol I've seen recovery 4x4 use 500 bucks winches to pull cars and trucks out of mud, rocks, ditches, mountain slopes... I just can't comprehend a winch that serves as jewelry at the front of our trucks 😁

[@NothingButSilicone]

Damn. I’m kind of bummed. I just bought a Warn VR Evo. 10,000 lbs. Didn’t realize it was assembled outside of the US. Also didn’t realize it was so damn entry level. Oh well. Would have been too expensive. I have a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and just to have this thing installed on the 27th I had to buy a bumper, mount and bracket, and even a new skid plate. Guess I’ll just sell my current one. Whole set up came to $3400. I went with the Mopar OEM steel bumper. I just think they look so damn clean on Jeeps. Edit: Guess I’m still happy. Considering a couple months ago I almost went to Harbor Freights to get a Badlands.

[@northridgenation]

Don't be too bummed, the VR winches have proven to be pretty reliable. We've been using a VR on the front of the Northridge4x4 Bronco for many months now and has had no problems. And yes, we've been winching pretty hard on it.

[@alancadieux2984]

I have Jeep Rubicon Gladiator 2022 just got Mopar one peice rock crawler style bumper, winch mounting plate, triple hoop brush guard, and put a warn Evo 12,000 lbs winch on it. Now for the lights...😬 This is getting pricey. My only dislike so far is the clevis hook points under the bumper are pathetic! You can't put a 3/4 inche clevis on them, the hole for the pin way too small, a half inche clevis fits, with a 2 ton load rating...like really? C'mon Mopar...

[@NothingButSilicone]

@@alancadieux2984 I have LEDs, and I like them enough. Never been a huge fan of the taillights, but I’ve read a whole lot of bad reviews on all of the replacements that I like.

[@ftterlve]

I'll take the smaller one. Don't need the extra oomfh and looks like there might be a big of weight savings on the front end. And that extra money could also buy me a new front bumper. hahaha...

[@SooSmokie]

Haha when your VR Winch doesn't work And I drive past with my zeon and ask if that bumper has recovery points.

[@tabisukeshiroiashi]

from japan VRevo10s

[@dylanmorse]

Anyone know if there are any issues with mounting inverted?

[@northridgenation]

You can mount these winches in any plane, just make sure they are pulling in the correct orientation.

[@shaggyduder]

I don't know why anyone would pay hundreds more for a winch than any other maker, except for name recognition, I live 15 min. From the Rubicon trail head in NorCal. Ive heard from people who have owned one, and so many negative things about them. I think I'll stick with my milemarker winch.

[@dunnoyolo2238]

How’s it compare to smittybilt X20 12,000 pound winch ?

[@bigcrab130]

I think the VR evo quality is better than X2O , but I think in next month Smittybilt will have a new winch maybe will better than VR evo

[@harryniedecken5321]

I am trying to figure out how to safety manage 450 amps on the 24 volt zeon fuse and cut off.

[@northridgenation]

Have you reach out to Warn Tech?

[@harryniedecken5321]

@@northridgenation I spoke on the phone about how to fuse it and the feedback was that most of the time, fuses caused more problems than they solved. I will discuss it with them some more as this isn't a complete enough solution. I am focused on 24 volt solutions. Could use some 48 volt options but don't know of any.

[@darrenroos6408]

Is the gear ratio the only difference between the ZEON 10-S and ZEON 10-S PLATINUM?

[@DrengrJeep]

Faster wind up speed, wireless controller. I love mine, I used the wireless controller to lower myself down a mineshaft to get my dogs ball. He really liked that ball.

[@northridgenation]

@Darren Roos, the Z10-S Platinum is classified as their Ultimate Performance series and there are a few differences between the Platinum and standard Zeon. · Advanced Wireless Remote which operates everything including clutch. · Advanced Wireless also shows vehicle’s battery level and motor temp · Two 12V accessories plugs at back of Platinum and controlled using remote · Better overall performance on Platinum · Platinum has a bit better brake · Lower no-load motor current

[@northridgenation]

As far as the gearing, the engineers over at Warn are telling us the gear ratio is the same, However the Platinum uses different materials and heat treatment, making the geardtrain more durable. They tell us that the Platinum has different motor internals that give the Platinum winches the higher ft per minute rating.

[@Berserkeroffroad]

@@northridgenation thanks for reaching out to the source for actual differences. I appreciate that. Other channels just regurgitate what's on Warn's site.

[@beer3029]

@@Berserkeroffroad just know there is no tether available for the Platinum and no manual clutch.

[@paywahun1802]

I'm new in the trucking business. One of my 13-Ton Mercedes trucks got stuck in sand near the River bed, loading sands for construction. For three days, I've had no idea what equipment I should use to retrieve them. After days of online research, I've yet to decide which of the competitive Brands may be good for retrieving trucks in the rainforest, sans and muddy terrain - WARN, SMITTYBILT, XRC Gen 3 Winch and unknown others can pull 25,000 or more if money is not a problem?

[@northridgenation]

Warn has a full Line of industrial sized winches that are in the range for your 13 ton truck all the way up to 30,000 lbs.

[@jamesb3199]

I would look into tulsa winch or Ramsey as well

[@phillipcraggs6202]

I don't agree with one being stronger than the other. 10,000lbs is 10,000lbs. Each rated winch should operate at or above that rating. Now the Zeon might be under rated so if people over work it, it will hold up better.

[@northridgenation]

We were just relaying the information Warn gave us. We've used both the VR and Zeon winches and haven't had issue with either one.

[@Sport_60]

Evo

[@Scrubrebel]

Zeon made by Americans is my only option. Go USA!

[@jaysonyang1441]

Vr evo made in china Zeon made in the USA shows the cost of American labor not really too much about build quality 😅

[@4x4TUR]

Американский Zeon на много лучше VRevo made in China

[@pedroortega2891]

Zeon 12 s platinum is top of the line warn winch. Most important. Made in USA. And the classic one is M8274.!!! Not cheap Chinese junk.!!!!

[@northridgenation]

We agree with you that the 8274 is the classic Warn winch!

[@ryanpaasch7464]

Do not buy a warn! Their customer service is useless in MN. Each time was broken wires not fixed. Last time they told me to ????! Off. Don't waste their time. I have used many others with no issues. It was a 16,000 that had the most problems.

[@northridgenation]

That's a shame, we've had great luck with Warn.

[@StopTargetingOurKids]

It's a shame with their high prices, they're made in China

[@northridgenation]

The VR are made in China and are priced pretty good. The Zeons are made here in the USA.

[@chadsellars3547]

Have you ever owned a zeon? Or just sold them? The zeon remote is a peice of crap! Go prepared? Go dark. Go dead. Every time you need it, it will let you down. The battery drains down when turned off. There is no provision for a wired remote. WARN YOU SUCK !

[@northridgenation]

Yes, we have had them on many of our company and employee 4x4s and have very good luck with them. No complaints here. You must have a Zeon Platinum? That's the only one that is only wireless, you gotta go with the standard Zeon for a wired plug. If your remote is dead, plug it into 12vlt, it will work when plugged in without being fully charged.