10 best winches

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Winches are an obligatory attribute of vehicles when driving off-road, as they allow drivers to overcome difficult places with a specific landscape. Such in the conditions of Russia are mainly mud and snow-covered passages, where there is a high probability, for example, to “sit down” on the bottom.

Initially, winches were manual mechanisms in the form of blocks and drums, manually driven by a wrench. A ratchet or friction clutch acted as a brake to the bottom, preventing the cable from coming off in the direction opposite to twisting. Over time, the manual mechanical drive was replaced by an electric one, but the basic essence remained unchanged. Subsequently, capacity grew, as did the need for winches in all types of road transport, from ATVs to trucks and heavy tractors.

Needless to say, the winch market is currently oversaturated with both manufacturers and their products. Unfortunately, only 20-30% of them are trustworthy, and everything else just prevents consumers from focusing on choosing a good product. In connection with the current situation in the segment, the magazine conducted its own independent market research and, under the supervision of in-house experts, selected the rating of the best automobile winches in three thematic segments. The criteria for evaluating the goods in the rating were technical characteristics, in particular, efficiency and traction capabilities, as well as data received from users in the form of reviews and expert opinions.

Rating of the best car winches

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best low-cost car winches with a lifting capacity of up to 2.5 t	1	DENZEL LB-2000 52021	RUB 20,277
	2	Superwinch W1500	RUB 32,999
	3	T-max ATWPRO-3500	RUB 14,990
The best car winches with a lifting capacity of up to 5 t	1	COMEUP High Speed ​​Vertical Blazer (12V)	RUB 345,500
	2	COMEUP Seal Gen2 9.5rsi 12V (EAC)	94 140 RUB
	3	DENZEL LB-4000 520505	RUB 30,750
	4	Runva 12V, 9500 lbs, 4350 kg	39 270 RUB
	5	T-MAX HEW-9500 X-Power 12V	RUB 35,000
Best Hydraulic Winches for Car	1	SUPERWINCH H14W worm gear 6350kg	RUB 150,000
	2	COMEUP Badger 18	RUB 98,200

The best low-cost car winches with a lifting capacity of up to 2.5 t

DENZEL LB-2000 52021

Rating: 4.7

Within a separate category of winches with a lifting capacity of up to 2.5 tons, DENZEL LB-2000 52021 leaves no chance for any of its closest competitors. The beauty of this model lies in the perfect balance of characteristics, which has a positive effect on the operation and durability of the composite mechanisms. The maximum force that can be applied to a 24-meter steel cable is 2260 kilograms, which makes it possible to haul decent SUVs and smaller vehicles out of mud and deep snow.

The power consumption of DENZEL LB-2000 52021 is 3200 watts, but in such extreme conditions of use this can be considered normal. The maximum lifting speed here does not differ from the Superwinch W1500, but the gear ratio is much higher: 294: 1. The cable, as mentioned above, is steel, and the weight of the structure does not exceed 17.2 kilograms. A bit too much, but for punchy following on dense routes this is not a big problem. On the contrary, the chances of a successful pulling with the help of a winch are several times higher compared to the same models with synthetic cables and maximum lightweight structural elements. Such a device is much cheaper than the second nominee, but in fact it shows itself better in all aspects of operation.

Advantages

• increased reliability due to the strengthening of structural elements;
• 2260 kilograms of carrying capacity;
• low price relative to a number of competitors with similar parameters;
• cable 24 meters long.

disadvantages

• not found.

Superwinch W1500

Rating: 4.6

The Superwinch W1500 'Case' winch is an expensive but effective solution to the problem of off-road equipment, suitable for light SUVs (crossovers), cars and ATVs. All mechanisms of this winch are packed in a massive plastic container to prevent dirt, sand, moisture from getting there, which in itself is a big plus. However, this also leads to the appearance of several delicate nuances: in particular, to the problem with a large mass, since even taking into account the lightweight cable (replacing the steel cable with a synthetic one), the weight of the model is 19.5 kilograms.

The maximum carrying capacity of the Superwinch W1500 is more than 200 units higher than the results of the T-max ATWPRO-3500, and is 1814 kilograms. At the same time, the lifting speed at the maximum tractive effort is limited to 1.6 meters per minute – not the best result, but guaranteed to protect the winch cable from premature rupture. From the point of view of quality, this model cannot be undermined: users note the correct operation of the mechanism throughout the entire period of operation. However, in terms of 'dry' numbers, it obviously loses to the leader of the rating, on the basis of which it takes the second line.

Advantages

• 1814 kilograms of tractive effort;
• optimal combination of price and quality;
• the presence of a case in the kit;
• lightweight but very durable synthetic rope (Dyneema technology).

disadvantages

• quite large and massive layout (19.5 kilograms).

T-max ATWPRO-3500

Rating: 4.4

Profile winch for ATVs with engines with a volume of 500-1000 cubic meters, which can also be installed on cars without any problems. Features a 5mm diameter synthetic rope made from Dyneema fiber material, which is almost seven times lighter than standard steel ropes. That directly affects the total weight of the structure: in the T-max ATWPRO-3500, it is 8 kilograms.

As for the tractive effort of the winch, in peak limits it reaches 3000 lbs, or 1590 kilograms, translated into units of measurement familiar to the domestic user. A liter engine with a planetary gearbox is installed as a power unit in the model, the gear ratio of which is 148: 1. In the original (when using the winch for its intended purpose), the control panel is attached to the steering wheel of the ATV using a bracket, but when fastened to cars, it must be lengthened and brought into the salon. However, as users note, automatic control does not implement itself here – when driving on hard off-road, the mechanisms are clogged with sand and mud, as a result of which the automation refuses to turn the coil with the cable and actually ceases to function. In such a situation, you have to 'swan' manually, which, even taking into account the use of the device for its intended purpose (for quad technology), is very, very difficult.

Advantages

• low price;
• tractive effort up to 1590 kilograms;
• lightweight construction due to the use of a synthetic cable;
• small overall dimensions.

disadvantages

• the automatic cable winding button stops working even if the gear mechanism is lightly clogged with sand and dirt.

The best car winches with a lifting capacity of up to 5 t

COMEUP High Speed ​​Vertical Blazer (12V)

Rating: 4.9

An extremely expensive professional-grade winch, the installation of which is advisable in the case of sports or expeditionary passages of total off-road. It has two built-in motors with a power of 7 horsepower each, in order to ensure the maximum winding speed even at near-limit load values ​​of 50 meters per minute. The maximum tractive effort that the rigid system can provide is 3630 kilograms, ideal for off-road vehicles.

The redesigned COMEUP Blazer friction brake system allowed the element to move outside, thus allowing the use of synthetic cables. That is why the model is equipped with a Dyneema fiber rope, 46 meters long and 11 millimeters thick. The remote operation of the winch is controlled by a control panel with a 5-meter cable, which can be put both into the cabin and manipulated by pulling the car outside it. Other features of the Blazer are 58 kilograms of weight, as well as the use of a three-stage gearbox with a gear ratio of 3.5: 1, thanks to which such an impressive speed of cable reeling is provided.

Advantages

• professional winch for expeditionary and sporting off-road races;
• the design has two engines with a capacity of 7 horsepower each;
• remote control on a long extension cable (5 meters);
• very fast cable reeling (up to 50 meters per minute).

disadvantages

• highest price.

COMEUP Seal Gen2 9.5rsi 12V (EAC)

Rating: 4.8

One of the two representatives of COMEUP in this category, which is a simpler version of the winch for equipping off-road vehicles and cars for everyday use. Has a built-in 5-horsepower motor with high torque and built-in overheating protection circuit. The maximum pulling force of the second generation COMEUP Seal is 4.3 tons, while the winding speed decreases from 19 to 2.1 meters per minute as the load threshold increases.

Well, this winch falls short of the COMEUP Blazer, but in the case of it, the manufacturers went to tricks like providing the best protection and durability. As a result, the plastic shockproof case received an IP68 design, as a result of which the model can operate without problems when fully immersed in water to a depth of over 1 meter. The cable here is made of the same 12-strand Dyneema fiber material (30.5 meters long and 10 millimeters in cross section), and to minimize its wear, two brakes were provided outside the drum. Ultimately, the striking differences in design and performance contributed to a significant decrease in the price of the Seal Gen2 9.5rsi relative to the Blazer, but the younger model still inherited common features in the form of optimal quality and reliability.

Advantages

• a competent balance between quality and cost;
• carrying capacity at the level of 4300 kilograms;
• reliable protection of the 'filling' from water penetration – the class of execution of the case is IP68;
• use of a lightweight Dyneema rope.

disadvantages

• for their indicators – not identified.

DENZEL LB-4000 520505

Rating: 4.7

A qualitative round of development of the already mentioned winch for the DENZEL LB-2000 52021 car, designed to withstand disproportionately large loads and in more severe operating conditions. With a lifting capacity of around 4550 kilograms, the built-in motor provides power to the mechanism at the level of 4400 watts. This is not the most efficient use of the built-in engine in terms of efficiency, which, nevertheless, solved the problem of the model's durability.

DENZEL rope LB-4000 520505 is made of steel and has a length of 28 meters with a section of 9.2 millimeters. This is quite enough for everyday use of the winch in a situation of departure on off-road routes of average difficulty. When equipping a car with this model, it should be borne in mind that its weight is 38 kilograms. In practice, this can be cured by simply re-equipping the drum with a synthetic cable, which entails additional expenses, taking into account the already rather large cost of the device. However, in terms of money, purchasing a product from DENZEL is more profitable than buying a competitor from COMEUP.

Advantages

• attractive price;
• carrying capacity at the level of 4550 kilograms;
• the presence of a remote control panel;
• low weight relative to competitors.

disadvantages

• low, relative to COMEUP Seal Gen2, component of reliability.

Runva 12V, 9500 lbs, 4350 kg

Rating: 4.7

A spectacular winch with a lifting capacity of 4350 kilograms, which is a direct competitor for leadership in the segment on a par with DENZEL LB-4000 520505 and COMEUP Seal Gen2 9.5rsi 12V. The drum drive in this model is a 6.1 horsepower engine, the current consumption at the minimum of which is 80 amperes. It is proposed to control this engine using a remote wired remote control.

The Runva has a planetary gearbox as a retarding mechanism with a gear ratio of 230: 1. Such a small twist pitch is due, firstly, to the need to reduce the load on the motor, and secondly, to the risk of breaking the cable at higher drum rotation speeds. The last argument sounds at least strange, since the cable is a 12-core steel braid with a cross section of 9.2 mm. However, experts and users say that the tensile properties of the rods are poor. Overall, Runva is almost a complete copy of DENZEL, except for a more aesthetic appearance and weak technical characteristics.

Advantages

• solid external design:
• good quality and balance in terms of maintaining a working condition;
• 4350 kilograms of carrying capacity.

disadvantages

• slightly inferior in technical characteristics to competitors.

T-MAX HEW-9500 X-Power 12V

Rating: 4.6

This car winch got into the rating by no means by chance – by the will of user preferences, it is she who is one of the sales leaders in the domestic market segment. However, we cannot objectively award T-MAX HEW-9500 X-Power higher than the current one. And the point here is as follows. The peak tractive effort developed on the 8 mm steel cable can reach 4,310 kilograms, which, albeit slightly, but less than the competitors. As a drive, an engine is used that is more powerful than that of the same Runva (again by tenths – 6.6 horsepower).

But in terms of the gear ratio of the planetary gearbox with three stages of gearing, everything is much better – 161: 1 allows you to increase the speed of winding the cable.

The main advantages of the T-MAX HEW-9500 X-Power include the presence of a remote control on a 3.7 meter wire, as well as a small nominal weight of 36 kilograms, which can be reduced by replacing the steel cable with a synthetic one. Exactly for the reason that this winch has nothing to oppose to competitors, but its popularity still has weight, a higher line would be a controversial decision.

Advantages

• high popularity in the domestic market;
• good quality;
• carrying capacity 4310 kilograms;
• there is a remote control on a 3.7-meter cable;
• low weight of the structure.

disadvantages

• objectively weaker than the main competitors in the segment;
• high price.

Best Hydraulic Winches for Car

SUPERWINCH H14W worm gear 6350kg

Rating: 4.9

Although the SUPERWINCH H14W winch does not match its main competitor in terms of maximum tractive effort, it turns out to be much better from a purely technical point of view. First of all, due to the use of a simpler worm gear pair as a gearbox, which can be repaired much better than a planetary gear. In essence, the gear ratio of this gearbox is 48: 1, which allows the rope to be quickly wound onto the drive drum.

Secondly, the role of the engine is performed by a torque motor with a high level of structural reliability, the first breakdowns of which begin on average after 4-5 years of intensive operation. It provides a winding speed of about 3 meters of rope per minute, with a maximum pulling force (14000 lbs or 6350 kilograms). The recommended geometric parameters of the cable (mainly metal), prescribed by the manufacturers themselves, are equal to 30 meters in length and 13 millimeters in section. It is also noteworthy that the net weight of the winch is 51 kilograms, but in terms of dimensions, it looks larger than its main competitor. As a result, SUPERWINCH H14W is the preferred vehicle equipment both in terms of reliability and ergonomics.

Advantages

• capable of withstanding up to 6350 kilograms of load;
• powerful steel cables (from 30 meters in length and 13 mm in diameter) are recommended as a component for this winch;
• high degree of reliability of structural elements;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• lightweight construction.

disadvantages

• not found.

COMEUP Badger 18

Rating: 4.8

An expensive but highly functional hydraulic winch, which is, in fact, a cargo tow truck with a lifting capacity of up to 18,000 lbs (8182 kilograms). It goes on sale without a cable, and weighs a decent 72 kilograms in this state. It has a two-stage planetary gearbox with a gear ratio of 19.4: 1, as well as a brake consisting of a counterbalance valve (bypassing fluid to balance the pressure on the diaphragm / piston) and a ratchet mechanism.

According to the manufacturer, the COMEUP Badger 18 winch was created in full compliance with the accepted machine-building directives for the designation SAE J706, CE 2006/42 / EC and EN 14492-1: 2006. In other words, all the characteristics of the hydraulic compressor in conjunction with the traction structural elements were brought up to the standards. So, the operating pressure in the system was 150 bar, and the flow rate was 60 liters per minute. Actually, it was the speed of this part of the winch that turned out to be responsible for the traction characteristics and the efficiency of winding the winch cable. In general, COMEUP Badger 18 was received warmly enough by users, but the fact of the high price halved the circle of potential buyers.

Advantages

• good traction (up to 8182 kilograms of net weight);
• double braking mechanism, consisting of a ratchet and a shut-off valve;
• product compliance with world quality standards;
• powerful compressor mechanism in the design of the winch.

disadvantages

• high price.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.