For an off-roader, trust in your equipment is paramount. A winch is one of the most essential equipment to accompany you on an off-road adventure – rocky, sandy, and muddy terrains. They can pull out your ATV or other vehicles if and when ditched or stuck. They do it in a matter of minutes, fantastic time savers. But there are so many ATV winch makers in the market to camouflage you when you decide to take one.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 7 ATV winch brands you can rely on when the going gets tough. We’ll delve into their finest creations, showcasing the power and innovation that make them stand out. You want to discover the brands that have earned the trust of off-road enthusiasts worldwide, and find your perfect trail companion.
So, embark on a thrilling journey as we explore the 7 best ATV winch brands and products that are revolutionizing the off-road experience. Yes, the brand is a crucial watch-out when choosing the right ATV winch for you.
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Top 7 ATV Winch Brands & Products
Whether you’re an off-roading enthusiast looking for a reliable ATV winch or you work in the construction industry and need a powerful winching system, knowing the most reliable and trusted brands and their finest products is important. Here you look at the top seven ATV winch brands and their best products.
Warn
Warn Industries is a leading manufacturer of winches, bumpers, and accessories for off-road vehicles. The company was founded in 1948 and has since built a reputation for producing high-quality products that are designed, engineered, and tested for reliability and durability.
Warn Industries offers a range of winches for ATVs and UTVs that are designed to be the most durable and state-of-the-art products available for your vehicle. Warn ATV winches are all IP68 waterproof, made with premium components, and can be had with strong yet lightweight synthetic rope or durable steel rope. These winches are backed by over 70 years of off-road know-how and are designed to perform.
Warn Drill Winch Synthetic – 101575
Warn Drill Winch Synthetic – 101575 is one the most famous of Warn ATV winches , with a 50% increase in pulling capacity and a 35% increase in rope capacity. The best thing about this Warn model is that it is portable and lightweight, which is great if you are an amateur using winches or do not need to pull heavy vehicles.
They have a free spool clutch which makes rigging easier and faster. As the product title suggests, the winch comes with synthetic ropes, hawse fairleads, and rigging hooks. However, this winch is powered by a standard portable drill which is not included when buying the winch.
KFI Winch
KFI, also known as Kappers Fabricating Inc., is a renowned brand in the winch manufacturing industry, particularly for ATV winches. Established in 1986, KFI ventured into manufacturing its own products in 2002, starting with an ATV winch mount.
KFI winches are recognized for their durability and dependability in tough conditions. They are designed to fit any model of UTV/ATV vehicles, making them a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.
One of their standout products is the KFI SE-35 winch, known for its exceptional pulling capacity, durable construction, and impressive features. It’s suitable for challenging off-road terrain, providing reliable performance.
Another notable product is the KFI SE-25 winch. This 2500lbs winch from KFI’s stealth series comes with a 50 feet synthetic cable and is equipped with a cable hook stopper. The mechanical and dynamic braking system helps control the winch with heavy loads.
For robust pulling power, KFI has their SE45W-R2 series winches. That is covered here for your better understanding.
KFI winches are manufactured in the USA, in Spring Valley, Minnesota. The company has a dedicated team of power sports enthusiasts who rigorously test their products before bringing them to market. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made KFI a leading winch manufacturing company in the USA.
SE45W-R2 Stealth Series – KFI Winch 4500
Their best products are the KFI SE45W-R2 Stealth Series models, which can hold up to 4500 lb and comes with a wireless remote. All the KFI winch reviews of the said series testify that they are water resistant with synthetic ropes that allow for pulling in water if stuck. The winches come with 50′ synthetic cables, a corded remote, a heavy-duty electric contactor, and a KFI split cable hook stopper which eliminates wear and tear.
It prevents hook clattering from going down the trail, the cable from coming off loose, and many more. They come with a one-year warranty and the pulling capacity of KFI winch 4,500 lb is enough for even the larger ATVs.
Superwinch
Superwinch is a global market leader in the winch manufacturing industry, with a focus on electric and hydraulic winches and accessories. The brand has been synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation for over 45 years.
Superwinch’s product range includes a wide array of consumer and industrial winch products, such as electric winches, power drives, hydraulic winches, and recovery accessories. The brand is particularly popular among off-road enthusiasts, agricultural, military, and industrial users.
One of their standout products in the ATV winch category is the Superwinch Terra 35. This winch is rated to pull up to 1591 KG or 3500 lbs. It features a sealed 1.6 Hp permanent magnet motor and a 3-stage planetary gear system with a gear ratio of 140:1. The winch comes with a 50-foot steel rope and a 4-way roller fairlead for maximum maneuverability.
Another notable product is the Superwinch 12V DC Winch. This model is appreciated for its overall performance in all areas. It features a low-amp permanent magnet motor, a 50-foot cable, fast line speed, mechanical and dynamic brakes, and a wired handheld remote with a 12-foot lead.
Superwinch is now part of the Westin Automotive family, and the company plans to expand upon the current Superwinch product offerings with new designs in the future. The brand continues to maintain an outstanding reputation in the marketplace based on their superior design, reliability, and value.
SX10SR DC 10,000lb Synthetic Rope Winch
If you go by the Superwinch reviews, the most highly rated and recommended winch is the SX10SR DC 10,000lb Synthetic Rope. Any Superwinch with 10,000 lb pulling capacity is fondly called Superwinch 10000, it offers a patented, innovative drum light, and 3-stage planetary gearing of the ratio 218:1. It is a re-locatable die-cast aluminum control box, automatic mechanical brake, wireless handheld remote, another wired handheld remote that includes a rechargeable flashlight and many more.
On top of that, it is a dustproof and waterproof ATV winch, and you can get help anywhere. It offers a limited lifetime mechanical/seven years electrical warranty that many cannot refuse.
Polaris
Polaris is a renowned brand in the field of off-road powersports equipment, including winches. Their winches are designed and engineered specifically for Polaris Off-Road Vehicles. Designed and manufactured specifically for the vehicle, Polaris winch makes installation simple and quick.
Polaris winches are not only used for getting out of difficult terrain but also beneficial for pulling heavy items such as a fallen tree or plowing. They have been tested for over 1,200 pulls at max load, built to withstand -20° F temperatures, and can operate fully submerged.
In terms of ATV winches, Polaris offers a range of products with different pulling power. For instance, the Polaris winch 4500 Pro HD features Rapid Rope Recovery, a new technology that enhances the speed of operation. Another example is the Polaris winch 3500 HD with Steel Cable, which connects directly to your (Polaris) ATV wire harness for easy installation.
In fine, Polaris winches are dependable, tough, and built for off-road powersports, making them a popular choice for ATV users.
Polaris Winch 3500 HD
We suggest Polaris winch 3500 coming with a mount, fairlead, wiring, and controller, so you do not have to buy one separately. It has a pulling capacity of 3,500 lb and 50 ft. 3/16-inch steel cable, a low-speed gearing for enhanced plowing. You do not have to worry about corrosion as it comes with a corrosion-resistant finish.
The only feature some ATV owners complain about is its steel cable.
Champion
Champion is a well-known brand in the winch manufacturing industry, recognized for its powerful and durable winches. Champion winches are manufactured by Champion Power Equipment, a leading company in America that also produces power tools, air compressors, and generators. The winches are designed to handle all kinds of conditions and are built to last.
Champion offers a range of ATV winches with different pulling capacities. For instance, the Champion 3000-lb. Winch Kit is powered by a tough 1.3-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor and provides efficient pulling power whenever needed. It has a gear reduction ratio of 171:1 and includes a mounting channel and remote control for easy operation.
Another example is the Champion winch 2000 Kit, which is powered by a 1-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor. It has a gear reduction ratio of 153:1 and also includes a mounting channel and remote control.
Champion winch 4500 Wireless Winch Kit is powered by a 1.6-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor and has a gear reduction ratio of 180:1. This kit includes a wireless remote and antenna for convenient operation.
In summary, Champion winches are known for their high quality, durability, and solid construction. They are crafted from heavy-duty materials and are designed to withstand all kinds of conditions. This makes them a popular choice for ATV users.
Champion 3000-lb Winch Kit
Champion 3000 winch is highly recommended for ATV fanatics. It has a 2-year limited warranty and comes with a mounting plate, remote control, roller fairlead, gear reduction ratio of 171:1, and many more. Along with a 12-volt DC motor to make sure you can get out of stuck situations easily.
The aircraft-grade super-duty cable is 46′ long to reach the farthest anchor and 3/16″ thick to serve longer without getting frayed and kinked. Its ratings are very high, with over 4.5/5 of most customers. It is also very lightweight, perfect for most everyday situations while hiking and on adventures.
However, unlike other Champion ATV winches, it can be challenging to install, so many might not recommend it if you buy it for the first time.
SuperATV
SuperATV dominates the winch scene with its top-notch Black Ops Series Winches, the go-to solution for effortlessly tackling tough jobs on your ATV. From farm challenges to dense forests, these winches boast a robust build and impressive towing capacity.
Take the SuperATV 5,000 lb Black Ops ATV UTV Winch, perfect for effortlessly hauling anything under 5000 lb. For alternatives, Check out the SuperATV 4500 Lb Black Ops ATV Winch and the SuperATV Electric 12V 3500 lb Black Ops UTV ATV Winch Kit.
What sets SuperATV winch apart? The secret lies in their use of synthetic rope – a powerhouse that matches steel cable in strength but leaves it in the dust. This rope is flexible, won’t rough up your hands like frayed steel wire, and remains immune to kinks and rust.
SuperATV winches are perfect for conquering the mud and muck of the trail. And for those craving ultimate convenience, SuperATV offers the Ready-Fit Winch – a preassembled and wired Black Ops Winch that’s a breeze to install with just a few bolts and plugs.
In a nutshell, SuperATV winches embody quality, durability, and rugged construction. Crafted from heavy-duty materials, they’re built to thrive in any conditions. No wonder they’re the top choice for ATV enthusiasts everywhere.
4500 LB. UTV/ATV WINCH
Their best product is 4500 LB. UTV/ATV WINCH comes with a wireless remote and a mounting channel. It features the ultimate kit containing a water-resistant receiver, wireless remote, 50′ synthetic rope, winch hook kit, and detailed instructions to make your installation process easier.
It has a 1-year warranty and assurance of refund if the winch you have received is damaged.
However, the mounting plate might only fit some ATVs, and you may have to buy one separately for your ATV. In this case, contact their customer service to know if you need a separate mounting plate.
Quadboss
QuadBoss, the go-to name in the winch game, caters to thrill-seekers and nature buffs alike with their stellar ATV winches.
QuadBoss offers winches featured with the three-stage, metal-planetary gear system – a secret weapon for blazing line speed. With a heavy-duty, electric, permanent magnetic motor, these winches are not only sealed and water-resistant but also the epitome of reliability and efficiency for your off-road adventures.
The QuadBoss 5000 Lb. Winch, hailed as the “Best Budget Winch” in the market, is the pocket-friendly powerhouse with a no-nonsense design. It sports a robust steel cable that keeps the costs in check. This QuadBoss winch is your heavy-duty hero.
But that’s not all. Feast your eyes on the QuadBoss 2500 Lb. Winch, the perfect match for your lightweight and compact ATVs. This bad boy boasts a lightning-fast line speed courtesy of a 2-stage planetary gear setup, fueled by a mighty 3Hp permanent magnetic motor.
5000 LB. WINCH W/ DYNEEMA ROPE
5000 LB. WINCH W/ DYNEEMA ROPE is the signature product of Quadboss, having a three-stage metal planetary gear system, aluminum engagement lever, corded remote, and a hawse fairlead.
The Dyneema rope is 50′ of ¼”, which not only makes pulling vehicles easier, but it can do so without any damage to the winch string as Dyneema synthetic ropes are the most durable in the market. Enjoy the benefits of automatic load-holding, self-locking brakes and free spooling.
However, Quadboss mounting kits and accessories do not come with the winch as a package; you have to buy them separately. Note, their limited range of pulling capacities might not be suitable for heavier ATVs or vehicles.
What winch should I buy for my ATV?
There are several factors to consider when the stake is buying a winch for your ATV. First and foremost, you need to determine the weight of your ATV and the maximum weight you will be pulling with the winch. This will help you choose a winch with a matching capacity.
You should also consider the terrain you will use your ATV on. If you are riding in muddy or rocky terrain, an electric winch may not be sufficient as it can overheat quickly. A hydraulic winch is recommended in such cases as it’s more durable and less prone to overheating.
Another factor that should guide your choice of an ATV winch is its mounting system. There are two main types of mounting systems: front-mounted and rear-mounted.
A front-mounted winch is ideal if you often get stuck in mud or snow while driving forward, while a rear-mounted winch is better suited for situations where you need to pull yourself out when driving backward.
You can have an in-depth idea of that in our ATV winch installation guide. Ultimately, picking the best winch requires careful consideration of all these factors to ensure you choose one that will provide reliable performance when needed the most.
FAQ’s
What size battery do I need for an ATV and winch?
When it comes to choosing the right battery size for an ATV and winch, there are several factors you need to consider.
Firstly, you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your ATV and winch to determine what suits each.
Secondly, you must consider how frequently you plan to use your winch, as this can affect the overall battery life.
Typically, a battery with a minimum capacity of 12-volts and 350 cold cranking amps (CCA) is suitable for most ATVs and winches. However, if you have a larger or more powerful winch, then it may require a larger battery with higher CCA ratings.
It’s important to note that using an undersized or low-quality battery can cause damage to both your ATV and winch equipment.
What Is the Best ATV Winch for mud?
The best ATV winch for mud would depend on your needs, but generally, a winch with at least 3500 lb of pulling capacity should suffice. Depending on the weight and size of your vehicle, you may need a higher-power winch, such as one with a pull capacity of 6000 lb or more.
You should also ensure that the winch you choose is designed for mud and wet conditions, as this will ensure its durability and performance in rugged terrain.
Can a Winch be used Underwater?
Yes, you can use a winch underwater, but you must pick a waterproof ATV winch. Before submerging the winch in water, you should ensure that all seals and covers are securely fastened.
You should also ensure no debris or dirt inside the winch, which can cause malfunctions. It is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before using the winch underwater.
What is the typical length of an ATV winch?
The length of an ATV winch can vary greatly depending on the model and brand. Mostly, ATV owners prefer the range from 40 to 100 feet in length. If you want to use your ATV winch in different locations, you may opt for one with a longer rope, increasing the flexibility of where it can be used.
Which is the Best ATV Winch Manufacturer for You?
The brand you choose can make all the difference in purchasing an ATV winch. Performance and durability are the two fundamental features on top of advanced designs and sophisticated technology. All the ATV winch manufacturers described here meet the said criteria. Yet, for a quick recap, these three winches answer three criteria – high-end, medium, and affordable.
Warn Industries is one of the most popular ATV winch brands on the market. They offer a range of electric and hydraulic winches with impressive pulling capacities and advanced features such as wireless remote control.
Another top contender in the ATV winch market is Superwinch. With options for both recreational and industrial use, their products are known for their reliability and safety features, such as automatic load-holding brakes. Additionally, they offer a wide range of accessories to complement their winches.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Champion Power Equipment offers a selection of affordable yet durable ATV winches with features such as automatic braking systems and sealed motors to prevent damage from water or debris.
To sum up, when choosing an ATV winch brand, it’s important to consider your specific needs and usage requirements to determine which brand will work best for you.