Alright, not sure exactly how soon I will pull the trigger on the purchase of a winch but I believe I am going to go with the Smittybilt XRC 9.5 GEN 2. Still debating steel line or synthetic. Price is the deciding factor on that.
Reasons for deciding on the Smittybilt XRC 9.5 GEN 2:
Lifetime mechanical warranty
2 Year electrical warranty
Waterproof up to 1 meter (3 feet) if I understand the IP67 rating correctly
Free winch cover with purchase
Price for what you get