Georgia Trail Riders Forum

MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: Benson on April 05, 2009, 11:12:08 PM

Title: Vortex Winch
Post by: Benson on April 05, 2009, 11:12:08 PM
Has anyone seen or used a Vortex winch that is sold on ebay?

I know Warn is the best. Don't waste your money on anything else. Don't skimp on recovery gear. etc.

I,ve read a bunch of reviews, but no one seems to own one or used one.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: richv30 on April 06, 2009, 02:07:32 PM
I use a chicago 8000 lb. winch . Yeah it's not a Warn but for the money it has never failed yet . I think it depends on you . My winch was on the jeep when I bought it. but like i said it is about 300 dollars cheaper and I am able to spend my money else where on the jeep to improve my rig total off road capabilities.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Jimmy on April 06, 2009, 02:11:40 PM
I have been impressed with the Smittybilts that Will and Larry are running. For the price and performance, I don't think you can beat them.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Diehard on April 06, 2009, 03:21:18 PM
I've had one, (10,000lb.), sitting in my garage for a while, (like over a year), waiting for a winch bumper from ProtoFab/Kevin.  >:( When I get it all installed I'll post some info.
I also thought some one here had one, but maybe not.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Will on April 06, 2009, 05:01:42 PM
I've seen two of those Chicagos blow, and both said that they had between 10 and 20 light duty pulls on them. I've relentlessly used my $300 Smittybilt and I'm probably getting close to 50 pulls on it. That includes random stuff like pulling down trees in front of the trail  ;D  It is starting to make a little racket, but heck, it's got a 2 year warranty. Anybody know what the warranty on the new ones is?
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: richv30 on April 06, 2009, 05:31:05 PM
Well . but still I cant justify spending the money . I have used mine about 25 times pulling tree stumps and still no rattle or even a hint of one.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Will on April 06, 2009, 08:01:30 PM
Well . but still I cant justify spending the money . I have used mine about 25 times pulling tree stumps and still no rattle or even a hint of one.

Wasn't bashing the Chicago or anything. Really just trying to back up the Smittybilts cause they're awesome for the price, and I've never seen one break.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: IFSSUX on April 06, 2009, 08:26:59 PM
my winch is a warn and i have used it at least 10 times in one day... that thing must have well over 500 pulls and only been rebuilt twice.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Benson on April 06, 2009, 10:15:25 PM
I've seen two of those Chicagos blow, and both said that they had between 10 and 20 light duty pulls on them. I've relentlessly used my $300 Smittybilt and I'm probably getting close to 50 pulls on it. That includes random stuff like pulling down trees in front of the trail  ;D  It is starting to make a little racket, but heck, it's got a 2 year warranty. Anybody know what the warranty on the new ones is?
I believe it is 3 years, but check on ebay.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: lt99ls1 on April 07, 2009, 10:26:14 AM
I've seen two of those Chicagos blow, and both said that they had between 10 and 20 light duty pulls on them. I've relentlessly used my $300 Smittybilt and I'm probably getting close to 50 pulls on it. That includes random stuff like pulling down trees in front of the trail  ;D  It is starting to make a little racket, but heck, it's got a 2 year warranty. Anybody know what the warranty on the new ones is?

I payed $30 extra and got a lifetime no questions asked warranty on my XRC8.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: lt99ls1 on April 07, 2009, 10:28:10 AM
My Tj is not light either with tons, 40s, tools and spare parts in it and the XRC8 never slowed down during a pull.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Rowingfish87 on April 07, 2009, 10:39:51 AM
I payed $30 extra and got a lifetime no questions asked warranty on my XRC8.

where did you get your xrc8? 4wp?
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: lt99ls1 on April 07, 2009, 01:19:31 PM
I payed $30 extra and got a lifetime no questions asked warranty on my XRC8.

where did you get your xrc8? 4wp?
yes
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Rowingfish87 on April 09, 2009, 02:21:58 AM
I payed $30 extra and got a lifetime no questions asked warranty on my XRC8.

where did you get your xrc8? 4wp?
yes

word.
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: Will on April 09, 2009, 04:28:07 PM
My Tj is not light either with tons, 40s, tools and spare parts in it and the XRC8 never slowed down during a pull.

Yeah, I was freakin' pissed when I saw how fast the new motors pulled. And it yanked Larry's fat ass Jeep out of tiger Trap like it was nothing. If mine breaks I hope they send me the new one.  {letseat}
Title: Re: Vortex Winch
Post by: mdo817 on April 09, 2009, 04:30:12 PM
My Tj is not light either with tons, 40s, tools and spare parts in it and the XRC8 never slowed down during a pull.

Yeah, I was freakin' pissed when I saw how fast the new motors pulled. And it yanked Larry's fat ass Jeep out of tiger Trap like it was nothing. If mine breaks I hope they send me the new one.  {letseat}

We can start using yours and leave mine spooled up.  ;D