Badland Apex vs ZXR 12000 lb Winch

What is really the difference? I can't really find anything crazy...slight differences in free spooling (rotating ring gear vs sliding ring gear), gear ratio (210:1 vs 265:1), water rating (ip68 vs IP66) but that's all I can find. Reviews are fantastic on both. I was considering getting the ZXR steel cable and then replace it with a synthetic line with a soft end. ZXR steel cable is on sale for $279 rn and a good synthetic for another $200 (TRE or Yankum) so that setup is looking attractive. Thoughts?

 

Just get the Apex and be done with the agony of choice.

 

I love the complexity of that thought and the detail you put in the answer. You could also just say go buy the Warn. I am trying to compare and figure out why I would.

 

No need to overthink a 12K winch purchase. The Harbor Freight Apex w/synthetic rope works well for me. Good value for cost. Long lived, outstanding reviews to boot.