Lightest winch with 8k+ pulling capacity

Tell me to kick rocks and send me a link, but I swear I googled and used the search function looking for a list in favor of compiling my own. I have an aluminum bumper (victory 4x4 blitz) and the eibach pro upgrade springs, both of which will help, but I want to continue limiting how much weight I have up front. Essentially, I want the perfect combination of strength, reliability, and lightweight as to keep my nose up. Synthetic is of course a must, but I'm not married to anything else regarding brand or look. In the PNW, it should probably be waterproof, though I don't plan on mobbing through deep water.

Thanks!

So far what catches my eye:

$865 WARN 103253 VR EVO 10-S Electric 12V DC Winch with Synthetic Rope: 3/8" Diameter x 90' Length, 5 Ton (10000 lb) Pulling Capacity

Amazon.com: WARN 103253 VR EVO 10-S Electric 12V DC Winch with Synthetic Rope: 3/8" Diameter x 90' Length, 5 Ton (10,000 lb) Pulling Capacity : Automotive ;

$549 SmittyBilt X2O-10K WATERPROOF SYN - SB98510

Amazon.com: Smittybilt X2O COMP - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10,000 lb. Load Capacity : Automotive

Are x-bull, bandlands, or any of cheaper brands worth looking at? To be clear, at best I'll be using this 1x per month.

 

I've seen several people use Come Up winches with good results. If you're in a situation where you won't be fully reliant on recovery gear (wheeling with groups, wheeling close to home where you can walk back or don't mind leaving your truck stuck or abandoned for a time) then it's probably alright to go for the cheapest possible option.

I also wanted a reliable winch and just went with the classic Warn M8000-S to cut some weight, primarily to get good customer support and have parts available if needed. Seems to be good build quality, haven't had the chance to use it beyond tensioning the line. Weighs in at 55 lbs, but I probably cut that back switching from a steel thimble and hook to just a Factor 55 flat splicer.

 

I appreciate the atypical-for-TW response to such questions. I'm definitely of the mindset that I may not need it, but I'll be glad I have it should the time come. Though, I'm also not afraid to say that it looks cool and that I'd find ways to make it functional - plenty of plants around here that need to be pulled up!

 

bummmppp----still looking for ideas. Seems 60 lbs is the lightest out there for anything 8k+. Prove me wrong. Please. Thank you.

 

I went with warn m8000-S. Its lightweight, easy to install with bumper on (ARB). Don’t have any experience with any other brand. Reliable. Been submerged a lot in silty creek water, muddy pit water. The freespool function doesn’t work anymore, think the brake is stuck but still works fine. Smittybilt 9500 is also lightweight. That’s it, that’s all I got.

Oh get a snatchblock or two, those things are magic

 

Two votes now for the M8000-S. Again, weighs 55 lbs off the shelf and replacing the steel thimble and hook with something aluminum just helps that.

 

Thanks Preston! I've been eyeballing that one - won't warn fix that for you if you cared enough?

Yes, I'm considering going a year with basic recovery gear before a commit to a winch. Seems I'll need it when I don't have it; won't need it when I have. It my life is any indication.

 

Definitely wasn't questioning your sage wisdom! I think the problem is that most people only ever have one, so it's tough to make comparisons. Don't get me started on Amazon reviews.

 

I imagine they would but it hasn’t been an issue

 

Lightest I've found were some Chinese no-names that weighed in at 55 pounds, only came with a 60ft spool though, and also, roll those dice lol.

I'm in the same debate. Id love a light weight winch, but personally I'm leaning more towards the weight savings. Maybe I'll use my tray to store a small tool box instead.

Edit: I'm also intrigued by the "more power puller," but 400 bucks for a come-along is pretty damn steep.

 

I think in the weight department you’re really splitting hairs as long as you’re running synthetic line. Might be a few pound difference between models but it’s not like there’s a magic winch that weighs half as much. I’d say pick one you like with synthetic line and go for it.

I also run aluminum armor to save weight and ended up scoring an 8k smittybilt XRC with steel line for $40 off Craigslist. I’m just running that because once mounted I realized the weight difference in a winch really isn’t noticeable at all.

 

When the stars align. This is what I’m getting: Sherpa “Mustang” 9,500lb. 42lbs with 92’ of synth. Line. Sadly price has gone up since the RONA: $900 shipped to the US.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...=2ahUKEwiv3KrboNX3AhVikWoFHfuFCVUQ0Qx6BAgEEAE

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/recovery/12-volt-winch-test-results

 

Hot damn that thing is a beast. Had me intrigued with the weight, sold me on the billet vs powdered steel.

 

I went with the new Smittybuilt X20 Gen 3. About 70-75lbs with Synth line, 10k capacity. Works well with my 70lb SSO front bumper.

 

Do you have modified suspension to cover that 140ish lbs? I have an aluminum bumper that added 21# once the OEM junk was removed. Still trying to keep the weight down as much as possible. I have spring upgrades, but still don’t want to introduce dive.

 

Yes, the lowish weight allowed me to stick with 600lb front springs to preserve the best ride I could.

For reference, adding 140lbs on 600lb springs will give you about an added half inch of sag.

 

With my aluminum bumper and heavy xrc8 with steel line I'm running OME nitro chargers with 885 springs which are 590lb spring rate. Zero dip or dive or any issues of any kind.

 

That’s great to know. My Eibach springs are rated 630-650, depending on who you ask.

 

Arent all Eibach springs labeled?