Winch recommendations

3326 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by biknboat, Sep 29, 2017

JoeTC

Discussion Starter · Sep 19, 2017

I just purchased a 2011 Grizzly 550 but it does not have a winch. The winch won't be used a ton but I have needed one from time to time to get unstuck or to drag some logs and maybe adding a plow in the future. Any recommendations on size and brand and also what mounting bracket I'll need?

Thanks!
Joe

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Spheno

· #2 · Sep 19, 2017

I have a Warn 2500 Provantage. Works great. You'll pay a little more for Warn, but I haven't had any issues. If you want a remote with yours, check out the S models warn has (ie. Provantage 3500-S).

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Tigman186

· #3 · Sep 19, 2017

Don't rule out a Mad Dog winch. I believe they're made by KFI. I have two and love them. great warranty too.

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jvictory1974

· #4 · Sep 19, 2017

My Warn XT25 has been on 3 different atvs and been through hell , only problem I've had is I had to replace the handlebar rocker switch 1 time.

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wheelsquad

· #5 · Sep 19, 2017

Tigman186 said:
Don't rule out a Mad Dog winch. I believe they're made by KFI. I have two and love them. great warranty too.

Actually, Mad Dog are a private label winch. But the guy that distributes them also is a big seller of KFI plows, which is probably where the confusion comes. I've never used either brand winch, but I know KFI winches carry a good reputation.

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okbear

· #6 · Sep 19, 2017 (Edited)

My KFI model is in my sig. No problems so far (knock on wood). This is my second winch like this. The first was on a Honda Rubicon. It was a major pain to install on the Honda so I just left it on when I sold it. Got a new one with my '10 700. When I sold that machine, I pulled it off and put it on my '14. I'm very happy with KFI. And the stealth model looks cool, also.

When you get your winch (whatever you get), be sure to pick up some extra terminal connectors like what come with it. You'll have a mile of extra wire if you don't cut it to length. Get the winch set and then wire it.

This was new on my '10...

This is on my '14...

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Spheno

· #7 · Sep 20, 2017

Be sure to get a rubber line stopper with it to. KFI sells them for like 10 bucks.

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okbear

· #8 · Sep 20, 2017

Spheno said:
Be sure to get a rubber line stopper with it to. KFI sells them for like 10 bucks.

That's another bonus to the KFI stealth. It came with it.

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Spheno

· #9 · Sep 20, 2017

okbear said:
Spheno said:

Be sure to get a rubber line stopper with it to. KFI sells them for like 10 bucks.

Click to expand...

That's another bonus to the KFI stealth. It came with it.

Lol, ya I've got a broken switch and sometimes it likes to stick, so needless to say, I've pulled pretty hard into my winch and fairlead and have snapped my line more than once. The stopper is def worth the money. Kinda sad the expensive ass Warn doesn't come with one.

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PlumCrazy73Dodge

· #10 · Sep 29, 2017

I have tried all sorts of winches from champion, Gorilla (think they are gone now), Viper, Warn and I am sure I had another on something. I typically ran the off brands due to price and what I wanted to do with the machine. I have learned you want two things. Metal internal gears and casing, and a mechanical brake. You get what you pay for even if the "Warn" name is on it, they made some for polaris/yamaha that were plastic gear insides and not a very good winch. (typically they gave these away with the machine free)

I ponied up for a Warn MT3000 with synthetic cable, it was my best winch by far. The champion and gorilla worked but were loud and sounded like crap (grindy). I recently bought a Warn ProVantage #2500 for my new grizz. I hope its like the MT. I got the yamaha mount it was plug and play which made it easier. I have heard good things about KFI/Viper. I always just check that spec sheet for mechanical brake, you need this if your holding something heavy, so it will hold. example is winching uphill the weight of the machine may roll back with a winch with no brake. Metal gears inside a metal casing so they last is all you need.

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blasterak

· #11 · Sep 29, 2017

I run the Superwinch Terra 25 with synthetic rope. Absolute beast of a winch, I've likely used to pull beyond its intended use but hasn't let me down. It has all steel wide gears, lifetime warranty, and affordable for what you get.

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biknboat

· #12 · Sep 29, 2017

I bought a 3000lb Champion on Black Friday, $49.95. I then had to buy the KFI mounting plate, $47.95. The winch has worked fine, though like the other commentor stated it is a bit loud and grindy sounding.

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