Best Winch? Is BADLAND Better Than WARN, Smittybuilt, Milemarker? Let's Settle This!

12,000 Pound Rated Winches: Smittybilt, WARN, Badland (Harbor Freight), SuperWinch, Mile Marker Maverick, Zeak, and Rugcel. Not all the winches survived this test with two winches experiencing rope failure. Winches tested for 50 foot no-load pull speed, force to unroll rope, time to pull ¾ ton truck up a hill 20 feet, time to pull 6,000 pounds a distance of 4 feet, maximum pulling force on final wrap. I bought all of the winches and supplies used to test the winches to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel!

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➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[ProjectFarm]

Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!

[cgaming]

The most honest YouTuber. Thanks for being the most consistent and responsible content creator.

[Remaggib]

The more that time goes on, the more I appreciate and respect you for not selling out and doing sponsored bits during your videos. Your videos are scientific, honest, and to the point, and I cannot express how big a deal that is to me. Thank you for all you do, and the way you do it, and as always I look forward to the next one!

[dirtfpv]

Now that you've done this winch test, I think you should do a synthetic winch line test. There are so many out there for so cheap that seem like they'd break at weights way lower than what they're rated for. Synthetic winch lines are so much safer than cable, and are becoming really popular.

[RodneyJohnson]

Hands down best YouTube reviewer. No bullshit just realistic testing and comparisons. I swear every thing I'm looking to buy, he's reviewed and compared.

[CL-ypbs]

What amazes me is how with 2.81 million subscribers, Todd still finds a way to respond to almost EVERY comment on the videos! Hi Todd! Great video, I was surprised, I thought the Warren and the Badland would top the charts, this was eye opening!

[loganbuckner]

You literally never have a bad video. They're all incredible. Great work again!

[ayrow]

This was incredible. The effort and work you put into this is obvious and not taken for granted. Thanks again, Todd.

[nono-fnzc]

One of the most critical tests of a winch is whether it survives working under water. Recovering your vehicle from a mud/water hole is a huge reason why we purchase a winch. My last purchase was based on an old winch shootout from Petersen’s off road magazine; it’s worth a google and read!

[groermaik]

Your dedication is amazing. I always trust what you say about any product you test, and you have never steered me wrong. Thank you.

[Nitrohog]

I wish the Badland Apex was included, it seems to be the go to option at harbor freight.

[jeffallen]

If you're going to test the Badland against the upper end Warn and Super Winch you have to use the Apex Badland. That is the one Harbor Freight considered comparable to Warn.

[delawarejimbo]

I can't even guess how much money you've saved people from spending. There should be reviews like this for everything. I end up watching tests for things I'll never even buy, they're just fascinating.

[godnessy]

The sheer amount of work mounting and un-mounting all these from each test! Amazing job Todd, thank you!

[Jcreek]

I've had that Zeak for just under two years. It's pulled several cars out of ditches, righted a rolled Deere and dragged several dozen 10ft, 26" pine logs up the side of a canyon. Haven't had an issue with it yet. Great tests.

[TheACEJester]

Thank you for your work, Todd!

Definitely need a round two with the Harbor Freight 12000lb Apex (with synthetic rope), and the WARN they compare it to.

[deere]

I'm mostly retired but I have worked part time for a lawn and garden shop doing pick up and delivery. The trailer is 10 years old and has a 4000 lb Warn winch. I can tell you from experience that it has never failed us and it gets used almost every day. Having said that, I have a 3500 lb Badlands winch on out SXS for occasional use and it works fine as well. I love these videos. Thanks.

[benjaminjonholman]

I've heard that there is a huge strength difference between low end and name brand synthetic rope. Since 2 failed in your tests, it would be cool to see a few brands tested.

[trevormcateer]

Very informative as always! It’s hilarious how many times I refer to one of your videos that I saw months ago when it’s time to buy something. You’re that guy everyone can count on to perform unbiased and accurate tests. Not just helping customers, but keeping different brands accountable for what they claim as well! Thank you sir!

[robschaffer]

I bought a Zeak 13K for my Bronco project just based on written reviews. This is the first comprehensive and objective physical test I've seen! I'm feeling a lot better about my choice now, thank you!