Smittybilt is one-of-a-kind when it comes to manufacturing heavy-duty winches at an affordable price; we agree. However, even though the brand holds its loyalty, some winches it came with tend to lack the durability, functionality, and high-end features we always expect.
It seemed some winches from Smittybilt did come with some low-end features; however, they were as expensive as the good ones.
Disappointed? You shouldn’t be. Well, you see, we’re not giving this brand a bad name. We just want you to make sure you can get your hands on the perfect winch. And that’s what the best Smittybilt winches are all about.
Imagine something that takes a massive load, comes with a waterproof design, effective synthetic rope, and many more. Want to grab one? Jump to reviews and take your pick.
Jump To Contents
- 4 Best Smittybilt Winch Models: Quick Guide
- Comprehensive Reviews of 4 Best Smittybilt Winches
- Why Are Smittybilt Winches So Popular?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping Up
4 Best Smittybilt Winch Models: Quick Guide
1. Best Overall: Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch
“Taking massive loads won’t be a challenging job with the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC. Thanks to its heavy-duty motor is so strong and long-lasting. Installing it will be another easier and less time-consuming task as well.”
2. Best for Jeep & Car: Smittybilt X20 Winch
“The IP68 waterproof design is what you’ll find on the Smittybilt X20 Winch, making your power tool compatible with each and every weather condition. The dynamic brake also comes in handy in emergency cases.”
3. Best Versatile: Smittybilt XRC GEN3 COMP Series Winch
“Along with the effective synthetic rope, Smittybilt XRC 9.5 Winch has got a top-ratted 7.0 HP motor that’s probably the strongest one among others in this list. You can also work in low-light areas with ease through the effective flashlight that can be found in the remote.”
4. Best For Small Vehicle: Smittybilt 98204 XRC 4.0 Winch
“The magnetic motor is what makes the Smittybilt XRC Winch more reliable and capable of tolerating average loads. Plus, it weighs only about 22.3lbs, making the transportation nothing but a cinch!”
Comprehensive Reviews of 4 Best Smittybilt Winches
Without further ado, let’s move forward and check out the top 4 Smittybilt winch reviews.
1. Best Overall: Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch
- Motor: 6.6 Horsepower
- Dimensions: 20.88"x 6.3"x 7.4"
- Rope Type: Synthetic/steel cable
- Remote type: Wired
- Load Capacity: 9,500 to 17,500 pounds
- Fairlead type: 4-way Roller
- Gear System: 3-stage planetary
On the very first, we’ve got the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC winch that’s loaded with a durable frame, high-quality rope, and a lot of strength. It helps you take your vehicle out of a ditch or hole with little time and little effort. Just take a look at the jaw-dropping features for more information.
Extreme Power:
This is what we liked most about this winch, can you guess what? Yep, we're talking about the 6.6 HP motor that assists in providing maximum power, for which you can get your job successfully done. Roller fairlead (four-way) along with the three-stage gear system adds extra strength to maximize your functionality.
Huge Weight Capacity:
Measuring about 94-foot, you’re getting premium-quality wire rope. With the help of it, the beast can drag or lift up to 17500 pounds of weight, making it ideal for extremely heavy loads.
100% Waterproof!
Your off-road journey will be out of danger with the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC; it doesn’t matter it’s raining or even snowing outside. Can you guess why we are so confident about it? Well, it’s because of the waterproof design the winch has got.
Hassle-Free Installation:
No matter you’re a beginner or an automotive expert, installing the winch will seem to be a walk in the park to you! The device is packed with complete wiring needed for a quick and easy installation, thankfully!
The Goodsides:
- Helps you lift up medium to heavy duty vehicle with its advanced motor
- Multiple Loading Capcity ensures versatility
- Offers sturdy wire rope to take heavy loads with ease
- Withstand all weathers due to the waterproof design
- Installation takes less time and effort as all wiring instructions are included
The Downsides:
- Motor appears to be noisy at times!
- The fairlead is weaker as it should be.
Our Verdict:
The powerful wound series motor with a combination of steel cable makes the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch ideal for massive loads.
2. Best for Jeep & Car: Smittybilt X20 Winch
- Motor: 6.6 Horsepower
- Drum Size: 2.5"
- Rope Type: Synthetic or steel cable
- Remote type: Wired and Wireless
- Load Capacity: 10000 to 17500 pounds
- Fairlead type: 4-way Roller
- Gear System: 3-stage planetary
Specifically manufactured for the jeep, the Smittybilt X20 Winch has got each and every power cable needed, hooking up to your large jeep or car more effectively. For mounting options, the powerhouse includes two solenoids and gives you the chance to operate the device the way you want!
Dual Control System:
The good thing about the X20 winch is, you can either operate it manually or with the help of a specific wireless remote. That means when you’re far away from the machine, get the remote and keep on winching. Similarly, if you’re too close to your winch, feel free to operate it manually.
High-Quality Braided Steel Cable:
X20 winch has superior steel cable measuring 98.5-foot. This will be enough to take your UTV and bigger jeep out of a quagmire or hole. Surprisingly, the cable won’t kink, curl, or even bend at all, even if you provide too much pressure on it!
IP68 Waterproof:
Feel free to continue your winching task even if it’s raining outside; we’ve found the Smittybilt X20 100% waterproof, meaning it’s suitable to use in each and every weather condition.
Powerful Motor with Adequate Load Capacity:
The reason why we’ve picked it up for jeep and car is for its load capacity. Although it’s enough for dragging a large vehicle, It isn’t sufficient to lift up bigger trucks and stuff like that!
Speaking of the amphibious motor, we’ve found it much effective and powerful since it comes in 6.6 horsepower.
Dynamic Brake for Ultimate Safety:
It’s not a big deal even if you have less experience in winching; the X20 packs an effective dynamic brake, switching off the power of the machine straight away while required, especially in every emergency case.
For more convenience, you’re going to get a three-stage gear system, rope sleeve, and durable hardware made of stainless steel.
The Goodsides:
- Braided steel cable maximizes performance in terms of pulling loads
- Dynamic brake shuts down the winch immediately in emergency cases
- IP68 waterproof design makes it friendly with harsh weathers
- Can be driven through manually or remote
- Versatile load capacity
The Downsides:
- Mounting tabs seem shorter!
- Installation is a little challenging!
Our Verdict:
The Smittybilt X20 will shut down itself while needed — credit goes to its effective dynamic brake. Also, the IP68 waterproof design makes it weather-friendly.
Also Read: The Top 10 Best Winches for Jeep
3. Best Versatile: Smittybilt XRC GEN3 COMP Series Winch
- Motor: 7.0 Horsepower
- Dimensions: 27 x 14 x 10 inches
- Item Weight: 73 lbs
- Rope Type: Synthetic Rope
- Fairlead type: Hawse
- Load Capacity: 9,500 Lbs and 12000 Lbs
If you have the ability to spend extra dollars, then trust us, buying the Smittybilt XRC GEN3 9.5 Winch is going to be your best decision. In fact, it’s one of the strongest ones on our list that’s tested by experts for strength and durability!
Superior Motor:
The 7.0 Horsepower motor is what makes it stand out from the crowd. When it comes down to the winch industry, 7.0 is considered as the top-rated horsepower. Through this heavy-duty motor, the winch can take a weight of up to 9,500lbs.
Unique Remote Control System:
Can you guess why we used the word “unique?” That’s because of the built-in flashlight you’ll find in the remote. So, spooling and winching in low-light areas will be just a snap!
Another interesting thing you’ll find is the effective load indicator, which will help you know how much load or pressure your winch is able to handle.
Heavy-duty Synthetic Rope:
With a hawse fairlead made of aluminum, the XRC winch features a premium-quality synthetic rope that won’t bend or curl easily, even if you use it for pulling a heavy jeep, car, or UTV. But the amount of weight should be no more than 9,500lbs.
The Goodsides:
- Lightweight and powerful due to its 7.0 HP motor
- Can be operated with ease through the remote
- Includes a built-in flashlight to let you work in low-light areas
- Load indicator helps you monitor your winch like a pro
The Downsides:
- Although installation will be easy, it might take a little more time than usual!
- Control box screws are a little bit lighter than it should be.
Our Verdict:
Even If the area is totally dark, you still can continue your winching task with the Smittybilt XRC 9.5 Winch. The credit goes to its built-in flashlight. You can also check out the load and pressure of your machine through the effective load indicator.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Winches Car Trailer
4. Best For Small Vehicle: Smittybilt 98204 XRC 4.0 Winch
- Motor: 4.1 Horsepower
- Item Weight: 22.3lbs
- Rope Type: Synthetic
- Dimension: 18 x 10 x 9 inches
- Load Capacity: 4,000 Pounds (Max)
If you prefer a standard Smittybilt winch at an affordable range, you can get yourself the 98204 XRC 4.0 Winch. With a hawse fairlead made of aluminum, this little bomb offers a universal mounting plate. Keep reading to get familiar with some more striking features.
4,000lbs Load Capacity:
When you want to take your personal car out of a ditch, it’s not a must to have a winch with a lot of weight capacity. In this case, the XRC winch comes in handy with its decent 4,000lbs load capacity.
But keep in mind, it isn’t going to be the best pick if you want to lift heavy trucks or such vehicles.
Magnetic Motor:
Despite being cheaper, it gives you a heavy-duty magnetic motor that comes in 4.1 HP. Not only it’s powerful, but the manufacturer claims that it’ll last for a longer period as well.
Top-Notch Rope:
The thing we liked very much about this power tool is the top-rated synthetic rope (35-feet) it comes with. You’ll be happy to know this will stay out of bending or curling even if you pull or lift up average weights more often with this winch.
Additional Features:
The makers didn’t forget about giving you a 3-stage gear and a specific remote with a rocker switch (handlebar). With the assistance of that wired remote, controlling the whole winch will be way easier and smarter!
The Goodsides:
- Magnetic motor lets you lift around 4,000lbs
- Features a wired remote with a rocker switch for maximum performance
- Lightweight structure makes the transportation a breeze
- Rope doesn’t bend or curl because of the synthetic material
The Downsides:
- Not the best one for pulling trucks or such heavy loads!
Our Verdict:
Even If the area is totally dark, you still can continue your winching task with the Smittybilt XRC 9.5 Winch. The credit goes to its built-in flashlight. You can also check out the load and pressure of your machine through the effective load indicator.
Why Are Smittybilt Winches So Popular?
When it comes to the off-road industry, Smittybilt is a popular name due to its distinguished features and performances. On top of that, they’re so powerful, durable, and safe to use. Find out more features in the following sections.
Various Mounting Options
Thankfully, these winches allow you to select your favorite mounting options. You have the full freedom to choose from the lots of options that the solenoid offers. So, fulfill your needs without modifying the winch.
Higher Weight Capacity
There are a great number of winches that can easily deal with different weight variations. So, it can fully support you for heavy-duty jobs.
Dynamic Brake System
You’ll be happy to know these winches have a dynamic braking system installed in them.
To be honest, the low cost may concern you about the safety factor, but guess what? Over the years, Smittybilt never compromised the customers' safety. In fact, this had been their primary objective from the beginning.
Fortunately, the braking system makes sure that your vehicle doesn’t tumble all of a sudden when you’re not attending its control. In addition, sudden and unwanted winching failures are prevented due to this effective braking system.
The system controls the sturdiness of the wire so that it can withstand the structural force and pressure in the best way possible.
Remote Control System (Wireless)
Another good example of the safety factor of these winches is their wireless remote control system. It allows you to maintain better control even after keeping a safe distance from the winch.
Excellent Gear Train
The majority of the Smittybilt winches come with the great three-stage gear train (planetary) system. Though it was considered a rare and costly system, Smittybilt didn’t forget about including it just for your convenience!
Therefore, the winch is capable enough to reach far greater heights by tackling heavyweights to the full extent of their capacity limit.
Performance (Speed)
One of the key reasons for the high popularity of these winches is the speed as well as the productive performances. When the load is attached, it can reach its maximum speed to deliver you high efficiency.
Water Resistive Nature
Many winches are over 99.99% waterproof, and some are water-resistant up to a certain level. Consequently, extreme weather conditions can’t even provide any harm to your device, meaning you can smoothly run your power tool during the rain and snow.
Bigger Clutch Lever
Smittybilt includes a comparatively big-sized lever, making it very easy to control the winch. You can easily operate and access it even after putting on the safety gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you have to spend a fortune to get a Smittybilt winch?
It depends on which model you want to get yourself. Smittybilt winches are of so many types with different price tags as well. So, make sure you choose a specific one depending on your budget limit.
Who is the manufacturer of this well-known brand?
Indeed, Basil Smith always wanted to develop a “4-wheel drive” for trucks and jeeps. That’s why he started a small-sized shop of machines in around 1956 that was finally named “Smittybilt.”
Are Smittybilt winches waterproof?
Once again, it depends on the product. But yes, most of the Smittybilt winches are included with a waterproof design for users’ convenience.
Is it necessary to have a wireless remote in Smittybilt winch?
Having a remote is necessary, doesn’t matter whether it is wired or wireless. But try to spend some extra bucks on those models which offer a wireless remote. It’s safer and comparatively easier to control.
What’s the importance of having a dynamic braking system?
We’d always love to have the one that equips a dynamic braking system. This single feature plays a vital role in turning your winch off immediately, especially in serious conditions.
Wrapping Up
It’ll be so tough and sometimes impossible to deal with heavy loads unless you have a powerful and durable winch. That’s probably the reason behind choosing the brand “Smittybilt” instead of anything else!
However, all models aren’t the same. In this case, if you want to get your hands on the one that’s best overall, spend some bucks on the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch. Because of its powerful motor, sturdy wire rope, and effective waterproof design, it stands in the top position on the best Smittybilt winches list.
Note: Before selecting your winch, Read the following winching guides that might help you choosing the right one for your purpose of use: