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Thread: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?

  1. #21
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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    The only thing I would caution against with a Smittybilt X3 is difficulty pulling line. For some reason they have quite a bit of resistance on the spool out, and the lower gearing you have in it the worse it will be. I think it was Hugh's Jeep that had an X3 and I was pretty surprised what a pain in the butt pulling line was. If that isn't an issue for you, I don't think anything else will be.

    The only WARN I don't like is the Zeon Platinum after having one on my last rig. Take that with a grain of salt as Scott has one and likes his, but for me I found it unforgivable that for a device meant to rescue you when things go to hell that they have a wireless remote that can't be truly turned off so unless you are very good about charging it before every trip you will find that when you need it that the battery is dead. You can't just replace the batteries or take the out either. With such an unreliable system you would think that you could just plug in your manual backup winch controller like on every other system with a wireless remote, but on the Zeon Platinum there is no ability to put a wired remote on, so you are just stuck.

    I like how a lot of warn winches perform but was so disappointed with that Zeon I bought that I switched brands this time rather than give them more of my money.

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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    The dead remote is a pain for sure. I don't have as many impromptu trips so I make sure to charge the night before.

  3. #23
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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    Wireless controller only: Or at least wire up an in-cab winch control switch.

    Slow despool - that's my warn. I even took it apart with concerns to switch out the grease with a less tacky type (I didn't - but _still_ should).

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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    Scott, if you like to tinker someone has a video on youtube showing how to split the case, put a $1 switch on the back to truly disconnect the battery, then it lasts for months as you would expect.

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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    Yeah I saw that and have considered it but haven't done it yet, thanks for looking out though. P.S. I haven't been able to do anything with that spare you so kindly gave me. I guess you can't have 2 linked at the same time, the manual warns you against doing it

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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    Or pull the batt out and add a section of paper at one of the leads to break the circuit - easy to pull the paper when it's needed.

    0.02

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    Default Re: Winch discussion - Smittybilt vs Warn, did I choose wisely?



    The battery is hard wired on the Zeon Platinum remotes and the case is not made to be opened easily. You have to get inside and cut the wire to splice in a way to break the circuit. They really were designed more to be fancy than to get you out of a jam you weren't expecting to be in.

  8. The Following Member Says Thanks to speedkills For This Post:

    Jim (May 30th, 2022)

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