Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters

Harbor Freight Badlands Apex Winch

I would never run a HB winch. I have seen several fail completely. Winches are used for recovery, that’s the last time you want something to fail. The new apex one I thought this one might be different, engineered better…nope. Several are failing and literally cracking under heavy load. You cares about a warranty when it leaves you stranded.
 
Jermbob28 said:
I would never run a HB winch. I have seen several fail completely. Winches are used for recovery, that’s the last time you want something to fail. The new apex one I thought this one might be different, engineered better…nope. Several are failing and literally cracking under heavy load. You cares about a warranty when it leaves you stranded.
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I have used mine consistently over the past (almost) two years and never had an issue. Probably has more to due with user error than the product. The old ones had electrical issues, but they improved this one a lot.

Negative feedback always shines brighter when that's what you are looking for.
 
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IndominusHuman said:
I have used mine consistently over the past (almost) two years and never had an issue. Probably has more to due with user error than the product. The old ones had electrical issues, but they improved this one a lot.

Negative feedback always shines brighter when that's what you are looking for.
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You have gotten lucky then. I was with my Grandpa 3 times at the cabin attempting to pull people out stuck in the snow. He is on his 4th HB winch and each time was complete gear failure, not electrical.

I thought they fix issues with the new generation:

Doesn’t look like it. I am not usually a neigh sayer and kinda let everyone do their own thing without voicing an opposing opinion. Winches are used for recovery, sometimes in lifeline situations. Would never trust my life or anyone I know to that junk. I want people to know what I know so that when they go to purchase something like that, they know what risk they are signing up for. Not just something inexpensive that looks cool and rated by mostly people who have probably never used it under real recovery situations and gave it a rating out of the box because HB sent them an email to do so right away. I hope you are one of the fortunate ones
 
Jermbob28 said:
You have gotten lucky then. I was with my Grandpa 3 times at the cabin attempting to pull people out stuck in the snow. He is on his 4th HB winch and each time was complete gear failure, not electrical.

I thought they fix issues with the new generation:

Doesn’t look like it. I am not usually a neigh sayer and kinda let everyone do their own thing without voicing an opposing opinion. Winches are used for recovery, sometimes in lifeline situations. Would never trust my life or anyone I know to that junk. I want people to know what I know so that when they go to purchase something like that, they know what risk they are signing up for. Not just something inexpensive that looks cool and rated by mostly people who have probably never used it under real recovery situations and gave it a rating out of the box because HB sent them an email to do so right away. I hope you are one of the fortunate ones
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Yeah, I've seen the wranglerstar video. That's a misuse of the equipment.
 
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I disagree to some degree and think that is should be able to handle that pull. I can post several other links of failure for that winch.

Recovery situations are usually less than ideal and don’t always allow for a straight pull even with a snatch block. You want something that is reliable and durable, that isn’t designed with structural flaws.

Anyway don’t want to beat a dead horse. Just warning people before they go that route and will continue to until they come out with something quality. One failure, it can happen, 3 in a row… nope.
 
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Don't go cheap on rescue equipment. You need to know it's going to be the for you when you need it.
 
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I know this is an old thread but just in case anyone is researching currently, I went with the synthetic rope Badlands 9500# winch in Sept 2022 and in almost 4 years no issues. The only debate I've had is whether to get the wireless remote kit, I just hate relying on batteries.

I've used mine quite a bit between pulling up dead shrubs, aligning trees about to be cut down and rescuing others. I technically haven't had to rescue myself but I've pulled a few that got stuck in front of me.

When I bought mine it was a big sale plus I got an extra 10% off for ITC so it was kind of a thing where if it lasted a year or two it was a good deal. Almost four years and no issues so I'm happy. Obviously not a good deal if I was in a jam and it didn't work, but that's a chance with about anything.
 
honestly havent run one of those but ive heard mixed things. some guys swear by em for the price, others say the solenoid dies after like a year of use. if youre just winching yourself out of light spots occasionally itll probably be fine. but if youre actually using it a lot id spend the extra and get a warn or superwinch. ive got a warn on my JK and its solid, never had issues with it
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters
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