Need answers on the 3300lb. RULE winch.
1. Is it worth the $$$?
2. Does the manual load brake really hold the weight like they claim?
3. How much did you pay and where?
4. Any tips on what mount that works best with it?
5. Would you buy another if you had to?

 

Just cutting/pasting my reply to a RULE querry from long ago..

<<I have the RULE 3300# winch and have been very pleased with it.Mounted on my 2000 450ES. It is designed for Marine applications so its handles "wetness" with ease and without trouble.Has the brake as mentioned in earlier posts.I did a lot of research before purchasing it.It is more expensive than the others but you get what you pay for.Most people would agree with that statement. I had read a lot of negative posts about WARN and Superwinches. I know people who have both and are happy however. I have used my winch less than a dozen times since installing it but in that time it has paid for itself in my opinion.Do a bit of research when hunting for prices. I have seen the RULE and WARN 2500# for the same price. I'd go with the RULE again in a heartbeat even if it were $100 more.If you do go for it, I'd mount a on/off toggle switch to the solenoid to save it as the way they provide it is wired "live" and power is always on as long as the ignition is on.(unless something has changed in the last 8 months) There is a good review of the RULE and Superwinch units in the Product Review section under the accessories section from 10/21/98. I purchased mine from IVY R Redding Co Inc.Check 'em out. Best of luck. Fishbone.>>

In answer to your questions..
1) Worth is rather relative..I'm very happy with mine and I'd buy it again in a second. Some can't justify spending more than a couple hundred on a winch.Thats fine.There have been times that if I had a failure with the winch, I'd have totalled my quad and myself...With the money I spent on my quad, I figured it was worth it for the peace of mind for the winch. I took the plunge and spent the dough and haven't regretted it at all.I think the present going rate is around $500 if I'm not mistaken. I believe I only paid around $400. Don't know how I got such a good deal..I'd buy it for the $500 now. I've used it rarely in the time I've had my quad.Maybe 25-30 times alltogether..Would any other winch have done. Yeah but I don't like taking chances with my gear.I did a lot of research and was turned off by some peoples complaints with the alternatives. Do an advanced search with Superwinch and Warn. I have a buddy with the 2000lb Warn and he's never had any problems.Nor have I [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
2)Yes the manual brake holds the weight. I have been on very steep inclines (earth that you had to walk up with all fours) with gear and myself on quad and been nervous as #@%! with the winch pulling and when I'd rest it, the brake was active and held beautifully.No problem. My friend with the Warn howver would have to hug his brakes hard as his winch didn't have the brake feature. Added security I'm happy I have.
3)Got mine at http://www.reddingco.com/index.html and as stated above, I believe I paid $400 back in '99.
4)By the look of your username, NY450ES you have the same ATV as me..I used the RULE mount from the place I got the winch from.Also got the roller fairlead.
5)Again answered above. Yep!

I would stress the advice about installing the on/off toggle switch...(If you do go for it, I'd mount a on/off toggle switch to the solenoid to save it as the way they provide it is wired "live" and power is always on as long as the ignition is on.(unless something has changed in the last 8 months))

Good luck..