I spent a fair amount of time reading reviews for ATV winches last night, this topic is a good one and has me thinking as I do need a new one before spring. My Warn has pulled it's last inch of cable, she's seized up, I'll admit she's been ridden hard and put away wet.

The reviews from Gorilla owners were suprisingly VERY good, that said, some had issues straight out of the box, parts missing, missing directions, etc... In each case they mention how quick the new part or a whole new unit was sent out, that's good customer service. I also saw a few bashing comments, but not many. The Gorilla branded winch is owned by a MN based company, the owner pulls no punches and agrees that his winches are assembled in china, but also says the design and thought put into this winch are totally American.

Warn had very good reviews as well, that said, I did see a few, "I'll never buy another" type comments, just like Gorilla. I attribute that to the number of units sold, they simply sell more than anyone else, gonna have some that don't work or crap out.

The other makes got so, so reviews. Some good, some bad. Really the most and best reviews out there were for Warn and Gorilla..that I could find.

In the end...I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Gorilla, they are distributed right up the road from me(30 miles), that helps.

Really some great reads out there on this subject, do some googling, hours of reading if one wants it.

 

gorilla 3000lb...130$ delivered.end of story.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Mach1s

A winch does not affect the handling at all and adds maybe 30 lbs.</end quote></div>



ahhhhhh but i would disagree with that - (on my machine anyway it did).

Given the soft front springs on sportsmans, 30lbs will eat up some of the travel thus changing the handeling especailly in the fast corners. It will dive hard into the corners and make ya feel like youre going over the bars. Add a front bumper and you will be really disappointed. You will also bottom out quicker which I have done. And nailing rocks on your undercarraige from bottoming out SUCKS

Now upgrade to stiffer springs or add spring spacers, get you ride height back - the front end comes back to life! A little stiffer ride but it wont dive and bound

but this is only what happened to me - others.............it doesnt bother them

 

gorilla 3000lb...130$ delivered.end of story.

you would not know what to do with a good winch!! end of story!!!you must take your date to MC.DONALDS.. and feel good about it... CHEAPER IS ALWAYS BETTER.. your right,i am going to shut up about my WARN untill you are BITCHIN about your GORILLA..just rember you get what you pay for!!!have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It's almost as if you take this personal?? eesh. Do you??

The original poster asked about brands other than WARN, and all you can do is push warn down everyones throat, give it a rest. It seems there are many that are happy with brands other than WARN. Read the reviews, WARN isn't the only game in town. We understand, you love your WARN winch, that's great. Your replies have gotten to the point of laughable....

 

input ......................Stephanie ......................INPUT....................... .

 

i was/am the person that ALWAYS bought the cheap version of what ever...got sick of buying every thing two or three tims...i learned cheaper is not better..i"ll shut my mouth on this topic...eeesh!!! enjoy your mickey d"s

 

i"ll shut my mouth on this topic...


good idea

 

Oh my, I agree...thanks!

Looks like some good information about different brands.

 

Thanks everyone for all their replies. A lot of good people on this forum.

I think I will take my chances with the gorilla....I RARELY ride alone and those I ride with have winches. (yes, mostly WARN)

I'm not into going into really deep water holes or mud holes but I'm sure I will put her to the test.

Could anyone post a link to the cheapest 3000lb gorilla that will fit on a 2005 SPortsman 500? Thanks.

I'm going to do some searching now.