OK, looking for a winch for the 850xp....

Looks like WARN is the way to go, but what # does everyong get? (mostly for pulling myself or others out of mud)

Easy to install? anything else needed to install? where do you mount the switch - handlbars?

Will it work w/the guru font guard?

Whats the deal w/synthetic cable vs regular cable?

Wheres the best place to buy?

Thanks and sorry for the complete winch ignorance...

 

i would get at least a 3000# winch.. the xps are alott bigger than like mine.. also i would get synthetic cable.. lets say your stuck in a whole and the cable snaps? you want that in your face? plus there isnt much binding while spooling in.. im not sure about the gaurds you might have to cut some plastic like all newer sportsmans do.. i would check ebay.. you could get a good deal threw there.. but i would wait for a few posts from guys that have there winches on the xps

i can say go with a big winch and sythetic rope tho.. !!! for sure!

 

4000LB ATV Winch Polaris Sportsman 2009 550 & 850 XP:eBay Motors (item 270418116348 end time Jul-02-09 18:10:53 PDT)

thats what you need!

or maybe this.. this is a complete kit with the mount and stuff.. i would try to find a bigger winch..

 

found a pretty good deal on a WARN XT30 - might have to go for it....

only thing I'm not sure about is whether it will work w/the guru guard front...

 

I would go with a Viper Max or Elite series winch from Moto Alliance - ATV Winch - ATV Accessories - Viper Winch They are damn good winches and have the best customer service you will find. I ran a 3000lb Max on my Brute and loved it. Too bad the winch outlasted my Brute

 

I went with a Warn RT30for my 850XP. I've had my Warn on my Jeep for probably 12 years without a single problem (and yes it get's used, a lot). I also purchased the mount for it from KFI as it came well recommended from folks here on the site. I haven't installed it just yet, but having said that, I have an active topic that asked some of the same questions you have (ie. what else do I need?). The switch can mount on either side although it's recommended to mounted on the left handlebar (not entirely sure why but it doesn't really matter to me). I suppose with it on the left, it makes it easier to control the throttle with the right hand. I just went with the regular cable as I didn't feel like spending the extra cash for the synthetic. Synthetic also needs more care to ensure it doesn't get abraded etc.... I've seen 3 steel winch lines snap on Jeeps and none of them ever came flying back but I'm sure that's a possibility. The winch essentially mounts on the front behind the front panel below the radiator. You might be able to tell if it will clear the brush guard by just eyeballing it (don't know how far down your brushguard sits). Oh, and I purchased mine on Ebay for $369 IIRC.
Cheers,
cc

 

I've heard just about all good things about VIPER winches but still dont know if I'd choose them over WARN......just one of those things - I think about WARN being around 10 yrs from now, maybe not VIPER, not sure it matters though. The appealing thing about VIPER is you can get a 4500lb winch for the same price or less as a 3000lb winch from WARN....

 

i agree with that above. also left handel bar is a good idea in case u want to add a snow plow. this way you can caontol it on the run.

 

I answered most of my questions with a few quick searches on the forum.....just ordered the WARN XT30 and bracket mount from KFI.

 

WARN 3000 or higher capacity. They cost more but work better and last. The Chiineese junk is a waste of your $$$$$$$$$$$$!