You might be looking for a winch for your car and the first thing that you think of is to research the top winches on the market. This is a good step because it can help you understand the different features that should be on the winch you want and how much you should pay for it. However, once you have read reviews, expert opinions, and technical specifications, you might still find yourself confused. Which is the best winch out of Smittybilt X20 vs XRC Winch? Though they look similar, they differ in some key aspects. This blog is a detailed comparison between these two winches and will help you decide which one is right for you.
What is a Winch?
A winch is a device used to pull or tow something. It’s typically a cable-type device that’s inserted into a pulley and controlled by an operator. It’s used to pull or tow something, such as a boat, trailer, or another vehicle. A winch is also used to lift heavy objects.
Smittybilt Brand Overview:
Smittybilt is an American off-road brand established in 1964. As a leading manufacturer of quality, innovative products for the Jeep and truck market, Smittybilt has set out to change the way consumers think about aftermarket accessories. Innovative design and cutting-edge engineering allow Smittybilt to not only meet your needs but exceed them.
Smittybilt Mission:
Smittybilt’s mission is to outfit the off-road world with the highest quality products at competitive prices. Smittybilt offers a wide variety of accessories and parts that are sure to enhance any Jeep. From the early days of off-roading, Smittybilt has led the industry in producing high-quality, American-made Jeep accessories. Whether you’re looking to add on a set of rock sliders or a roof rack, Smittybilt products are guaranteed to provide both function and aesthetic value to your ride.
Advantage Warranty:
It is the only aftermarket warranty that offers you coverage for life on your parts. It is the Smittybilt Peace of Mind Warranty. This warranty covers all steel-based products, such as bumpers, steps, and armor, from manufacturer defects for a period of unlimited time. It also offers a five-year warranty on our signature two-stage powder coat finish, which is available in textured, satin, or gloss black.
Smittybilt X20 vs XRC: Quick Comparison
Image | Best Choice   |   |
Product Name | Smittybilt X2O | Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC |
Model | X20 (98510) | XRC (97495) |
Variants | -Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 12,000 lb. Load Capacity -Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10,000 lb. Load Capacity -10,000 lb. Load Capacity -15,500 lb. Load Capacity -17,500 lb. Load Capacity | -9500 lb. Load Capacity |
Waterproof | IP68 Rating | IP67 Rating |
Rated line Pull (single) | 10000 lbs (4535kgs) | 9,500Lbs (4,309kgs). |
Motor Power | 6.6hp Series Wound | 6.6hp Series Wound. |
Control switch: | Remote Switch, 12' (3.7m) lead | Remote Switch, 12' (3.7m) lead. |
Gear Train | 3-Stage Planetary | 3-Stage Planetary |
Gear Ratio | 218:1 | 161.28:1 |
Mounting Bolt Pattern | 10.0” x 4.5” | 10.0” x 4.5” |
Clutch Type | Sliding Ring Gear | Sliding Ring Gear. |
Brake | Automatic Out-Of-Drum | Automatic Out-Of-Drum |
Weight | 99.0 lbs (45.0Kgs) | 78.0 lbs (35.0 k) |
Recommended Battery | 650CCA Minimum for Winching | 650CCA Minimum for Winching. |
Mechanical Warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
Electrical Warranty | 5-Year Warranty | 3-Year Warranty. |
Finish | Textured Black | Textured Black |
Customer Reviews | ||
Best Price |
Smittybilt X20 Winch:
- Waterproof: IP68 Rating
- Completely Waterproof
- Rope Sleeve and Wireless Remote
- 6.6 HP Amphibious motor, 3-Stage Planetary Gear System, Stainless
- Steel Hardware, Dynamic Braking System, 2 Solenoid Mounting Options
- Electrical Warranty: 5-Year Warranty
- Mechanical Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Smittybilt X20 is a 20-meter winch that’s perfect for smaller jobs. It’s simple to use and can be set up in minutes, making it the perfect choice for small shops or homebuilders. The X20 has a low profile and comes with an integrated winch control box that mounts directly on the winch handle. When you need more power, simply add an extension cable and you can extend your reach up to 40 meters!
This winch has a number of features that make it stand out from the other models on the market. First and foremost, this winch has a smooth, brushless motor and durable steel gears. This combination provides maximum power and durability with minimal maintenance.
The X20 also features a sturdy steel housing that is designed to withstand extreme conditions while still being lightweight. The X20 uses a unique, patented cable design that eliminates the need for a clutch. This means you can use it with any vehicle and it’s easy to install.
In addition to these features, this winch also features a seven-position control switch with varying speeds and braking settings. It also comes with an LED light system to help illuminate your trail in low-light conditions. Lastly, this product includes a one-year warranty for its parts and labor along with a two-year warranty for its motor and gearing components.
Features:
Key Features:
1. Smooth, Brushless Motor
2. Durable Steel Gears
3. Seven-Position Control Switch
4. LED Light System
5. One Year Warranty for Parts & Labour
6. Two-Year Warranty for Motor & Gear Components
Read customer reviews on Amazon
Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC:
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
- Kit comes complete with all wiring required for installation. Smittybilt recommends using supplied wiring
- All Gen2 XRC Winches come backed by a Lifetime Mechanical and a 5-Year Electrical .
- Heavy-duty features for enhanced performance and durability
- Smittybilt offers a limited lifetime for replacement to the original purchaser on stainless steel products. Dual-stage, powder coated products carry a 5-year or 100,000 mile warrany, whichever comes first
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This winch was a little different from the others I had reviewed. This winch is a lot smaller and lighter than the others I reviewed, which made it very easy to set up. It also has a smooth, brushless motor and durable steel gears.
The Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC is very easy to install and can be done in minutes. The only thing you need to do is attach the winch control box to your vehicle using the included bolts and nuts. Then simply install the winch handle onto your vehicle using the included hardware. Lastly, connect the power cable from your battery to the control box and you’re ready to go!
The XRC has a smooth, brushless motor with durable steel gears that provide maximum power with minimal maintenance. The XRC also features a sturdy steel housing that is designed to withstand extreme conditions while still being lightweight. The XRC uses a unique, patented cable design that eliminates the need for a clutch. This is a great feature for those who are looking for a winch that is easy to use and doesn’t require the use of a clutch.
The XRC has a seven-position control switch with varying speeds and braking settings. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to adjust the winch speed and braking settings.
The XRC also has an LED light system that allows you to see where your winch line is at all times. The LED light system also makes it easy for you to see when the winch line is on or off your vehicle.
Key Features:
1. The dimensions of XRC are: Length: 8.5 inches x Width: 2.5 inches x Height: 7 inches.
2. Smooth, Brushless Motor
3. Durable Steel Gears
4. A seven-position control switch with varying speeds and braking settings.
5. A LED light system that allows you to see where your winch line is at all times.
6. Weight: 2.9 pounds
7. The XRC has a one-year warranty.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Smittybilt X20 vs XRC: Differences
Water Resistance:
The IP68 rating of the X20 models are much better than that of the XRC models. This means that you will be able to use them in harsh environments while they can still function perfectly.
Power:
Both Smittybilt X20 and Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC come with 6.6 horsepower motors, whereas Smiitybilt x20 comes up as a winner here because it heats up comparatively less than the SmittyBilt Gen 2 XRC.
Speed:
Speed is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a winch. You need to know if it can give you the desired pulling speed or not at all. Smittybilt X20 and XRC models have different versions. The x20 series is comparatively faster than the XRC in line speed and power use.
Cable Size:
Smittybilt X20 has a cable size of 98.5′ Length and a 3/8″ Diameter, whereas XRC comes up with a cable size of 94′ Length and 5/16″ Diameter.
Warranty:
Both Smittybilt X20 and XRC models have lifetime mechanical warranties.
Price:
Both the products are very popular in the market though X20 has a few extra features than the XRC. The models have almost similar specifications, hence there is no significant difference between these two products. Though the X20 comp comes with some extra accessories, it costs a little higher than the XRC.
Smittybilt X20 vs XRC: Similarities
Power:
Both Smittybilt X20 and Smittybilt XRC come with 6.6 horsepower motors, whereas Smiitybilt x20 comes up as a winner here because it heats up comparatively less than the SmittyBilt XRC.
Brake:
Smittybilt has specially engineered the automatic drum in both Smittybilt and XRC to give you a great braking experience. These drums are self-adjusting, meaning they will always adjust themselves depending on the surface of your vehicle. With an adjustable service brake shoe and a rugged welded backing plate, you won’t have any issues with these drums stopping you when it matters most!
Warranty:
Both Smittybilt X20 and XRC models have lifetime mechanical warranty, but when we talk about the Electrical Warranty of these models Smittybilt X20 comes up with a 5-year warranty but the XRC model has a 3-year warranty due to its low water resistance rating.
Conclusion/Our Recommendation:
When comparing the Smittybilt X20 vs XRC winch, you want to consider your needs and whether or not you’re going to be off-roading. The Smittybilt X20 is designed for lighter loads and is easier to use and install. The Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC is designed for heavier loads and more extreme conditions. If you are using this to pull your vehicle out of a ditch, the X20 is going to be the best winch for you. If you are going to be pulling 10,000 lbs. of cargo, the XRC is going to be the best winch for you.
Both are great winches and are suitable for different purposes. The X20 is a 20,000 lb. winch and the XRC is a 15,000 lb. winch. This doesn’t mean that the X20 is stronger and will pull more than the XRC. This actually means that the X20 can pull a bigger load in a given situation. The X20 is a heavier-duty winch than the XRC but does require more power to function.
FAQs:
Q. Are Smittybilt winches good?
Ans: The Smittybilt winches are not just like any other winches. They are made of different materials, in different qualities and have different prices. You can have a look at Amazon and find a Smittybilt winch for yourself. Most of the Smittybilt winches have a good rating and a lot of customers are very satisfied with the product.
Q.Is this winch made in the US?
Q. Is the synthetic rope on the winch?
Q. Is there a “wired” remote option in case your battery is dead?
Q.Does this comes with a quality hook or would I be better off getting a better one?
Q. What is the maximum line size that this winch can pull?
Ans: The XRC can pull a maximum of 2,000 pounds for vehicles with an 8″ receiver. You can increase the line size to 4,000 pounds by using an 8″ receiver and a 12″ chain.
Q: What is a clutch?
Ans: A clutch is an electrical device used to change gears on a motor. It allows you to change from one gear to another without using your vehicle’s engine.
Q: Is the XRC compatible with other winches?
A: Yes, the XRC will work with other reputable brands such as Warn, Reese, and Larson models.
