winch XRC 8 vs SEC 8

NickMaul

NickMaul

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Location
Norfolk, VA
so i am planning to have a winch on the front of my xj by the end of this month and have narrowed down between the smittybuilt XRC 8 and the mile marker SEC 8. both 8,000lbs pulling power but XRC 8 has a larger motor.

i have read about winches and the secrets behind pulling power and how it is weaker with more line on the spool but since they are both rated at 8,000lbs max i assume they are even in pulling power

i have read a few reviews that the XRC 8 hs cheesy controls and bad style controler. i have seen this winch in person and seen it work and have been impressed.

however i have never seen the mile marker SEC 8 in person. the SEC 8 is about 30 dollars more.....is that $30 more due to better quality?

if so i dont mind shelling out a few extra dollars for a winch with better lasting controls and hardware

so i have stuck to these two winches since money doesnt grow on trees around me.

i have done some shopping on 4 wheel parts and have realized it is better to see if they have it in stock at a store. are winches usually in stock at 4wheel parts in raleigh or should i just order it off line?

TIA,
Nick
 
Here's my view on this. It has been asked many times on the web so just google it for more info. I personally own an XRC8 and I have been happy with it considering the price I paid. Both of these winches are probably made of almost all the same parts and probably made in the same factory. I can look at the case and tell you that it is almost the same.

The only true difference that I see is that the SEC8 has a higher ratio = slower line speed. I'm not sure about you but line speed is fairly important to me. Both have cheesy controls but you get what you pay for.

I did have an issue with my freespool lever but it was easily solved by taking the cover off and greasing up the detent ball some more.

There are countless reviews of the XRC8 and you will find 50 good reviews for every 5 bad. The SEC8 hasn't been out long enough to generate enough feedback (I think anyways)

Bottom line: XRC8 because of linespeed/cost/good reviews/same components

You can find them for $269 + free ship if you wait long enough. They are usually on ebay for $279 as well. Save yourself $30 in tax.

With all this said, I haven't actually seen an SEC8 in person yet to confirm. Go with your gut feeling here, I'm sure both are exceptional winches for $300.
 
Ive had an xrc8 for a lil over two years now and have been happy with it. No its not the fastest but it did get me out of a bind a few times and thats all that I cared about. I will say that I burnt out the motor this winter on some really long pulls and now it doesnt work. found a replacement motor for 150 but I may just buy a better winch instead. Something with a better motor.... my .02
 
winch

I just got a SEC8 and have used it a few times. I have no complaints thus far. Probably equal winches. I would assume that a lower ratio would equal slower line speed, but should be easier on the motor.

Either way I purchased the winch from 4 Wheel Drive Hardware and for an extra $40 bills (I got it for less because of haggling) the ENTIRE winch is guaranteed for life. Remote, cable, motor etc. I could leave the truck in river for a month and get a free winch, smash the remote and get a free one. He told me that if I knew which part was broken they would ship just that - so no need to ship the whole thing back. All of their stuff has that guarantee available even soft tops for Jeeps
 
4wd hardware is owned by the same parent company as 4wheel parts so the same warranty should be available from either store. Did you pay extra for your warranty?
 
That parent company owns a lot of companies. winchdepot.com is owned by them.
 
Yeah. The warranty for the winch is $40.

Warranty states: " Warranty covers all component of winch for as long as original purchaser owns. Mechanical, electrical, remote, cable, and all hardware covered. Also covers water ingress and off road damage."

I figured you can't go wrong with that.
 
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