Quite a few people have asked what Cassie’s channel is, ruclips.net/channel/UCe97sOxRwtz6PTN_QGfIPBg And stay tuned for further Offroad testing videos! Either on her channel or this one. Thanks for watching!
I put a 100 amp fuse at the battery for my winch. Overkill for my little winch. But if there's a dead short of the wiring it will blow the fuse right at the battery.
Ironically I've watched Cassie's LS swap video before I have even though of purchasing the Badlands 12,000# winch. Both her video on the LS swap and your video on the HF winch were great! Thank you for your out of the box install review!
Running the winch in the rain is great until you slip in the mud and lose your glasses only to find out a dilophosaurus is sitting in your passenger seat.
This winch is PHENOMENAL!!! I have the 12k lb winch on my Gladiator. I used it first to help a buddy hoist a culvert into slide position for his son’s treehouse. Then I pulled a 6" diameter tree off a trail. Finally, I used it at least a dozen times to move through deep snow and turn the Gladiator around 180*. It pulls out easily, goes back on fine and more than easily handles the weight of the Gladiator.
I was taught to always be watching the spool of the winch when pulling. It takes very little angle to get it to wind on one side of the spool and start to operate outside the proper diameter. If you are alone and have to use it the way you demonstrated, get out every 10 feet and check. Reset if needed.
I had a 9500 lbs badlands winch from 2016 for 3 years and it held up very nicely, took trees out of the road pulled huge trucks out of the ocean, pulled people out of the mud ect. And it never quit, I think badland winches are a little underrated just because of their price and that they don't come from an official offroad company.
I used My Badlands winch every day pulled 5 car or better a day died after 3 years n I abused it every day pulled even what I shouldn't have been pulling. I'm replacing it with another one highly recommended it
Thanks for reviewing. I just bought the Apex because my old HF Badlands 12000 started drawing power down from the battery. That winch was with me for 5 years and performed multiple life and equipment saving pulls over those years in the Rockies, Moab, and the Rubicon. So people can say what they want about badlands but I had one that paid itself off 100 fold and expect the Apex to perform well also. It comes with some very nice add ons in the box and feels like a great value. Like with any winch I hope to never need it but I’m confident it will perform when the time comes. As confident as I would be with any other new out of the box brand on the first few hard pulls, you just never know till you know.
The ultimate test is hooking it up in a tree and pulling the Jeep up of the ground, we hooked ours up to the bottom of a train bridge and pulled it completely off the ground, fun times. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Don’t forget the duty cycle, which is ignored by just about everybody. The badlands 12000 has a 45 second duty cycle, which means you can only operate it for 45 seconds then you have to let it cool down for 11 minutes. Nobody likes to do that. Everybody will push the envelope and many times it will burn thiswinch. All winches have duty cycles. 45 seconds is t long enough to get an average car into a car trailer in one go, just to put into perspective
I have this winch, like you said they set the bar high with the waterproof rating and line speed. It was an easy install. I did some tests and it works great. HF has coupons all the time so you could get it for $500-600.
I have a badlands 12K winch on my Bronco, I love it. Unlike what wizbang saying them being unreliable, I've never had it fail me, not like my friend's superwinch. In fact I pulled his Jeep out of a swamp only two weeks ago. The Badlands winch pulled so hard on the 16K rope, it shredded the internals of the rope. Buy a badlands winch, you won't regret it.
I have the previous version on this. I had to change the grease in the planetary gears, and seal up the control box. I had to get the remote separate, and get a cover for it. Now I need to contemplate getting one of these new ones. And after all of that. It's still a beast. I have literally pulled a small sunk boat out of the pond I live on.
@@brucehirsch5437 The bottom of the control box had these little "drain holes". And the top and bottom had no gasket between the halves. So....RTV to the rescue. Filled the narrow channel where the two halves met with RTV, let it set. Then screwed them together. The holes where covered with small pieces of Flex Tape (that stuff is ridiculously good). I also put in a high grade grease into the gears, cause the stuff it came with was a joke.
Great videos! On the power switch cut off... little story! We were at roush creek with our club from Connecticut and one of our members had a jk I was the vehicle right behind him and about 15 minutes into the morning trip he flexed on a trail and it started on fire! He had ran his positive cable between the radiator support support and frame... big fire but plenty of fire extinguishers and quick removal of positive terminal ending it... bad news was we had to pull him out! Fried his ECM... roush people connected him with a Jeep garage about an hour away and he was back on the trail with us on Saturday but a couple grand lighter🤦🏻♂️
I was not allowed to use my 20% coupon on this winch. Asked the manager and he said that I counldn't on any badland product. He even went a anounced it over the intercom.
5:00 in: and I did that exact same thing yesterday with a nut into the body of the Jeep with the doors off, had to remove rock slider, and 4 bolts from the front quarter panel to get it out.
1fsttoy Just an FYI, people are more likely to die from vehicle than a firearm.... PAY ATTENTION when using a vehicle... (/End Public Service Announcement)
I've had a badlands ZXR 12000 on my jeep and have actually used it more than I thought I would have. Never had one issue out of it except for the time that I pulled the cable completely out but that was 100% due to operator error.
jmjl1994 so I was looking at the zxr 12000 > the apex because of price and steel cable. How’s the water proofing on the xzr and do you prefer the steel cable I think I would? The only thing I like about the apex is the water proofing and wireless remote but I don’t think that’s worth the extra $300 if you’re saying the zxr 12k is decent.
@@Mtg_MoBrocks I havent had it submerged or anything but it's been used in pretty heavy rain and cold temperatures and hasn't had any issues yet. As for the cable, I like it so far. I havent had one with rope yet so I cant really compare the two. Everytime I use it though, I always clean it up when i get home and make sure that I respool it "correctly" (which basically I hook it up to a car and pull it up the hill to me) but that's more of me being a bit of a perfectionist but it also let's me inspect the entire cable so I know it's good to go the next time I need it.
One comment I'd like to make about the HF warranty: you can take the item back for ANY reason within the warranty period and get another one. The _only_ thing you would need to do is pay for another warranty. So, if a 2-year warranty costs $50 (I don't know what it actually costs, but I could see 10% being reasonable), every 2 years you get a brand new winch for $50. For the rest of your life. Seriously, I've never seen any warranty as good as HF has.
@@kpfeiffer8775 -- They sell both, but thanks for wasting everyone's time and attention childishly pointing out a simple spelling mistake. I bet you're the life of the party, right?
The only childishness is you getting butt hurt that someone pointed out your spelling error as a JOKE. I get it, spelling doesn’t matter to some people… they’re called stupid people.
I don't have the apex but the cheaper badlands zxr 12k lbs got for $280. I put it on a hitch mount to move around , put on synthetic rope, and a non metal fairlead. It works just fine and doesn't sit out in weather bring it in on the hitch mount. With the synthetic rope it doesnt bind up like a metal rope saving the motor . Apex look nice but if on a budget the zxr for under $300 is a deal too.
Thanks for the review Ben. I've been researching winches and this really helped narrow my decision down. HF has really stepped up their game with the introduction of this series of winches. For its included features, that are options on other brands, that price out about three to four times the sale price of the Apex of $500. Even at the MSRP of $750. it's hard to beat. I think I'll take a chance with the Apex.
2 things about the battery disconnect switch. I think Steven Toronto's comment probably explains why it was included. Previous winches started to draw power from the battery, then this is a cheap work around. I also think the disconnect would be very useful for those that mount this on a trailer. You can hook the winch to its own deep cycle battery and disconnect the battery when it's not in use.
Awesome dedication filming in the rain! I appreciated seeing the unboxing and test pull through the ditch. However, I think your comment about pulling up a grade was a bit misleading. The winch line wouldn't see the full weight of the vehicle until the vehicle was hanging vertically. Your points about pulling over rocks and out of deep mud were very accurate and the best reasons to buy what seems like an oversized winch. FWIW the doubling of line capacity with a snatch block does come with a halving of the speed. Better to be safe than fast!
Got the same on my Rubicon JL. It's a beast. Pulled a F-150 out the mud couple weeks back, not one issue. I wired mine to my aux switch too. I didn't Iike the battery switch either.
I was tempted to get this winch but I ended up getting the Smittybuilt X20 for a little cheaper. It is nice that the badland comes with a fairly thick fairlead, really helps with those angled pulls. It looks thicker than the factor 55 1.5" surprisingly.
Bought this winch a couple of months ago. Love it. Wanted to run something different and love the color scheme of it aswell. Not a fan of the looks of the Warn. Payed $500 for this when it was on sale regular price is $749 and comes with a lot of stuff.
I just picked up one of these a few months ago. Haven't had the chance to use it on the trails yet. Great to hear your opinions and thoughts on it. Thank you Ben for the international video. 😊👍
Great review! I've had mine for over a year now, many many uses during the time I purchased it and still working Great! Thank gawd I live in Montana! Never even noticed that their was a pandemic going on...the price you pay for living away from the crowds! Just the few of us and the coyotes roaming our wide open world!! Cheers!
Like a few others, I just installed this winch. I got mine once I saw a 20% discount coupon. It’s a great deal and one that I couldn’t pass up. Fit my Poison Spyder stubby, recessed bumper perfectly. I opted to install the disconnect switch. On my 2017 JK there was an unused bolt hole along the side wall near the battery. Used it and a 3x3 SS angle to mount the switch.
They make large 12v fuses or even circuit breakers for marine /rv applications. You do not need to isolate the battery with a switch in order to be safe in the event of a grounded wire.
I was just researching this winch two days ago. Looking at reviews, price comparison, etc. then this video popped up! Thank you. I think I’m sold. I have a Renegade Trailhawk and I think I’ll be getting this winch for it for sure.
I work an industrial job and my boss bought Bauer (HF brand) impacts and drills. WOW, they have lasted and they take a serious beating. Most stuff from HF is cheaply made, but it seems that Bauer is putting out some really good tools.
Had the old badlands winch for 4 years now, works great. Just have to let it cool down after 30 seconds. Its pulled me out 4 times and is totally worth it
Great information here Ben. I am in the market for a winch, and the Warn VR Evo 10 was my pick, but seeing this may change my mind. Both made in china... I'm looking forward to another review once the world situation changes.
I feel like this winch is the little brother to warn winches. And depending on your offroading adventures , I honestly believe this winche would suit many people very well, now if you're are doing a bunch of nonsense with it, or you are a very serious wheeler using a winch every weekend or more than normal, then snag something with more of a warranty or a name so u don't feel like u bought wranglers instead of Levi's, or it sounds like u need to re adjust your driving style or your vehicle, a winch serves a purpose and again just like any jeeps mods or builds , buy what suits your needs, great video man, and very tasteful Jeep collection.👍
That is a good looking and appears to be well built winch. I have used Badlands winches on my flatbed trailers and they always worked when they were needed to pull something up onto the trailer. As you stated earlier, inexpensive extended warranty and available in almost every city when/if needed.
My last Jeep outing a xj got really stuck in mud. To get it out we had to attach a jk with a 12,000lbs winch to a tree in the back and a snatch block on a tree in front and it still slid the jk sideways inline with the pull. A 9000 lbs winch tried before we did and couldn’t do it. Always buy a big winch if we all had small winches that Jeep would still be stuck there. We even ripped the back bumper mounts right off the frame trying to tow it backwards
Also winch ratings are only on the first spool full of wire. Every roll after the first, the load rating drops drastically so that 12k winch at 20 or 30 feet might only be pulling 9k or less
It looks like a winner, and it performs very good , the winch looks great and as most people only use a winch once in a while it should last a long time. Harbor Freight has a great design and a complete package with all of the options available. I would give it a try if I needed another winch
ive always wanted to run a winch but honestly i just love the way my truck looks stock and dont wanna change the bumper to make it winch friendly. super informative video about this winch though
With a different perspective... Having a higher rated winch makes sense, as over time as this units operating temperature might go up over time. No different than choosing a 3/8" inch breaker, or using a 1/2" inch breaker which is heavier plus longer making it easier to loosen things up. I'm undecided if I'm going to install another secondary (AGM) battery in a '89 XJ project which I have to decide if it's easier to do a rear bumper install, with an isolator and heavy fuses at both ends for safety. I also have a 2k watt inverter which one can use 120v 8A devices, such as my Kobalt 1/2 corded impact wrench and other such light duty tools anywhere. Watched this while drinking some coffee waiting for a break in the rain to do more Jeep maintenance, though I'd rather be out on the trail as the fair weather people stay home to complain about the rain here in Washington State. Thank you for the content coverage, as the project only has the dash and front seats installed and everything else has been stripped out with no rushing a completion time. So for seeing this at this moment is perfect as I am doing all my own work.
Ben, it's been about a year since you did this video. I'm considering a winch and this one is in the running. How about an update based upon using this winch for a year?
When I had a winch on my XJ, I had the winch power hooked up to a solenoid that could handle the amp load. I could turn the power on and off from a switch inside the vehicle. In case there was wreck I didn’t want all that current being live.
Didn't even need to watch, just liked it. Have been waiting for a real review on this for a while now! On a side note, it looks pretty dang similar to the warn china series.
That battery disconnect can prevent an electrical fire if that positive power winch wire gets pinched during an accident. I have the same battery disconnect and turn on power to the winch before heading into the trail, and turn it off while air up the tires.
Good review Ben! I never really considered the badlands series winch from hearing bad reviews about the earlier generations. I will be interested if you do a review in a year after using it a good amount!
People always badmouth anything that is harbor freight. My dad's had the 12k badlands on his tj for a couple years now. I've been considering one for my dodge dakota.
Thomas Mcmullen I was in a pinch and needed to throw a winch on my jeep and ended up picking one up. I’ve used it twice now and it has gotten the job done so I have no complaints so far. And it it nice all the extra components it comes with!
Love your videos! Extremely informative and really like that you test the product and give instant feedback. This is why I subscribed to you and reasons why you’re #1 in jeep parts reviewing IMO! 😁 Keep it up brotha!
Obs Ford crew cab short box I’ve had this winch since it came out works great the extra length of rope is very handy it’s pulled me off of some logs in the snow here in Michigan so far very happy with it
What. That is a good deal! I really like the bracket cables to mount the control box elsewhere. I picked up a Smittybilt last year and had to make everything myself. Wasn't a huge deal but that's definitely a nice touch.
They recommend 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle but I always did 2 times the weight of the vehicle for the same reasons you mentioned. I also like to have more than enough over not enough. Never know when you will do a rescue of a bigger vehicle than what you have.
Harbor freight winches are actually really good if you take the first step and set them up right, re-seal/lub/grease them correctly from the start. They get a lot of bad rap from non-users and from people that don't really know how to use a winch. I've had the original 12k winch from harbor freight for over 5 years before the brushes wore out. I replaced them, and it's still in-service for me today. A little note, most of harbor freights biggest winch problems came from their inline winch protection fuse block to the battery (and not the actual winch)....... That they supplied with their winches. These would cause power issues, and early power cut off to the winch because of fuse overheating issues. They would burn out and cause the winch to become weak when pulling even on flat ground, or not to work at all. Simple fix, buy an aftermarket fuse block. Personally, I've owned almost all their winches and still do, and really like them. Yes I've used faster line speed name-brand winches, with bigger drums, but at an extremely higher price for those 2 comfort's. And harbor freight actually has really good rated cable/rope/synthetic lines when it comes to cable strength ........ If you look it up on the International Cable Chart online, compaired to other companies and the cables they use.
Another great video brother!! I have been thinking about getting this badlands to put on my gladiator but I also like warn 10,000lb. It’s just cheaper for the 12,000lb badlands. After having both...which would you buy for gladiator??
Just picked up my 12k Badlands, not the Apex. My first winch, hopefully it's there when I need it!! Perfect for my pricepoint. Thanks for the review. Thoughts on the regular Badlands 12k?
4 года назад
Hit or miss. If you're with a group where you don't mind if it fails then its a good winch. If you're gonna depend on it then no. Some of them are DOA and some work well. Lots of mixed reviews. I wouldn't buy one. Maybe the apex
I have been looking at getting a winch but just didn't want to pull the trigger after watching your video now I know i need this one. Now to find a bumper put the winch on.😁😁😁
Quite a few people have asked what Cassie’s channel is, ruclips.net/channel/UCe97sOxRwtz6PTN_QGfIPBg
And stay tuned for further Offroad testing videos! Either on her channel or this one. Thanks for watching!
I am new to owning a Jeep i have a 2002 liberty 4×4 and i know nothing about lift kits what would you recommend?
Please subscribe to my Jeep channel! Going to add Cassie's channel too.
I put a 100 amp fuse at the battery for my winch.
Overkill for my little winch. But if there's a dead short of the wiring it will blow the fuse right at the battery.
After watching your video and everything I could find on the APEX winch this is the one I went with. I highly recommend getting the warranty. 👍🏼
Ironically I've watched Cassie's LS swap video before I have even though of purchasing the Badlands 12,000# winch. Both her video on the LS swap and your video on the HF winch were great! Thank you for your out of the box install review!
I've had the Apex for several months and used it quite a bit with no problems.. I really like it so far.
How is it after a year Chad?
@@michael102 I still use it quite often and really like it and I have had zero problems.
Harbor Freight is going through a lot of changes lately hopefully they bring back some of the great coupon deals they use to have.
499 this weekend
Prices will continue to rise on Chinese imports as they eliminate American competition.
@@michael102 thanks to Brandon 👍👍
Got mine for $475 lady month in Seattle
450 here. Finally got it in the bumper yesterday.
Running the winch in the rain is great until you slip in the mud and lose your glasses only to find out a dilophosaurus is sitting in your passenger seat.
Underrated comment 😂
And lose your shaving cream
Hahaha Hahaha 😅
Well we're back in the car again
Got em with the old Jurassic park
This winch is PHENOMENAL!!! I have the 12k lb winch on my Gladiator. I used it first to help a buddy hoist a culvert into slide position for his son’s treehouse. Then I pulled a 6" diameter tree off a trail. Finally, I used it at least a dozen times to move through deep snow and turn the Gladiator around 180*. It pulls out easily, goes back on fine and more than easily handles the weight of the Gladiator.
I was taught to always be watching the spool of the winch when pulling. It takes very little angle to get it to wind on one side of the spool and start to operate outside the proper diameter. If you are alone and have to use it the way you demonstrated, get out every 10 feet and check. Reset if needed.
I had a 9500 lbs badlands winch from 2016 for 3 years and it held up very nicely, took trees out of the road pulled huge trucks out of the ocean, pulled people out of the mud ect. And it never quit, I think badland winches are a little underrated just because of their price and that they don't come from an official offroad company.
Josh Drendel it’s funny because the older badlands from HF are identical rebranded smitybuilt winches
I used My Badlands winch every day pulled 5 car or better a day died after 3 years n I abused it every day pulled even what I shouldn't have been pulling. I'm replacing it with another one highly recommended it
Mine lasted a year…barely used
@@dieselram05 warn sucker
Thanks for reviewing. I just bought the Apex because my old HF Badlands 12000 started drawing power down from the battery. That winch was with me for 5 years and performed multiple life and equipment saving pulls over those years in the Rockies, Moab, and the Rubicon. So people can say what they want about badlands but I had one that paid itself off 100 fold and expect the Apex to perform well also. It comes with some very nice add ons in the box and feels like a great value. Like with any winch I hope to never need it but I’m confident it will perform when the time comes. As confident as I would be with any other new out of the box brand on the first few hard pulls, you just never know till you know.
The ultimate test is hooking it up in a tree and pulling the Jeep up of the ground, we hooked ours up to the bottom of a train bridge and pulled it completely off the ground, fun times. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Would be badass to watch
And pull the tree on to the Jeep...brilliant
Ha ha now thats one way to get hang time,bigg air.heck,just leave it way up there,they make good bird houses.
I had mine for 6 months now. Used it several time and it works really great honestly.
cowboy Herrera how much did you get it for? And how much did the protection plan cost you?
Don’t forget the duty cycle, which is ignored by just about everybody. The badlands 12000 has a 45 second duty cycle, which means you can only operate it for 45 seconds then you have to let it cool down for 11 minutes. Nobody likes to do that. Everybody will push the envelope and many times it will burn thiswinch. All winches have duty cycles. 45 seconds is t long enough to get an average car into a car trailer in one go, just to put into perspective
Like said before, just turn on the power disconnect switch when you hit the trail. I think it's a great to to have in line to the winch.
I have this winch, like you said they set the bar high with the waterproof rating and line speed. It was an easy install. I did some tests and it works great. HF has coupons all the time so you could get it for $500-600.
What coupons? I never see any that work on the apex winch
Yep. I used a 25% off yesterday. OTD price, $526
I got one yesterday, $480 with a 20 percent off coupon.
I have a badlands 12K winch on my Bronco, I love it. Unlike what wizbang saying them being unreliable, I've never had it fail me, not like my friend's superwinch. In fact I pulled his Jeep out of a swamp only two weeks ago. The Badlands winch pulled so hard on the 16K rope, it shredded the internals of the rope. Buy a badlands winch, you won't regret it.
I have the previous version on this. I had to change the grease in the planetary gears, and seal up the control box. I had to get the remote separate, and get a cover for it. Now I need to contemplate getting one of these new ones. And after all of that. It's still a beast. I have literally pulled a small sunk boat out of the pond I live on.
@ well. You obviously knew what he meant though. And I am willing to bet so will/has everyone else who read his comment.
I have the older model too. The non APEX one. How did you seal up the control box? Thought it was already sealed?
@ Yes. That's what I ment.
@@brucehirsch5437 The bottom of the control box had these little "drain holes". And the top and bottom had no gasket between the halves. So....RTV to the rescue. Filled the narrow channel where the two halves met with RTV, let it set. Then screwed them together. The holes where covered with small pieces of Flex Tape (that stuff is ridiculously good). I also put in a high grade grease into the gears, cause the stuff it came with was a joke.
@ Damn dude, don't suffocate on the smell of your own farts there.
I mounted the Apex onto our Jeep back in February and used it extensively in February and it works well!!
My experience with HF is that I get either a Wednesday built tool, or a Friday built tool.
Norsefalconer
Meaning great design with inconsistent (or no) Quality Control....
@Oskar Dirlewanger and NO Margaritta Mondays or taco Tuesdays!
Great videos! On the power switch cut off... little story! We were at roush creek with our club from Connecticut and one of our members had a jk I was the vehicle right behind him and about 15 minutes into the morning trip he flexed on a trail and it started on fire! He had ran his positive cable between the radiator support support and frame... big fire but plenty of fire extinguishers and quick removal of positive terminal ending it... bad news was we had to pull him out! Fried his ECM... roush people connected him with a Jeep garage about an hour away and he was back on the trail with us on Saturday but a couple grand lighter🤦🏻♂️
That power disconnect might be a good antitheft device for the jeep itself. Hide the cutoff somewhere you can access easily, but not in plain view.
I agree that it needs a cover to protect the synthetic line from sunlight UV. Good value.
It is so cool watching you and your wife working with the tools! Thanks
Thanks for hanging out in the rain for that test! 😆
I no joke was looking to buy this today. There is a 20% off coupon and it seemed to have everything I would need. Thanks for posting the video!
holnugget there was a 25% Mother’s Day coupon today! And I’m broke...
Don't forget, you can add the coupons to the "everything off in the store" sales. That's how I buy Harbor Freight stuff.
I just bought one a few weeks ago with the coupon, It was only around 600 bucks with the 2 year, no questions asked warranty.
All the coupons I have seen exclude the winches.
I was not allowed to use my 20% coupon on this winch. Asked the manager and he said that I counldn't on any badland product. He even went a anounced it over the intercom.
5:00 in: and I did that exact same thing yesterday with a nut into the body of the Jeep with the doors off, had to remove rock slider, and 4 bolts from the front quarter panel to get it out.
If it was me, it would still be there!
I’m a fan of the wireless remotes ever since I ran over my remote cord and snapped it in half while not paying attention...
Oops!
1fsttoy
Just an FYI, people are more likely to die from vehicle than a firearm.... PAY ATTENTION when using a vehicle...
(/End Public Service Announcement)
I've had a badlands ZXR 12000 on my jeep and have actually used it more than I thought I would have. Never had one issue out of it except for the time that I pulled the cable completely out but that was 100% due to operator error.
jmjl1994 so I was looking at the zxr 12000 > the apex because of price and steel cable. How’s the water proofing on the xzr and do you prefer the steel cable I think I would? The only thing I like about the apex is the water proofing and wireless remote but I don’t think that’s worth the extra $300 if you’re saying the zxr 12k is decent.
@@Mtg_MoBrocks I havent had it submerged or anything but it's been used in pretty heavy rain and cold temperatures and hasn't had any issues yet. As for the cable, I like it so far. I havent had one with rope yet so I cant really compare the two. Everytime I use it though, I always clean it up when i get home and make sure that I respool it "correctly" (which basically I hook it up to a car and pull it up the hill to me) but that's more of me being a bit of a perfectionist but it also let's me inspect the entire cable so I know it's good to go the next time I need it.
jmjl1994 perfect I think I’m going to go with the zxr 12k it’s $200 less and it says there is a wireless remote also.
One thing I did find on this winch, the chrome plating on the spool lever does not like snow/salt if you live in a snowbelt state.
Can you remove it and maybe have it powder coated? Or is a fixed part? Im curious because I live in north Ohio and hate rust lol.
@@brutallyhonestmf5578 idk, I haven't tried yet. That might be a good idea though.
One comment I'd like to make about the HF warranty: you can take the item back for ANY reason within the warranty period and get another one. The _only_ thing you would need to do is pay for another warranty. So, if a 2-year warranty costs $50 (I don't know what it actually costs, but I could see 10% being reasonable), every 2 years you get a brand new winch for $50. For the rest of your life. Seriously, I've never seen any warranty as good as HF has.
I think we would all love a new wench every two years, but i think they sell winches :(
@@kpfeiffer8775 -- They sell both, but thanks for wasting everyone's time and attention childishly pointing out a simple spelling mistake. I bet you're the life of the party, right?
@@kpfeiffer8775you must be a fun person to be around smooth brain
A 2 year on the apex 12k is like 250 bucks but will save ya haveing to replace a almost 750$ Winch
The only childishness is you getting butt hurt that someone pointed out your spelling error as a JOKE. I get it, spelling doesn’t matter to some people… they’re called stupid people.
I don't have the apex but the cheaper badlands zxr 12k lbs got for $280. I put it on a hitch mount to move around , put on synthetic rope, and a non metal fairlead. It works just fine and doesn't sit out in weather bring it in on the hitch mount. With the synthetic rope it doesnt bind up like a metal rope saving the motor . Apex look nice but if on a budget the zxr for under $300 is a deal too.
Steel is bettrt
If only there was a Harbor Frieght near me in Anchorage, Alaska. Looks like a good package for not a bad price
Thanks for the review Ben. I've been researching winches and this really helped narrow my decision down. HF has really stepped up their game with the introduction of this series of winches. For its included features, that are options on other brands, that price out about three to four times the sale price of the Apex of $500. Even at the MSRP of $750. it's hard to beat. I think I'll take a chance with the Apex.
Web Dev does the Smittybuilt come as a 12,000 pound with synthetic line and a wireless (or wired) remote?
2 things about the battery disconnect switch. I think Steven Toronto's comment probably explains why it was included. Previous winches started to draw power from the battery, then this is a cheap work around. I also think the disconnect would be very useful for those that mount this on a trailer. You can hook the winch to its own deep cycle battery and disconnect the battery when it's not in use.
Love my apex winch has gotten me out of multiple pinches already! Great winch reviewed it and thumbs up 👍🏽
I been waiting on someone to do a honest review on this witch thanks Ben.
Awesome dedication filming in the rain! I appreciated seeing the unboxing and test pull through the ditch. However, I think your comment about pulling up a grade was a bit misleading. The winch line wouldn't see the full weight of the vehicle until the vehicle was hanging vertically. Your points about pulling over rocks and out of deep mud were very accurate and the best reasons to buy what seems like an oversized winch. FWIW the doubling of line capacity with a snatch block does come with a halving of the speed. Better to be safe than fast!
Got the same on my Rubicon JL. It's a beast. Pulled a F-150 out the mud couple weeks back, not one issue. I wired mine to my aux switch too. I didn't Iike the battery switch either.
I was tempted to get this winch but I ended up getting the Smittybuilt X20 for a little cheaper. It is nice that the badland comes with a fairly thick fairlead, really helps with those angled pulls. It looks thicker than the factor 55 1.5" surprisingly.
HAHA i did that too on my APEX. Dropped the ground nut into the case. the winch was installed too.
One thing I wish it came with is a cover. synthetic winch line degrades from sun light. My winch is in the bumper so not a huge deal for me.
Bought this winch a couple of months ago. Love it. Wanted to run something different and love the color scheme of it aswell. Not a fan of the looks of the Warn. Payed $500 for this when it was on sale regular price is $749 and comes with a lot of stuff.
I just picked up one of these a few months ago. Haven't had the chance to use it on the trails yet.
Great to hear your opinions and thoughts on it. Thank you Ben for the international video. 😊👍
Great review! I've had mine for over a year now, many many uses during the time I purchased it and still working Great! Thank gawd I live in Montana! Never even noticed that their was a pandemic going on...the price you pay for living away from the crowds! Just the few of us and the coyotes roaming our wide open world!! Cheers!
Like a few others, I just installed this winch. I got mine once I saw a 20% discount coupon. It’s a great deal and one that I couldn’t pass up. Fit my Poison Spyder stubby, recessed bumper perfectly. I opted to install the disconnect switch. On my 2017 JK there was an unused bolt hole along the side wall near the battery. Used it and a 3x3 SS angle to mount the switch.
They make large 12v fuses or even circuit breakers for marine /rv applications. You do not need to isolate the battery with a switch in order to be safe in the event of a grounded wire.
i like the idea of using the moving blanket in your work space
I was just researching this winch two days ago. Looking at reviews, price comparison, etc. then this video popped up! Thank you. I think I’m sold. I have a Renegade Trailhawk and I think I’ll be getting this winch for it for sure.
Tha hard-core sales job is in full force. It's too bad that American manufacturers cannot compete
against sweatshop labor and price dumping.
@11:40 Ahh Chaffing gear, we used much larger ones in the Navy on our mooring lines.
Shut up, shoe.
@@sbcbaits994 Why would I listen to a polywog?
Thanks, great video. I would pit the battery cut-off in the hood, but turn it on before trial, part of being prepared.
I was surprised that you didn't unwind ALL of the winch rope the first time, then wind the lot in under tension?
I work an industrial job and my boss bought Bauer (HF brand) impacts and drills. WOW, they have lasted and they take a serious beating. Most stuff from HF is cheaply made, but it seems that Bauer is putting out some really good tools.
Yep! I’ve been using their impact for a while now and it’s held up great.
A good rule of thumb is take the weight of your vehicle and double it because mud is sticky
Thumbs up for filming in the rain!
Had the old badlands winch for 4 years now, works great. Just have to let it cool down after 30 seconds. Its pulled me out 4 times and is totally worth it
Great information here Ben. I am in the market for a winch, and the Warn VR Evo 10 was my pick, but seeing this may change my mind. Both made in china... I'm looking forward to another review once the world situation changes.
I may need to get a Harbor freight winch that thing looks 🔥. Great Video Ben!
I have it on my jku and it's pretty freaking nice and works every time i need it too
I feel like this winch is the little brother to warn winches. And depending on your offroading adventures , I honestly believe this winche would suit many people very well, now if you're are doing a bunch of nonsense with it, or you are a very serious wheeler using a winch every weekend or more than normal, then snag something with more of a warranty or a name so u don't feel like u bought wranglers instead of Levi's, or it sounds like u need to re adjust your driving style or your vehicle, a winch serves a purpose and again just like any jeeps mods or builds , buy what suits your needs, great video man, and very tasteful Jeep collection.👍
That is a good looking and appears to be well built winch. I have used Badlands winches on my flatbed trailers and they always worked when they were needed to pull something up onto the trailer. As you stated earlier, inexpensive extended warranty and available in almost every city when/if needed.
My last Jeep outing a xj got really stuck in mud. To get it out we had to attach a jk with a 12,000lbs winch to a tree in the back and a snatch block on a tree in front and it still slid the jk sideways inline with the pull. A 9000 lbs winch tried before we did and couldn’t do it. Always buy a big winch if we all had small winches that Jeep would still be stuck there. We even ripped the back bumper mounts right off the frame trying to tow it backwards
Thanks for the video, I just purchased one of these and I plan on installing it on the Gladiator when I get home in a few weeks.
I’ve been looking at this winch for a bit. Thank you for making a video on it!
Ayyye! That's the first winch I've ever owned. Just I stalled it a few weeks ago.
Iron Standard me too lol
Wait, shouldn't this be on Cassie's channel? I wanna keep Jeepin classy!
I had a Bandlands 12K pound winch on my Suburban. Worked great, never an issue with it.
Thanks for the review, I just bought one and looking forward to it. Love your channels, keep up the good work.
Also winch ratings are only on the first spool full of wire. Every roll after the first, the load rating drops drastically so that 12k winch at 20 or 30 feet might only be pulling 9k or less
It looks like a winner, and it performs very good , the winch looks great and as most people only use a winch once in a while it should last a long time. Harbor Freight has a great design and a complete package with all of the options available. I would give it a try if I needed another winch
Thanks for sharing, thank you Ron, from rural life with Ron for bringing me here.
ive always wanted to run a winch but honestly i just love the way my truck looks stock and dont wanna change the bumper to make it winch friendly. super informative video about this winch though
Matts off road uses them on all their rigs and they do this for a living. That was all I needed to know
Just scored one with a wireless remote for $150
With a different perspective... Having a higher rated winch makes sense, as over time as this units operating temperature might go up over time. No different than choosing a 3/8" inch breaker, or using a 1/2" inch breaker which is heavier plus longer making it easier to loosen things up. I'm undecided if I'm going to install another secondary (AGM) battery in a '89 XJ project which I have to decide if it's easier to do a rear bumper install, with an isolator and heavy fuses at both ends for safety. I also have a 2k watt inverter which one can use 120v 8A devices, such as my Kobalt 1/2 corded impact wrench and other such light duty tools anywhere. Watched this while drinking some coffee waiting for a break in the rain to do more Jeep maintenance, though I'd rather be out on the trail as the fair weather people stay home to complain about the rain here in Washington State. Thank you for the content coverage, as the project only has the dash and front seats installed and everything else has been stripped out with no rushing a completion time. So for seeing this at this moment is perfect as I am doing all my own work.
Ben, it's been about a year since you did this video. I'm considering a winch and this one is in the running. How about an update based upon using this winch for a year?
When I had a winch on my XJ, I had the winch power hooked up to a solenoid that could handle the amp load. I could turn the power on and off from a switch inside the vehicle. In case there was wreck I didn’t want all that current being live.
Thanks Ben! This came out after I had picked up my SB winch, but I did just go grab the hook this winch comes with to replace my SB one!
Didn't even need to watch, just liked it. Have been waiting for a real review on this for a while now! On a side note, it looks pretty dang similar to the warn china series.
That battery disconnect can prevent an electrical fire if that positive power winch wire gets pinched during an accident. I have the same battery disconnect and turn on power to the winch before heading into the trail, and turn it off while air up the tires.
Good review Ben! I never really considered the badlands series winch from hearing bad reviews about the earlier generations. I will be interested if you do a review in a year after using it a good amount!
People always badmouth anything that is harbor freight. My dad's had the 12k badlands on his tj for a couple years now. I've been considering one for my dodge dakota.
Thomas Mcmullen I was in a pinch and needed to throw a winch on my jeep and ended up picking one up. I’ve used it twice now and it has gotten the job done so I have no complaints so far. And it it nice all the extra components it comes with!
Thomas Mcmullen Not sure but I heard Warn makes those
Love your videos! Extremely informative and really like that you test the product and give instant feedback. This is why I subscribed to you and reasons why you’re #1 in jeep parts reviewing IMO! 😁 Keep it up brotha!
That LJ is awesome with its new engine. Makes me want one. Badlands winch seems very adequate perhaps even overkill for that rig.
Obs Ford crew cab short box I’ve had this winch since it came out works great the extra length of rope is very handy it’s pulled me off of some logs in the snow here in Michigan so far very happy with it
What. That is a good deal! I really like the bracket cables to mount the control box elsewhere. I picked up a Smittybilt last year and had to make everything myself. Wasn't a huge deal but that's definitely a nice touch.
They recommend 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle but I always did 2 times the weight of the vehicle for the same reasons you mentioned. I also like to have more than enough over not enough. Never know when you will do a rescue of a bigger vehicle than what you have.
Harbor freight winches are actually really good if you take the first step and set them up right, re-seal/lub/grease them correctly from the start. They get a lot of bad rap from non-users and from people that don't really know how to use a winch. I've had the original 12k winch from harbor freight for over 5 years before the brushes wore out. I replaced them, and it's still in-service for me today. A little note, most of harbor freights biggest winch problems came from their inline winch protection fuse block to the battery (and not the actual winch)....... That they supplied with their winches. These would cause power issues, and early power cut off to the winch because of fuse overheating issues. They would burn out and cause the winch to become weak when pulling even on flat ground, or not to work at all. Simple fix, buy an aftermarket fuse block. Personally, I've owned almost all their winches and still do, and really like them. Yes I've used faster line speed name-brand winches, with bigger drums, but at an extremely higher price for those 2 comfort's. And harbor freight actually has really good rated cable/rope/synthetic lines when it comes to cable strength ........ If you look it up on the International Cable Chart online, compaired to other companies and the cables they use.
Can’t wait for the follow up video! Very curious to see if it last.
Great point with replacement and availability! I need a 12K for my Land Cruiser build and the price point is seriously tempting. Thanks!
Are you going to do a long term review video on that winch ? That would be so cool !
I put it on my JLU with an arcus front bumper and this winch is huge! Had to squeeze it in. It seems to be built well.
Thanks for the information. This is one of the winches I'm looking at putting on my Jeep Cherokee XJ when I get it ready for a winch.
I have been curious about this winch. I wouldn't be afraid to run it. 👍🏽👍🏽💯
Can’t wait to see how it does in the real world.
Vin JK Diesel a caveman friend has smoked two of em, but the store stands behind it.
Third ones going good.
I bought one today thanks for the review I haven't heard anything bad yet about this winch it's been all good or great
Works good, buddy got it on his xj. I got stuck in 3 foot of snow and my jk is very heavy, have exo roof rack and rtt xl. He pulled me out. No problem
Another great video brother!! I have been thinking about getting this badlands to put on my gladiator but I also like warn 10,000lb. It’s just cheaper for the 12,000lb badlands. After having both...which would you buy for gladiator??
Great job,will those also bolt on the enclosed winch bumpers,like for the Tacoma??
Just picked up my 12k Badlands, not the Apex. My first winch, hopefully it's there when I need it!! Perfect for my pricepoint. Thanks for the review. Thoughts on the regular Badlands 12k?
Hit or miss. If you're with a group where you don't mind if it fails then its a good winch. If you're gonna depend on it then no. Some of them are DOA and some work well. Lots of mixed reviews. I wouldn't buy one. Maybe the apex
I have the old one on my 94 yj I've used it a lot and still going strong after 3 yrs. Never let me down yet
Great video! What bumper is that?
Great video!! BTW, what kind of video camera did you use to shoot this?
I'm thinking about getting this winch. Have you thought about doing a review after two years, or did I miss it?
It is worth it get.it on sale though
I have been looking at getting a winch but just didn't want to pull the trigger after watching your video now I know i need this one. Now to find a bumper put the winch on.😁😁😁