Bill Beers
Explorer
Bill, the empirical results did put the 12.0 first, as you said.
However, as you know, empirical results are only one facet of overall performance. Two of the 12.0's high empirical finishes resulted from its impressive weight-to-power and weight-to-line-speed ratio. But was we saw, there are legitimate questions as to the reserve strength of the 12.0's construction, so those finishes come with a caveat, and that figured into the conclusions.
On the other hand, look at the poor empirical performance of the Husky. Yet it is inarguably one of the most reliable and durable winches on the market, and deserves more consideration than those low numbers would suggest.
Agreed, on all points. Moab Jeeper did a comprehensive test in 2007: Winches in Hell, and like the OJ test, they had their share of issues come up too. Had the 12.0 been in that test, it would have DNF'd.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the 12.0 does long term. Any chance of seeing how the others do long term? Maybe with Gear Issue 2010 reunion? Not a full test, but more of an "how did it do over a year of use," article.
-Bill