WoW quite the discussion. Seems there are as many opinions as there are brands.
I haven't read this article because my OJ hasn't arrived yet (the usual situation when you live in an remote expanse like Kanukistan) as the snow is too deep for the dog sled to deliver it. So my comments are only to the general reason as to why one would have a winch that does what it is supposed to.
I look at it as a winch (any brand) is just like an insurance policy (unless you are in competition or you love mud bogging and getting stuck, you need a separate rider for that! - like a spare or be close to to others who have one that does work when you need it) and is used primarily as a "just-in-case" situation. An insurance policy, rarely gets used but when you need it, well enough said.
I travel extensively on my own (solo as few have time like I do - thanks Targa88) to some very remote areas/regions and rely on my winch to get me out of a stupid situation, I have gotten myself into. So far that has happened only twice and let's hope it stays that way. The winch paid for itself right then and there!
I use my winch as a last resort, ALWAYS! It is there when nothing else will do. I prefer to use tow straps first as they are easier to work with, quicker and 9/10 they do the trick. Always leaves my winch for just-in-case. Further, when I do have to use my winch (in solo situations there is no other choice), I always use at least one snatch block if not more. Gives me more room for error (over pull/maxing out, etc.), easier on the motor (actually on everything) and the winch doesn't have to work so hard, less stress on all parts, etc. and the winch is still in good order for the next time. Plus, why buy a snatch block if you don't use it every time? I currently have two, one old and one new (thanks JJ) both ARBs and they both work great.
I have a Warn M8000 24V with Amsteel blue 125' line. Synthetic besides beibng safer,l lighter, floating, etc., it is easier to manage when it is only you, stuck in a sand dune near Laguna Diablo, Baja, it is over +40C outside and you're about 25 kms from San Felipe. Glad a Pachycormus discolor or Bursera microphylla (not sure which but I call them Elephant Trees) was just in reach of my then stock wire cable. It was during this trip that I decided to get synthetic, as the cable was way too cumbersome (sand, heat, sweat) to maneuver. I rewarded myself with a couple of muy fria Negro Modelo in San Felipe afterward!
My rig weighs around 6000 lbs when I am expedition ready for a couple of months. I have pulled (my 73 series and a dead 4runner) way over (12000 lbs at 10% grade in snow) the M8000 recommended rating with no adverse effect and yes it got a bit warm - great for warming your hands - took over 2 hours to get up the hill.
These tests are great for giving the non-professional, week-end warrior, expedition type, yes us newbies as well, an indication of what these contraptions will do when required to put them to the test. Money well spent given in three years I have used mine and only twice to pull myself out of a bad situation.
Considering what some folks spend on auto insurance, AAA (nope they won't help you where you need a winch) and the like, a winch is the most inexpensive and fun insurance I have ever gotten, beats life insurance hands down. Imagine paying for something and never getting any benefit? I digress...
These gear tests in OJ, as well as the gear reviews/recommendations throughout the 4 issues and the annual gear review, put these authors, these self-proclaimed gear testers, in the scrutiny of the readers (yup that's us) and don't think for a moment, that they are not setting themselves up to our comments/criticisms. From what I have read since the journals inception, they have done an outstanding job (no "brown-nosing" intended) of reviewing and testing expedition equipment that we have all asked for and all want to see and know about (hopefully before we buy it) to make a much more informed decision on whether to include these items in our arsenal of "get-me-out-of-a-jam or creature comforts. Some of you have pointed out that no test is perfect, you're quite right! These tests are merely an indication of how much the product lives up to its marketing claims, that's all! Every product has its lemons, ones that do not live up to the claim (human error, test procedure error, manufacturing error, blame it on what you like). But now you know what they can do in similar situations that we all put them through, and that's the point!
Well done lads! I look forward to more of the same quality!
