X-Bull Winch Reviews (2020 Updated)

Whether you are a four-wheeling machine or someone that simply enjoys life on the off-road, you are always going to need access to the right tools. Not only will the right tools keep you safe and on the trail, but they will allow you to utilize your vehicle to the fullest. While there are tons of off-road tools available, it is the winch that will handiest. What makes the situation even more dire and difficult is that there are tons of winch manufacturers available. All are going to promise different features and different prospects, but which one of these manufacturers can actually deliver?

If you’ve been doing your research you’ve likely come across a company called X-Bull. This company has a long line of winches and have been manufacturing them for a long time, but can they actually deliver on what they promise? And which of their products are the best? That is exactly what this guide is going to look at. Just remember when buying a winch it is extremely important to consider your vehicle’s current capacity. As a rule of thumb, you always want to go with a winch that offers at least 1.5 times your rigs gross vehicle weight rating. You can always go bigger, but you’ll never want to go under. Since getting stuck in the mud is a real possibility, it’ll best to double your vehicle’s gross weight. This will just ensure that you have the torque and power to need at your fingertips.

Top 5 Reviews

1. X-Bull 12V 13000lb Synthetic Rope Winch

When you are out there on the off-roads it isn’t a matter of if you are going to get stuck. No, it is a matter of when you are going to get stuck. Heck, getting stuck is just half the fun, as long as you got the right tools to get you other. The right tools will not only make the entire situation more exciting, but it will furthermore make it more interesting. When your SUV or truck is equipped with the X-Bull 12 V Synthetic Rope Winch, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck. In fact, you’ll be hoping that you get stuck just so you can utilize this winch. This winch has features that’ll be able to pull you free in just a matter of minutes in a variety of situations. Regardless of the terrain, this winch will keep you moving so that you can keep on having fun.

All Weatherproof

The first thing you need to know about the X-Bull Synthetic Rope Winch is that it is complete all weatherproof. This doesn’t just mean waterproof. It means dustproof, lighting proof, waterproof, and all weatherproof. There is literally nothing that you can throw at this winch to hurt it. It also comes with a handy and beautiful X-Bull cover that you can stick on the winch when you are not using it. This cover not only enhances the overall appearance, but it protects against dirt and other debris.

Massive Capacity With Great Gear Ratio And Powerful Motor

Capacity and gear ratios aren’t going to be a problem with this winch. In fact, this bad boy boasts an impressive 13,000 pounds capacity with a three-stage planetary gear system. This system was designed to specifically provide faster linear speed and lower traction when placed under a load. You’ll get anywhere from 25.3 to 26 feet per minute for no-load and 7 feet per minute when placed under a full load. This should be more than enough to handle anything that your SUV or truck runs into.

Mounting Dimensions

Unfortunately, the Synthetic Rope Winch won’t fit every SUV or truck out there, but it will sync right up with most. That being said, you’ll want to do some figuring and measuring before ordering. The outsize of the winch is 20.8 in length x 6.5 in width x 10.24 in height. It features a mounting bolt system of 1.00 + 0.015 x 4.50 + 0.010 with a 3/8 synthetic rope of 80 feet.

2. X-Bull 12V 12000lb Synthetic Rope Electric Winch (Old Version)

Impressed with the winch above? Well, it is going to be more than hard not to be impressed with this one as well. Considering that the one above was modeled after this one. Although this one is the older version of the two, it still boasts some similar features that make it well worth the consideration. First, just look at the power rating. This model also features a state of the art 500 AMP solenoid that is not on waterproof with an IP67 rating, but it can also handle 13,000 pounds. This is literally enough to pull another vehicle out of the trenches if needed. And, it doesn’t just stop there.

Latest Generation Wireless Technology

You learned that the model above came with a wireless remote that gives the user the ability to operate the winch remotely. Well, that idea came from this model. This model also has that feature. In fact, it comes with the latest generation of wireless remote controls that are suitable and compatible with all the latest X-Bull Winches. You could use the same technology for both models.

3-Stage Planetary Gear System

Another thing that this and the system above have in common is the gear ratio system. Both boast a system with a 3-stage planetary drive. With a gear ration of 265:1, you won’t have a problem getting yourself out of the deepest ruts. There is also a clutch sliding ring gear with a drum size diameter of 2.5 inches. The cable size is 85 feet with a 3/8 inch diameter and a synthetic design. The recommended battery for the setup is a 650CCA at the least.

Lightweight Rope

Most people would think that you need a heavy-duty cable when it comes to a winch. This isn’t always the case and you’ll find that clear with this winch. While it can handle any situation imaginable, it only boasts a Dyneema that is about 1/10th the weight of a traditional steel rope. How does this help? It reduces the overall weight of the winch by about 20 pounds, but still provides the durability and strength that you need to tow and pull. In fact, the strength of this cable is rated at about 10 times that of a traditional steel rope. It offers excellent bending fatigue, is abrasion resistant, and offers the utmost in UV protection as well as chemical resistance. The rope is also safer than traditional steel in the event that it breaks or snaps.

Mounting Boat Pattern

The winch features a mounting bolt pattern of 10.00 + 0.015 inches x 4.50 + 0.010 inches with overall dimensions of 20.8 inches x 6.5 inches x 10.24 inches.

3. X-Bull 12V 12000lb Steel Cable Electric Winch

While this model only boasts a capacity of 12,000 pounds, it still offers the big power and durability that you’ll need out there in the wilderness. This model also comes with a steel cable that measures 9.5mm x 26mm and offers extreme resilience. This model is an electric model and offers features backed with a design that’ll come in handy for both the expert and beginner off-roader.

Small And Compact Design

When most people think about a winch, they tend to think of a big design. While there is no denying that a big design can offer big power, it isn’t something that is always needed. Especially not when you have access to a small and compact winch like this that can handle most trucks and SUVs. Heck, with this winch, you won’t have a problem pulling yourself up any hill or out of any culvert. With dimensions of 23.6 x 9.45 x 13.78 inches, you won’t have to worry about this winch getting in the way or dragging on the ground when four-wheeling. The only downside to the nearly 80-pound winch is that the small and compact design only offers a rope length of 26mm. While this might not be the most, it is still a stainless steel cable that is durable enough to handle most situations.

Gear Train And Ratio

One of the best things about this small and compact model is that it offers a 265:1 gear ratio. This means that you’ll not only be able to produce immense amounts of torque, but you’ll be able to two in faster. This is especially true when compared to a lot of the bigger models. Moreover, the entire package comes with 2 remote controls that’ll allow you to control the device from a distance. As long as you utilize the 650CCA battery, you should have any problems with power or battery life. The 12-volt electric motor has undergone improvements and now offers the best efficiency that you’ll see on a winch this small and compact.

Free Spooling Clutch

When you are stuck, you don’t want to wait around forever to get pulled out. This is probably why you are thinking of buying a winch in the first place. Even with a winch, you still don’t want to be waiting around forever because the road is calling. Luckily, you won’t have to with this model. You learned earlier that it offers a lower gear ratio, which allows you to tow faster. Well, it also offers a free spooling clutch, which means that you can pay out the rope extremely fast. You don’t have to sit there wasting countless minutes while the motor spools out the line. The design allows you to take the cable and pretty much run with it.

4. X-Bull 12V 4500lb Steel Cable Winch

The first thing that you probably noticed right away with this model is that it offers 4,500 pounds of towing capacity. This is nowhere near what the other models offer, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth looking at. Or, that it doesn’t have the towing capacity that you need. This sleek and compact design could be exactly what you need if you own a smaller vehicle or ATV. While the towing capacity isn’t as much as the other models, it does offer 50ft of steel cable. Combine this with the 415mm x 118mm x 118mm design and you’ll never have to worry about the winch getting in your way.

3-Stage Planetary Gear System

This model just like the others also features a 3-stage planetary gear system with a gear ratio of 136:1. The ratio might not be what is offered by the other models on the list, but you have to consider the fact that this is a smaller winch. In addition to this, this model also does offer a free spooling clutch. This not only gives you better control, but it eliminates the wait time when unspooling the line. There is also an automatic load-holding brake system that’ll offer the utmost in safety.

One-Year Limited Warranty

Another impressive thing that has to be noted about this winch is that it comes with a limited one-year warranty. This means that if anything goes wrong with the winch in the first year of ownership all you have to do is contact the manufacturer and they will rectify the issue. Just remember that this is a limited-warranty so there are some stipulations that might apply. But nonetheless, this is still an excellent guarantee that cannot be overlooked.

Easy Installation And Operation

If you have ever messed with winches in the past you likely already know that some of them can be a real pain to install. This is especially true when everything needed for the installation isn’t included. Luckily, this won’t be a problem with this model. Not only is the installation easier than most, but everything you need for the installation is included with the initial purchase. Combine this with the versatility of the winch, and you are truly looking at a one of kind deal here. Even when used in highly abrasive terrain like rocks, mud, or sand, you won’t have a problem operating this winch without a snag. Furthermore, there is an option for wireless connectivity. The initial package includes everything needed for the setup. And, setting it up is easier than you’d imagine.

5. X-Bull 12 V 3000lb Electric Winch

The capacity for the Electric Winch by X-Bull might be smaller, but it is still a quality winch. The winch features a planetary gear system that operates in three phases. Many off-road enthusiasts love this design thanks to the flawless operation it offers. Utilizing this winch offers both a quick putout and pull in.

Durable Motor

The 1.5 horsepower motor is solid and efficient with a gear ratio of 153:1. Regardless of what you are pulling, the motor will deliver continuous and adequate power. As long as the load does not exceed the poundage, which is 3000 pounds.

Weather-Resistant Design

Your winch will be exposed to the elements. To ensure durability and longevity X-Bull chose to utilize weather-resistant materials for its 12-volt Winch. This protection will prevent corrosion caused by rain, snow, mud, dirt, and UV rays.

On top of this, the winch comes with a 12-month warranty. If for some reason the winch malfunctions during the warranty period, X-Bull will cover the parts and labor. With that said, it is always a good idea to review the warranty prior to purchase.

Remote Controlled

To reduce potential injuries, the winch comes with remote control. The remote design is straightforward to minimize mishaps. Utilize it to turn the winch on/off and control the rope or steel wire feed. This is a simple design that has proven to be convenient and efficient for all operators. It offers 30 feet of durable rope for all your towing needs.

Easy Installation

The included instruction guide will walk you through everything from beginning to end. Follow each step to complete the installation in 30 minutes or less. Installation only requires a flat surface.

Conclusion

You can see that there is a winch available for just about every situation. However, choosing one really comes down to your specific needs. Most people would tell you to get a winch that weighs the same as your vehicle, but you have to figure that you are likely to get stuck in the mud.

If you go double the capacity, you’ll always have enough torque and power to pull yourself out of the mud. At the least, you want to go with a winch that is 1.5 times your rigs gross vehicle weight rating. All of the models above are great, but it is the X-Bull 12V Synthetic Rope Winch that sticks out. This is not only the newest version on the market, but it offers the highest towing capacity along with the longest rope length. As an alternative to this model, you’ll want to go with the X-Bull12V Steel Cable Electric Winch. This is nearly the same model with the same capacity and features. It would be your best alternative to the Synthetic Rope model.