WARN VR EVO 12-S
A budget friendly 12,000 lb WARN for full size pickups and heavy SUVs. It trades some speed under load for a much lower price than the Zeon XD.
Amazon $798.99$798.99
The WARN VR EVO 12-S and the Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp are evenly matched, rated 4.0 and 3.9. The WARN VR EVO 12-S leads on warranty and sealing. The Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp wins on line speed, value and current draw. The Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp costs $172.54 less ($626.45 vs $798.99).
Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp
A low cost 12,000 lb synthetic rope winch for full size trucks that still moves quickly under load. Buy it when the Amazon price is well under list.
Amazon $626.45$626.45
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the WARN VR EVO 12-S for warranty (7 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts vs 5 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts) and sealing (IP68 sealing vs IP67 sealing).
- Choose the Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp for line speed (5.2 ft/min at full load vs 4 ft/min at full load), value ($52.20 per 1,000 lb of pull ($626.45, 12,000 lb) vs $66.58 per 1,000 lb of pull ($798.99, 12,000 lb)) and current draw (375 A at full load vs 396 A at full load).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every full-size truck winch; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | WARN VR EVO 12-S | Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 $66.58 per 1,000 lb of pull ($798.99, 12,000 lb) | 66 $52.20 per 1,000 lb of pull ($626.45, 12,000 lb) |
| Line speed 20% | 50 4 ft/min at full load | 80 5.2 ft/min at full load |
| Current draw 10% | 56 396 A at full load | 66 375 A at full load |
| Sealing 15% | 100 IP68 sealing | 70 IP67 sealing |
| Warranty 25% | 100 7 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts | 67 5 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts |
Specifications
| WARN VR EVO 12-S | Smittybilt XRC Gen3 12K Comp | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulling | ||
| Rated pull | 12,000 lb | 12,000 lb |
| Line speed, no load | 26.2 ft/min | 25 ft/min |
| Line speed, full load | 4 ft/min | 5.2 ft/min |
| Current, full load | 396 A | 375 A |
| Motor | series wound | 7 hp series wound |
| Gear ratio | 234:1 | 173:1 |
| Rope and controls | ||
| Rope | 90 ft synthetic | 90 ft synthetic |
| Rope diameter | 0.4 in | 0.4 in |
| Wireless remote | Yes | No |
| Sealing | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 57.1 lb | 71 lb |
| Warranty | 7 years electrical, lifetime mechanical | 5 years electrical, lifetime mechanical |
| Released | 2019-09 | - |