WARN VRX 45-S
#6 in ATV & UTVFull review
A solid, sealed 4,500 lb winch for UTVs and large ATVs that need recovery power without AXON pricing. It is slower under load but well supported.
Amazon $555.99$555.99
The WARN VRX 45-S is the better winch overall, rated 3.2 to 3.0. The WARN VRX 45-S leads on value. The WARN VRX 45-S costs $144 less ($555.99 vs $699.99).
WARN AXON 45-S
#11 in ATV & UTVFull review
A premium 4,500 lb winch for UTVs and large ATVs that winch often or run a plow. Owners who winch only now and then can save with the VRX 45-S.
Amazon $699.99$699.99
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 VRX 45-S for value ($123.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($555.99, 4,500 lb) vs $155.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($699.99, 4,500 lb)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every ATV & UTV winch; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | WARN VRX 45-S | WARN AXON 45-S |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 27 $123.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($555.99, 4,500 lb) | 11 $155.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($699.99, 4,500 lb) |
| Line speed 20% | 80 4.3 ft/min at full load | 50 line speed under load not published (neutral score used) |
| Current draw 10% | 0 252 A at full load | 50 current draw under load not published (neutral score used) |
| Sealing 15% | 100 IP68 sealing | 100 IP68 sealing |
| Warranty 25% | 33 3 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts | 33 3 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts |
Specifications
| WARN VRX 45-S | WARN AXON 45-S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulling | ||
| Rated pull | 4,500 lb | 4,500 lb |
| Line speed, no load | 16.2 ft/min | 16.3 ft/min |
| Line speed, full load | 4.3 ft/min | - |
| Current, full load | 252 A | - |
| Motor | permanent magnet | permanent magnet |
| Rope and controls | ||
| Rope | 50 ft synthetic | 50 ft synthetic |
| Rope diameter | 0.2 in | 0.2 in |
| Wireless remote | No | No |
| Sealing | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | ||
| Warranty | 3 years electrical, lifetime mechanical | 3 years electrical, lifetime mechanical |
| Released | 2018-06 | 2018-06 |