Every winch gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Winches are grouped by rated pull (under 6,000 lb, 6,000 to 10,999 lb and 11,000 lb and up), and value, speed and current draw have their own scale for each group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per 1,000 lb of rated pull | 30% |
| Line speed | line speed at full load | 20% |
| Current draw | amps drawn at full load | 10% |
| Sealing | IP rating against water and dust | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty on the motor and electrics | 25% |
Where the numbers come from
Rated pull, line speed, current draw, IP rating and warranty come from the maker’s spec sheet, performance table, product page or manual. Line speed and current draw are taken from the top row of the maker’s performance table, at rated pull on the first layer of rope. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the rated pull in thousands of pounds, on a log scale, so going from $100 to $50 per 1,000 lb counts as much as going from $50 to $25. Under 6,000 lb, $180 per 1,000 lb scores zero and $45 full marks; from 6,000 lb up, $150 scores zero and $30 full marks.
Line speed is how fast the line moves at full load: under 6,000 lb, 1.5 ft/min scores zero and 5 ft/min full marks; from 6,000 lb up, 2 ft/min scores zero and 6 ft/min full marks.
Current draw is the amps drawn at full load, where less means less strain on the battery and alternator. Under 6,000 lb, 250 A scores zero and 120 A full marks; from 6,000 to 10,999 lb, 480 A scores zero and 280 A full marks; from 11,000 lb, 520 A scores zero and 300 A full marks.
Sealing is the maker’s IP rating: IP68 (or IP69K) scores full marks, IP67 70, IP66 35, IP65 20, and anything lower zero.
Warranty is the warranty on the motor and electrical parts, which is usually shorter than the cover on mechanical parts: 1 year scores zero and 7 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
No-load line speed, motor size, gear ratio, rope length and type, a wireless remote and weight are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.