Any one familiar with Black Widow winches?

[SILVER_ALERT]

I am pretty much a fair weather only guy when it comes to taking the P5 on an outing, and have never needed a winch, but have always thought it might be a good idea, just for insurance.

I just noticed that Discount Ramps has Black Widow 4,500 lb winches on sale for half price ($129.99). It sounds like good deal, and I probably would not be using it a lot. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this brand. I'm sure there are better ones out there, and if they are available for a similar price let me know. And yes I did search for any comments on this brand and did not find any.

Black Widow Electric ATV/UTV Winch – 4,500 lb. Capacity

The 4500 lb capacity Black Widow Electric ATV/UTV Winch is designed to mount to your ATV or UTV, or to a sturdy location that can support the pulling capacity of the winch.

www.discountramps.com

 

[ODAMO]

In 2023, A $130 winch does not sound like something I would feel comfortable relying on.

 

[dweber23tr]

I ruptured a bicep tendon once pulling on my old foreman once because it had a cheap China winch on it that wouldn't get me unstuck by itself. Only warn or superwinch for me ever since on for anything critical! You get what you pay for. I would rather buy a manual come-a-long and keep around than a cheap winch.

POIDH, lol

 

[SILVER_ALERT]

In 2023, A $130 winch does not sound like something I would feel comfortable relying on.

You might be right, but if I had had one it would have probably not been used in the 7 or so years that I have had the P5. Surely they don't fail that often, or do they? I noticed the club store has a 4,500 lb. Viper for $159.99. I was leaning toward the Black Widow because of the remote feature. Anyone have any comments on the Viper?

 

[ODAMO]

You might be right, but if I had had one it would have probably not been used in the 7 or so years that I have had the P5. Surely they don't fail that often, or do they? I noticed the club store has a 4,500 lb. Viper for $159.99. I was leaning toward the Black Widow because of the remote feature. Anyone have any comments on the Viper?

Like @dweber23tr said, a come along or hand crank winch will bring more piece of mind. I could see paying $130-170 for that but an electric winch in that price range will corrode and deteriorate just sitting there. Not sure there is a cheap alternative to something as serious as a winch .

 

[Scoop]

Viper is a solid choice.

Personally, I have a SuperWinch Terra 3500SR on my ATV and a Badlands ZXR5000 on my P1K5. Both have been used, and both have given me no hassles. I did swap the steel cable from the Badlands for a 4500# synthetic rope from SuperATV, and put a 5500# Badlands forged alloy hook on it as well.

Superwinch is just shy of $400 today.
ZXR5000 ($199), synth rope ($70) and hook ($20) totaled $290 for everything.

We all know that, with HF, you either get a giant pile of crap OR a great tool at a low price. I've experienced both over the years.

As for the winch: Some folks badmouth the Badlands stuff, but it has proven to be a reliable workhorse to me. I use it around the property all the time (hauled out a fallen 18" x 35' tree just last weekend), and used it at Takeover23 and a month before that on another ride @ RRB, each time rescuing other forum members.

 

[SILVER_ALERT]

Like @dweber23tr said, a come along or hand crank winch will bring more piece of mind. I could see paying $130-170 for that but an electric winch in that price range will corrode and deteriorate just sitting there. Not sure there is a cheap alternative to something as serious as a winch .

I ruptured a bicep tendon once pulling on my old foreman once because it had a cheap China winch on it that wouldn't get me unstuck by itself. Only warn or superwinch for me ever since on for anything critical! You get what you pay for. I would rather buy a manual come-a-long and keep around than a cheap winch.

POIDH, lol

View attachment 393155

I appreciate the comments. I do carry a come-a-long. Have not had to use it either.

 

[Scoop]

I appreciate the comments. I do carry a come-a-long. Have not had to use it either.

I would carry a come-a-long in addition to, but not in place of, a reliable winch.

 

[Teebow]

Not sure the price but I have a 4500lb KFI and it’s saved me several times and it’s capabilities are amazing

 

[Backwoods]

I have bought Viper from the club store. Used it 3 1/2 years with no issues. I would buy again

 

[Dirtstiffs-1000]

You might be right, but if I had had one it would have probably not been used in the 7 or so years that I have had the P5. Surely they don't fail that often, or do they? I noticed the club store has a 4,500 lb. Viper for $159.99. I was leaning toward the Black Widow because of the remote feature. Anyone have any comments on the Viper?

6k# Motoaliance Viper Elite Wide Spool, with 65' of Amsteel blue synthetic rope.
4 years, no issues.