The following Smittybilt winch reviews are designed to help you understand the options that Smittybilt winches offer.
Our winch experts tried out the many different Smittybilt winches, and they put those winches through strenuous usage, to determine what the winches were actually capable of doing. The experts tried the different features of the winches and they detailed how each feature helped them out.
If you are currently shopping for a new winch then the following reviews should be able to provide enough information about the Smittybilt line to help you decide what winch will be best for your needs.
Smittybilt Winches Reviews 2021
Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch
Specifications
- Finish: Textured Black
- Brake: Automatic Out-Of-Drum
- Voltage: 12
- Motor: 6.6hp Series Wound

The 6.6 hp series wound motor on this ATV winch creates a powerful tool. When you combine that motor with the 3 stage planetary gear system what you get is the ability to move items that weigh as much as 12,000 pounds, with the fastest amount of speed possible.
It is recommended that you use a 650CCA, or larger, battery to power your winching capabilities. It takes a good deal of electrical power to operate a winch that can move such massive amounts of weight in such a short amount of time.
This winch comes in several load capacities. You can choose from the:
10,000 lb. load capacity
This incredible winch is capable of moving 10,000 pounds with a single line pull. It also has:
12,000 lb. load capacity
This winch can move 12,000 pounds during a single line pull. It also has:
15,500 lb. load capacity
This winch can move 15,500 pounds in a single line pull. It also comes with:
17,500 lb. load capacity
This winch can move 17,500 pounds in a single line pull. It also comes with:
Pros
Cons
Smittybilt 98510 XRC Synthetic Rope Winch
Specifications
- Gear Train: 3-Stage Planetary
- Clutch: Sliding Ring Gear
- Brake: Automatic In-Drum
- Finish: Textured Black

This line of Smittybilt winches has been designed with features that are heavy-duty so they are more durable and they perform better than any of the other winches in this category.
It comes with a synthetic rope that is possibly stronger than some of the cables and is definitely easier on your hands when you are handling it.
It has an amphibious motor so you can rely on this winch to get you out of the tough situations you often encounter when you are doing some off-road playing or some heavy work.
10000 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a rated line pull of 10,000 pounds. It also has:
12000 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a rated line pull of 12000 pounds. It also has:
15500 lb. Load capacity
This winch has a rated line pull of 15,500 pounds. It also has:
17500 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a rated line pull of 17,500 pounds. It also has:
Pros
Cons
Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch – 9500 lb. Load Capacity
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1.58 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 inches
- Bulb Type: LED
- Wattage: 30

This is a workhorse of a winch that will pull you out of the mud, the sand, the loose gravel, or whatever you have managed to get your vehicle mired down in. It has an amazing remote control that allows you to be far enough away from the pulling to stop you from accidentally being injured.
It also has an in the drum braking system that will automatically kick in and hold the load it is pulling in the position it is in if the power is interrupted. These systems protect you from bodily injury and they protect your load from injury as well.
The 9500 pound load capacity is the perfect size winch for most folks, but if you need something with a higher load capacity this series of winches come in 9500 lb., 12000 lb., 15500 lb., and 17500 lb.
9500 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a pull capacity of 9500 pounds. It also has:
12000 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a 12000 pull capacity. It also has:
15500 lb. Load capacity
This winch has a 15,500 weight pull capacity. It also has:
17500 lb. Load Capacity
This winch has a 17,500 pound pull capacity. It also has:
Pros
Cons
Why Smittybilt?
Smittybilt has been designing and producing quality winches and accessories for more than fifty years now. When a company can stay in business for that long; then you know that they sell quality merchandise backed by great customer service.
Basil Smith, was called “Smitty” by all of his friends. In 1956 Basil started up a machine shop in his home garage.
Smitty wanted to design and develop four wheel drive equipment to be used on trucks and Jeeps. He raised his son Tom around all of the four wheel drive components he designed and Tom helped his dad in the little home business.
Tom’s Influence on the Company
Tom grew up knowing all the things his dad could teach him, and his inquisitive mind and passion for the business caused him to develop, design, and start producing the after-market four wheel drive accessories that Smittybilt is so well-known for today. Tom is the mastermind behind the “Nerf” bar side steps that are so popular. He also engineered the design for the tubular front and rear bumpers that you see on Jeeps.
The business grew as the number of products being made was increased and the family garage simply could not hold the work and workers needed to create the items the family was selling.
Designers and Products
All of the folks who work to design the Smittybilt line of products are off road enthusiasts who know what people need from their winches and off-road accessories. They are a relatively small company with only 50 to 200 employees. That small number of employees design and create a product line that includes more than 2000 items.
Smittybilt products cover a wide range of items. They make truck products, Jeep products, accessories like winches, camping gear, and trail equipment, and they make specialized ATV winches and trail equipment. Smittybilt products are used by thousands of people every day, and the experiences those individuals have had with these products are what make Smittybilt a super-power off-road accessory company.
Reputable Parts and Service
When you go to the various websites that offer Smittybilt products you see reviews of those products, and reviews of the way that the Smittybilt customer service department handles complaints, problems, etc.
It is clear when you are reading these testimonies from actual customers that Smittybilt builds reliable products and they stand behind each product with a customer service team that is outstanding. Customers reviewed the products they have purchased over the years and compare those products to ones that are made by other top name companies and Smittybilt is chosen over and over again as being “the best”.
There are customers who have bought products that did not function in the manner that they should and repeatedly you read how the customer contacted the customer service department of Smittybilt about their problem and the customer service team treated them with respect and quick responses.
Transamerican Auto Parts
Transamerican auto parts are now the owner and operator of Smittybilt products. Transamerican made the choice to not alter the quality of the products or the customer service that has created the great reputation that Smittybilt developed.
Transamerican was started in 1961. They have their own reputation for excellent products and service, and their acquisition of Smittybilt furthered their commitment to excellence.
Final Note
You can say that Smittybilt winches are some of the best winches created for helping people who have a zest for life tp be able to go where they want to go without fear of consequences. The Smittybilt winches provide the freedom of choice that adventure seeking off-road vehicle riding people need and want.
The craftsmanship that is put into the best Smittybilt winches creates products that are durable, reliable, dependable, and frequently recommended by one friend to another.
These winches are a small portion of the Smittybilt line of products, but they are a key element in providing a great reputation for quality and service that this company has come to know.