Badland and Rough Country are both prominent winch manufacturers. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the table, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences within the off-roading community. This comparison we have done here aims to highlight the differences between the two, helping enthusiasts make informed choices for their adventures.
Badland vs Rough Country
Parameter | Badland | Rough Country |
Winch Capacity | Up to 12,000 lbs | Up to 9,500 lbs |
Quality | High durability | Reliable performance |
Remote | Wireless options | Wired and wireless |
Rope | Synthetic and steel | Mainly synthetic |
Price | Competitive | More affordable |
Waterproof | Select models | Varies by model |
Warranty | Limited lifetime | 1-2 years |
Badland
Established in 2010, Badland Winches entered the market as Harbor Freight Tools[1] response to the demand for affordable, yet dependable winching solutions. Manufactured by Ningbo Lianda Winch Co and Ningbo Antai Winches Technology Co in China, the Badland brand was crafted to ensure their products are cost-efficient with reliable performance, embodying Harbor Freight’s commitment to value-driven products.
Badland’s lineup is all about variety, and you get options for just about any situation you might find yourself in, from pulling your ATV out of a tight spot to hauling a stuck vehicle to safety. Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- The Badland 2500-lb. ATV/Utility Electric Winch is an excellent option for smaller tasks. It’s compact, powerful enough for ATVs, and just what you need for lighter jobs.
- If you need something with a bit more power there is The Badland 5000-lb. UTV/Utility Winch which is perfect for bigger ATVs and some light utility work, offering a great mix of power and flexibility.
For the tough situations, the Badland ZXR 12000-lb. Truck/SUV Winch has your back. It’s built for the heavy-duty stuff, giving you the muscle you need for serious rescues and recovery tasks.
Badland winches start with the budget-friendly 2500-lb. ATV/Utility Electric Winch priced around $49.99, ideal for simple tasks. For tougher jobs, the Truck/SUV Winch goes for about $349.99. With these options in mind, the average price you’d expect to pay for a Badland winch is somewhere in the $300 to $400 range, making them a cost-effective choice for a variety of winching needs.
Badland winches are especially suited for not so frequent off-roaders, hobbyists, and newcomers to winching who are in search of dependable performance without a significant budget. They provide the fundamental features necessary for routine recovery operations, making them a very popular option among those who value practicality and affordability.
Rough Country
Earlier known as Heckethorn Products, Inc, Rough country[2] was started in 1986 by Patrick and Michael Heckethorn in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The brand originally focused on suspension lift kits before expanding its product line to include winches and other off-road accessories. This expansion was driven by the brand’s dedication to offering comprehensive solutions for off-road enthusiasts, ensuring both performance and affordability.
Rough Country has been a pioneer in the off-road accessory industry, establishing its roots over four decades ago with a commitment to enhancing the off-roading experience through durable and affordable products. Known for a broad spectrum of automotive accessories, Rough Country’s foray into winches has further solidified its reputation for combining quality with value.
- Rough Country PRO Series 2,500-lb. ATV/Utility Winch: Ideal for smaller tasks, this compact winch is perfect for ATV rescues or light utility work, offering reliability and efficiency in a small package.
- Rough Country PRO Series 4,500-lb. UTV/Utility Winch: A step up in power, this winch is suited for larger ATVs, UTVs, and light-duty vehicles. It combines versatility with strength for more demanding tasks.
Rough Country PRO Series 9,500-lb. Truck/SUV Winch: For those who need robust recovery power, this winch is designed for heavier loads and challenging recoveries, making it a reliable companion for trucks and SUVs in tough situations.
Rough Country winches are positioned to offer great value, with prices starting in the lower $300 range for basic models, extending up to around $600 for their top-tier winches equipped with advanced features and higher pulling capacities. The average price would be around $450.
Rough Country winches are ideal for the off-road enthusiast who values both functionality and affordability. Whether it’s for casual weekend trail rides, ATV adventures, or more serious recovery tasks, Rough Country provides reliable winching solutions that don’t break the bank. Their products are particularly appealing to those who seek a balance between cost and performance.
Badland vs Rough Country - A Deeper Dive
Pull Capacity
Rough Country: Rough Country offers winches with a range that typically starts from 2,500 lbs, suitable for light-duty tasks and ATV recoveries[3]. Their lineup extends to more robust options, such as the 9,500-lb models designed for trucks and SUVs facing tougher recovery situations.
Badland: Badland winches cater to a broad spectrum of pulling needs, with capacities starting from 2,500 lbs for small-scale recoveries to heavy-duty models capable of handling up to 12,000 lbs. This makes Badland winches versatile tools for various recovery scenarios, from ATV rescues to pulling larger vehicles out of challenging spots.
Quality
Rough Country: Rough Country winches are constructed with high-grade materials to ensure durability and performance. The winch bodies are typically made from strong, corrosion-resistant metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring they can withstand harsh environments and continuous use.
Gears and mechanical parts are precision-engineered for smooth operation and longevity, highlighting Rough Country’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Badland: Badland winches prioritize robustness and reliability, featuring heavy-duty housings made from durable steel. The internal components, such as the gears and braking systems, are designed for efficiency and resilience, often using hardened steel and quality materials that offer both strength and durability.
This focus on high-quality construction materials ensures that Badland winches are capable of handling tough recovery tasks time and time again.
Remote
Rough Country: Rough Country winches often come with both wired and wireless remote options, providing flexibility in operation. The wireless remotes enhance safety and convenience, allowing users to control the winch from a safe distance, especially in complex recovery situations.
Badland: Badland also offers wireless remote controls with their winches, emphasizing user safety and convenience. The remotes are designed to be intuitive, ensuring easy operation even for those new to winching, while maintaining effective control over the winching process.
Rope
Rough Country: Rough Country provides a selection of rope types, including durable steel cables and lightweight synthetic ropes. This variety allows users to choose based on their preferences, whether they value the traditional strength of steel or the safer, more user-friendly synthetic options.
Badland: Like Rough Country, Badland offers both steel and synthetic rope options across their range. This choice caters to different user needs, from the durability and resilience of steel to the lightweight and ease of handling offered by synthetic ropes, ensuring versatility in recovery operations.[4]
Price
Rough Country: Rough Country winches are competitively priced, with entry-level models available from around $150, making them accessible to a wide audience. The top-end models, equipped with higher capacities and advanced features, are priced around $600, reflecting their enhanced capabilities.
Badland: Badland winches are known for their affordability, with prices starting at approximately $300 for basic models. The more advanced, high-capacity winches are priced up to $600, offering a balance between cost and performance that appeals to a range of off-roaders.
Waterproof
Rough Country: Rough Country winches that are designed to be waterproof typically come with an IP67 rating, indicating they are completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes. This level of protection is achieved through careful sealing of the winch housing and the use of gaskets and seals
Badland: Badland winches include models with water-resistant features and have IP rating[5] of around IP 67 too, designed to withstand light to moderate exposure to water. While they may not all boast the highest waterproof ratings, they are constructed to endure typical off-road conditions, including occasional splashes and brief submersions.
Warranty
Rough Country: Rough Country stands behind their products with warranties that reflect their commitment to quality. While the specifics can vary, many of their winches come with a limited lifetime warranty on mechanical components and a 3-year warranty on electrical parts, offering customers assurance in their investment.
Badland: Badland offers a 90-day warranty on their winches, with the option to purchase extended protection plans. This warranty period, while shorter than some competitors, underscores the brand’s confidence in the reliability and durability of their products, with extended options available for added security.
Which One to Choose Now?
Choosing between Rough Country and Badland winches really comes down to what you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you’re really into off-roading and need a winch that can handle just about anything you throw at it, Rough Country is a great choice.
But, if you’re looking for something that’s easier on the wallet or rather budget friendly and still gets the job done for lighter off-road situations, Badland is a solid option.
Conclusion
When choosing between Rough Country and Badland winches, consider your off-roading intensity and budget. Rough Country offers durability and superior waterproofing for serious off-roaders, while Badland provides affordable reliability for lighter use. Each brand caters to different needs, ensuring there’s a winch for every adventurer. Ultimately, the right choice will align with your specific off-roading demands and how much you’re willing to invest in recovery gear.
References
- Harbor Freight Tools. (n.d.). Harbor Freight Tools | Quality tools, lowest prices. https://www.harborfreight.com/
Lift kits & Truck Accessories | Rough country. (n.d.). roughcountry.com. https://www.roughcountry.com/
Offroaders Staff Editor. (n.d.). A Basic Winching Guide for ATV and General Recovery Winch Safety – Offroaders.com provides information and entertainment to 4×4 enthusiasts worldwide. https://www.offroaders.com/recovery-techniques/a-basic-winching-guide-for-atv-and-general-recovery-winch-safety/
agencywebsitesupport. (2022, February 15). Synthetic Rope vs. Steel Cable: Which is the Better Option? Atlas Winch & Hoist Services. https://www.winchhire.co.uk/synthetic-rope-vs-steel-cable-which-is-the-better-option/
Mason, J. (2023, April 6). Winches, Water and IP Ratings: a practical guide. — NOVAWINCH – Amazing Winches. NOVAWINCH – Amazing Winches. https://www.novawinch.com/news/iprating
![Badland vs Rough Country Winch - Pull Capacity, Price, Warranty, Build Quality [Everything Revealed]](https://drwinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Badland-vs-Rough-Country-Winch-Pull-Capacity-Price-Warranty-Build-Quality-Everything-Revealed-150x150.jpeg)
