Barricade vs Warn winch – Does Warn hits or miss this time ?

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Written by Jake Vealesco

Jake Vealesco is an offroader enthusiast for almost 6 years. He is mechanical engineer by profession and offroader by passion

Choosing the right winch is crucial for safety and efficiency. Warn and Barricade are two leading winch brands, offering diverse options tailored to different off-roading needs. This guide delves into their histories, product ranges, and key features, helping you make an informed decision between these two reputable choices for your off-road adventures.

Barricade vs Warn

Parameter

Warn

Barricade

Capacity

8,000 – 16,500 lbs

9,500 – 12,500 lbs

Quality

High-end, durable

Robust, reliable

Remote

Advanced wireless

Wireless

Rope

Steel and synthetic options

Synthetic

Price

$400 – $1,500+

$627.99 – $699.99

Waterproof

IP68 on select models

Water-resistant

Warranty

Limited lifetime on mechanical parts

Check with manufacturer

Barricade

Though there is no specific detail available as to who was behind the brand Barricade or the year when they came into existence. From experience, we can share that Barricade[1] winches were designed for off-roaders who require a dependable recovery system to tackle challenging situations. They cater to a wide range of off-roading and recovery needs, offering winching solutions for both novice and experienced adventurers.

Barricade’s winch lineup is designed to cater to a wide range of off-roading and recovery needs, ensuring that you’re equipped for any situation:

  • Barricade 9,500 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Control: This winch is a great fit for mid-range tasks, powered by a 5.5 HP motor and equipped with a 195.4:1 gear ratio. It’s capable of handling loads up to 9,500 lbs and comes with a 94-foot synthetic rope and wireless remote.
  • Barricade 12,500 lb. HD Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Control: For heavier-duty situations, this winch offers a 6.6 HP motor and a 216:1 gear ratio, providing a substantial 12,500 lbs of pulling power.It features an 85-foot synthetic rope and wireless remote control, ideal for serious off-roaders who encounter the toughest conditions.
  • Barricade 17,500 lb. Winch for Extreme Recovery: As you can make out with the winch pulling capacity of 17,500 lb that this winch would likely feature a more powerful motor, a higher gear ratio for increased pulling power, and a longer synthetic rope, making it the ultimate tool for the most challenging recoveries in severe off-roading situations.

Each of these winches from Barricade is built with reliability in mind, offering a solution for everything from standard vehicle recoveries to the most demanding off-road challenges, ensuring you’re always prepared.

Barricade winches are competitively priced to offer value to off-road enthusiasts. For instance, the 9,500 lb winch is available at around $627.99, while the more powerful 12,500 lb model is priced at approximately $699.99. These prices reflect Barricade’s commitment to providing quality recovery solutions that are accessible to a broader range of off-roaders​​​​.

Barricade winches are particularly well-suited for off-road enthusiasts who need reliable and efficient recovery options without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first winch or an experienced off-roader in need of a heavy-duty option for challenging terrains, Barricade winches are designed for easy, bolt-on installation, making them a convenient choice for various vehicle models​.

Warn

Warn Industries[2], founded in 1948, stands as a hallmark in the off-roading sector, headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon. Renowned for their commitment to high-quality, durable winches designed for off-road vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, Warn’s range is extensive, covering everything from the budget-friendly VR series to the high-end ZEON and professional-grade M series.

Warn’s lineup is tailored to meet a variety of off-roading requirements:

  • VR EVO Series [3]: The VR EVO Series from Warn is designed to bring Warn’s renowned reliability and performance to a more budget-conscious segment of off-roaders. These winches are known for their robust construction and versatility, making them a perfect fit for those just starting with off-roading.z
  • ZEON Series [4]: The ZEON Series elevates the winching experience with its state-of-the-art design and superior technology. These winches are characterized by their exceptional durability, advanced features, and sleek aesthetics, making them a favorite among off-roaders who demand both performance and style.
  • M Series: Engineered for heavy-duty and professional use, capable of handling the most demanding tasks. The M Series is the pinnacle of the Warn winch lineup, engineered for the most demanding recovery operations and professional use. These winches offer maximum power, durability, and reliability, with features designed for heavy-duty applications.

Each model is crafted with precision, ensuring they perform under the most strenuous off-road conditions.

Reflecting their top-tier quality and sophisticated features, Warn winches are priced on the higher end. Entry-level models start around $400, escalating to over $1,500 for the most advanced versions​​.

Ideal for dedicated off-roaders, enthusiasts, and professionals who prioritize unparalleled performance, reliability, and endurance in their equipment. Warn winches are built to conquer the most challenging terrains and obstacles, providing peace of mind on the most rugged trails.

Barricade vs Warn - A Deeper Dive

Pull Capacity

Warn: Warn’s lineup includes a wide array of winches, with capacities ranging from 8,000 lbs in the VR EVO series, suitable for lighter tasks and smaller vehicles, to the robust 16,500 lbs in the Heavyweight series for large trucks and SUVs facing extreme recovery situations. Their ZEON series offers mid-range capacities, typically around 10,000 to 12,000 lbs, ideal for moderate to heavy-duty applications​​​​.

Barricade: Barricade provides winches primarily in the 9,500 lbs and 12,500 lbs capacity range. These capacities cater to a variety of off-road scenarios, from standard vehicle recoveries to more demanding situations requiring greater pulling power. The 9,500 lbs model is well-suited for medium-duty tasks, while the 12,500 lbs winch is designed for heavier loads and tougher conditions​​​​.

Quality

Warn: Warn winches are synonymous with high quality, featuring durable construction with premium materials like high-grade steel and aluminum for their bodies and gears. Their winches are designed for longevity and reliability, with advanced sealing against the elements for enhanced durability in all conditions​​​​.

Barricade: Barricade winches are known for their sturdy build and reliable performance. They use durable materials, including strong synthetic ropes and robust metal components, ensuring that the winches can withstand the rigors of off-roading and provide dependable service over time​​​​.

Remote

Warn: Warn offers sophisticated wireless remote controls in many of their winch models, such as those in the ZEON series. These remotes often include features like monitoring the winch’s status, including load and temperature, providing users with greater control and safety during recovery operations​​.

Barricade: Barricade winches come with wireless remote controls, allowing for safe operation from a distance. These remotes are designed for ease of use and convenience, ensuring that operators can manage the winching process without having to be right next to the vehicle​​​​.

Rope

Warn: Warn provides a choice between traditional steel cables and modern synthetic ropes across their range. Their premium models, such as those in the ZEON series, often feature Spydura synthetic rope [5], known for its strength, safety, and lightweight properties.

Barricade: Barricade winches are typically equipped with synthetic ropes, valued for their durability, safety, and ease of handling. These bright orange synthetic ropes are designed to withstand heavy use while minimizing the risk of injury in case of breakage.

Price

Warn: Warn winches are positioned at a higher price point, reflecting their premium quality and advanced features. Prices range from about $400 for entry-level models in the VR EVO series to over $1,500 for top-tier options in the ZEON and Heavyweight series​​.

Barricade: Barricade winches offer competitive pricing, making them accessible to a wider range of off-roaders. The 9,500 lbs model is priced around $627.99, while the 12,500 lbs winch is available for approximately $699.99, offering good value for their capabilities​​​​.

Waterproof

Warn: Select Warn winches boast high waterproof ratings [6], such as IP68, ensuring they can perform reliably in wet conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for off-roaders who frequently encounter mud, water, and other challenging elements.

Barricade: Barricade winches feature water-resistant construction, suitable for light to moderate exposure to water. While specific IP ratings aren’t always provided, these winches are built to endure typical off-road conditions, including splashes and brief submersions.

Warranty

Warn: Warn offers robust warranty terms, including a limited lifetime warranty on mechanical parts and up to a 7-year warranty on electrical components for certain models, underscoring their confidence in the quality and durability of their products​​.

Barricade: Warranty details for Barricade winches might vary, and it’s advisable to check with the manufacturer or retailer for specific terms, From digging deep we couldn’t find any reliable information.

Which One to Choose Now?

If high performance, durability, and advanced features are top priorities for your off-roading adventures, Warn winches stand out. 

Known for their robust construction, innovative technology, and superior capabilities, Warn winches are suited for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best and are prepared to invest in top-tier equipment​​​​.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking value and reliability without the premium price tag, Barricade offers a compelling choice.

Conclusion

Choosing between Warn and Barricade winches depends on your off-roading demands and budget. Warn offers premium, feature-rich winches for serious enthusiasts, while Barricade provides reliable, cost-effective solutions for standard to moderate challenges. Each brand caters to different needs, ensuring there’s a suitable winch for every off-roader’s adventures.

References

  1. Barricade Offroad – Tough, dependable products designed for function & style. (n.d.). https://www.barricadeoffroad.com/
  2. WARN Industries. (n.d.). https://www.warn.com/
  3. Shop VR Evo Winches | WARN Industries. (n.d.). https://www.warn.com/products-vr-evo-winches
  4. Shop Zeon Winches | WARN Industries. (n.d.). https://www.warn.com/products-zeon-winches
  5.  Warn Spydura sythetic ropes Reviews. (2021, January 30). Jeep Wrangler Forum. https://www.wranglerforum.com/threads/warn-spydura-sythetic-ropes-reviews.2417698/
  6.  Winches, Water and IP Ratings: a practical guide. — NOVAWINCH – Amazing Winches. NOVAWINCH – Amazing Winches. https://www.novawinch.com/news/iprating

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