ATV winches are essential tools for off-roading enthusiasts, but the fairlead plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe operation. Choosing the right fairlead for your ATV winch can make a significant difference in performance and durability. In this article, we’ll review some of the best ATV winch fairleads on the market to help you make an informed decision.
Which is the Best ATV winch fairlead?
OFF ROAD BOAR Hawse Fairlead is the best fairlead for ATV due to its durable construction, high-strength aluminum material, and wide-mouth design which allows for easier rope movement during winching operations, resulting in a safer and more efficient experience.
Thorough multi-level testing is done by my team to ensure the highest product standards before I recommend anything. Learn more about our process here.
Scorecard: To curate a scorecard, I considered the load capacity needed to handle the ATV’s weight, the durability of fairlead cable length, and compatibility. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best ATV Winch Fairleads
ATV Winch Fairleads come in many shapes and sizes, but one must choose the most appropriate style for their winch. There are three types of winch fairleads- roller fairlead and hawse fairleads.
When you have a best ATV winch with a load capacity of 8000-15000 pounds and a synthetic winch line, the Off-Road Boar aluminum hawse fairlead is a great option to consider. It helps when you are in search of a suitable fairlead for your heavy-duty winch. A fairlead is a crucial component of any ATV UTV winch which protects the winch line from wear and tear as it moves along the horizontal rotating drum.
The Off-Road Boar aluminum hawse fairlead is designed to protect the winch line while the winch is operating. The fairlead helps in preventing sudden breakage of cable, which often happens due to excessive stress.
This hawse fairlead is made of CNC machined aluminum, and the surface of the fairlead has undergone an oxidation polishing treatment, making the fairlead durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Since this hawse fairlead is made of aluminum, it must be used with a winch which has a synthetic winch line because steel is much harder than aluminum. Therefore, using this fairlead on a winch with a steel winch line can cause damage to it.
This aluminum hawse fairlead is compatible with any brand of ATV UTV winch and is suitable for winches which have a load capacity of 8000-15000 pounds. It has a minimum weight of one pound, which makes it easy to move around. The fairlead has a ten-inch bolt mode and a standard installation mode.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
Off ROAD BOAR Hawse Fairlead is a great option for those seeking a durable and affordable fairlead for their ATV winch. The heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures longevity, and the smooth surface reduces rope wear. The low-profile design adds a sleek look to any off-road vehicle.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on December 2, 2018 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Suitable for heavy-duty winches
- Lightweight and portable
- Oxidation polishing treatment prevents rusting
CONS
- The color fades away quickly
A fairlead is a vital piece of hardware on a winch that prevents the winch line from getting damaged. If you have bought a 3000-4000 load capacity ATV winch, which does not have a fairlead, and you want to buy a suitable fairlead for the winch, you can check out the OCPTY aluminum hawse fairlead. Since this hawse fairlead is made of aluminum, you should consider buying this winch if you have a synthetic winch line.
The OCP winch fairlead is a universal hawse fairlead. Just like any other hawse fairlead, the OCPTY fairlead has a simple design and is made of solid aluminum. The winch fairlead has a minimum weight of 0.16 kilograms. This hawse fairlead by OCPTY is designed to precise dimensions, which makes it compatible with any 3000-4000 pound load capacity ATV winch.
This aluminum hawse fairlead is most suitable for electric winches, which have a synthetic rope winch line. As mentioned, this ATV winch hawse fairlead is made of billet aluminum, which provides for longer servicing life and assists in a smooth, hassle-free experience.
The fairlead has a smooth and flat surface with a mirror finish polishing which protects the winch cable from excessive damage and expands the life span of the fairlead. The package contains one piece of hawse fairlead which is backed by one year of warranty.
My Opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
In my opinion, the OCPTY 5 Universal Aluminum Hawse Fairlead is an excellent choice for those in need of a durable and reliable ATV winch fairlead. The precision-machined, corrosion-resistant aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance, and the smooth surface reduces wear and tear on the winch rope. Overall, a great value for the price.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on September 5, 2019 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Value for money
- Sturdy and durable structure
- Precise dimension
- Mirror finish polishing
CONS
- Doesn’t include hardware for mounting bolt
- Diameter too small for bolts
If you are searching for a great quality roller winch fairlead for your 3500 pounds or less load capacity ATV or UTV winch, the champion roller fairlead is a good option that its customers have trusted for many years. Champion Power Equipment are among the leading power generation equipment manufacturers with several years of experience.
They provide their customers with reliable and durable products which are designed and engineered in the US. A basic roller fairlead uses two horizontal and two vertical rollers. The rollers spin, decreasing the friction between the winch line and the rotating drum. This roller winch fairlead by Champion is designed for 3500 pounds or less load capacity ATV and UTV winches.
The roller fairlead features a black frame which is coated with powder. The powder-coated frame prevents the fairlead from rusting which prolongs its service life. Along with the black powder-coated frame, the fairlead also features stainless steel rollers.
This roller fairlead is exclusively designed to be used with winches which have a steel cable winch line. The exclusive design of this fairlead assists in preventing damage to the rope, which maximizes the life span of the rope. It provides assistance for easy tackling of angled pulls.
Generally, it is recommended to use a roller fairlead with a steel winch line because roller fairleads are capable of enduring the roughness of a steel cable. With this roller fairlead, you will get a hassle-free winding experience. A Champion fairlead is backed by one year of warranty.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
In my opinion, the Champion – 20009 Wire Rope Roller Fairlead is a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable and easy-to-use fairlead for their ATV winch. The high-quality materials used in construction make it durable and long-lasting, and the roller design ensures smooth operation of the winch rope.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on June 1, 2016 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- A powder-coated frame which makes it weather resistant
- Stainless steel rollers
- Sturdy and durable
CONS
- Way too small for an ATV
Having a winch is essential if you have an ATV or UTV on which you often go off-roading. One of the salient parts of a winch is the fairlead which prevents the rope from wear and tears when it moves across the horizontal rotating drum. The Uncreative aluminum hawse fairlead is a suitable option if you have an ATV or UTV winch with a load capacity of 2000-3500 pounds.
Generally, a hawse fairlead is made with a single piece of soft or solid aluminum. Unlike a roller fairlead, a hawse fairlead does not have any part that spins, making them lighter in weight.
The Ucreative hawse fairleads are made of CNC machined 6063 aluminum instead of 6061 aluminum and have an anodized finish, making this hawse fairlead less fragile, durable and weather resistant.
Since this is an aluminum hawse fairlead, using it on an ATV winch with a synthetic rope line is recommended because a steel winch line can damage it, as steel is much stronger than aluminum. Also, a synthetic winch line undergoes less damage when used with a hawse fairlead.
The fairlead features an eight-inch bolt center. It must be noted that the bolts are not included, and the bolts are required to be put on with the help of an Allen wrench.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
In my experience of testing the Ucreative Aluminum Hawse Fairlead, I found its an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight and durable ATV winch fairlead. The precision-machined aluminum construction not only ensures longevity but also reduces wear and tear on the winch rope. The low profile design and stylish finish make it a great addition to any ATV.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on June 2, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Anodize finish which makes it weather resistant
- Good product at a reasonable price
CONS
- Bolts are not included
If you are the owner of any ATV, UTV or SUV winch with a load capacity of 2000-3500 pounds and you cannot find a suitable fairlead for your ATV or UTV winch, you can consider checking out the YaeKoo roller fairlead. A fairlead is a necessary part of a winch as I help to protect the winch line from damage when the winch is operated. The fairlead has a minimum weight of two pounds.
In its simplest form, a roller fairlead consists of two vertical and two horizontal rollers that rotate continuously, reducing the friction between the rope and drum. The YaeKoo roller fairlead features a black-coloured CNC machined steel frame along with stainless steel rollers.
The steel frame has a powder coating finish, and the stainless steel rollers have zinc coated finish, which provides superior prevention from corrosion and rusting, increasing the lifespan of the roller fairlead and the winch line. The roller fairlead is about 4-7/8″ in size and is suitable for any ATY, UTV or SUV car winch, which has a load capacity of 2000-3000 pounds.
The YaeKoo roller fairlead is exclusively designed for winches with a steel cable winch line. It is recommended to use a steel roller fairlead with a steel rope winch because the steel winch line can cause damage to a fairlead made with aluminum.
The roller fairlead’s guide wheel provides you with a smooth and hassle-free winding experience. The fairlead also gives assistance in avoiding binding and easily intercepting corner pulls.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
YaeKoo 10″ Winch Roller Fairlead is a reliable and sturdy option for those seeking a roller fairlead for their ATV winch. The heavy-duty steel construction and corrosion-resistant finish make it a long-lasting addition to any off-road vehicle. Additionally, the smooth roller design reduces the chance of rope wear and increases winching efficiency.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on 29 October 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Zinc-plated finish prevents rusting
- Smooth winding experience
- Lightweight
CONS
- Rollers are not bolted
- Poor quality snap rings
The Ranger roller fairlead is a quality product by Ultra rangers. The fairlead is designed for any ATV or UTV winches having a load capacity of 2000-3000 pounds. If the ATV winch does not have a fairlead, one must make sure to get one for their winch because it prevents the winch from getting damaged.
Ultra rangers Equipment manufactures integrated products of high quality to cater to their customer’s needs and ensure guaranteed satisfaction of their customers. Like any other roller fairlead, the Ranger roller fairlead has four rollers. The fairlead is made of a high-quality CNC machined steel frame, and the four rollers are made of stainless steel.
To make the roller fairlead durable, the CNC machined steel frame and the four stainless steel rollers have a powder coating and zinc plated finish, making it weather resistant and preventing corrosion and rust.
The Ranger ATV winch roller fairlead is designed for winches with a steel winch line and also prevents the winch line from fraying and tangling. Steel cable is much stronger than synthetic rope. Therefore, if you use a steel cable with an aluminum fairlead, the steel cable can damage it.
This roller fairlead by Ultra ranger equipment features 4-7/8″ inch bolt centers suitable for ATV, UTV and SUV car winches with a load capacity of 2000-3000 pounds. Also, this model comes in two color variants: red and black, from which you can choose the color of your choice.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
In my opinion, the Ranger ATV Aluminum Hawse Fairlead is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and reliable fairlead for their ATV winch. The precision-machined aluminum construction ensures durability, and the low-profile design reduces rope wear and improves winching efficiency. The stylish finish adds a touch of flair to any off-road vehicle.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on June 27, 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- True to its design
- Powder coating and zinc-plated finish make it weather resistant
- Excellent quality at a reasonable price
CONS
- Mounting bolts not included
The Southern Powersports hawse fairlead is an excellent option to consider if you have a heavy-duty ATV, UTV or Turbo winch, which has a load capacity of 3500 to 5500 pounds. When your winch does not have a fairlead, make sure to get one, as, without a fairlead, your winch’s cable can get damaged. Southern Powersports is known for manufacturing integrated power products and has been trusted by its customers for many years.
Their main goal is to create products which will meet their customers’ needs.The Southern Powersports hawse fairlead has a thickness of about half an inch. The fairlead is made of solid CNC machined 6061 aluminum, making it sturdy. To make the fairlead durable and long-lasting, the fairlead has a black anodized finish, making it weather resistant and preventing it from getting damaged in harsh environmental conditions.
As mentioned above, the fairlead is made of aluminum. Therefore it is recommended to use this fairlead with a winch which has a synthetic rope winch line, because a steel cable can damage the aluminum hawse fairlead as steel is much stronger than aluminum.
This hawse fairlead features a six-inch bolt mount pattern and includes the mounting hardware. The problem of binding and generation of high friction is often encountered when the winch fairlead is in operation, which hampers smooth winding. The Southern Powersports hawse fairlead is designed to combat this problem as it provides assistance to avoid binding and reduces the fiction generated due to angled pulls.
It also prevents transmission of high heat to the synthetic winch line and protects the synthetic rope from excessive damage and fraying.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
In my opinion, the Southern Powersports ATV UTV RZR fairlead is an outstanding option for those seeking a heavy-duty and durable fairlead for their ATV winch. The all-steel construction and powder-coated finish make it rust-resistant and long-lasting. The roller design reduces rope wear and increases winching efficiency.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on January 11, 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Sturdy built
- Provides protection from corrosion
- Value for money
CONS
- The bolts are not rustproof
When you are looking for a good quality roller fairlead for your ATV UTV winch, you can consider warning 28929 winch roller fairlead for ATV and side x side winches. Warn has been one of the leading manufacturers of winches, bumpers and accessories. Warn designs and manufactures products which are tested for durability and reliability. Warn products have been trusted by their customers for many years.
The Warn 28929 winch roller fairlead features four stainless rollers and a steel frame. The roller fairlead does not come with a powder-coated finish or zinc-plated finish, as a result of which there are chances of corrosion and rusting, which reduces the service life of the fairlead. Since this is a roller fairlead, use it with a winch which has a steel winch line as a synthetic rope will be damaged if used.
This roller fairlead provides you with a smooth winding experience and helps to reduce the friction generated from angled pulling. It also assists in avoiding binding and prevents the winch line from heavy damage. One would need to check the manufacturer’s warranty scheme for warranty-related queries. It should be noted that the manufacturer’s warranty might not encompass all cases of discrepancies.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
WARN 28929 Winch Roller Fairlead is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and dependable fairlead for their ATV winch. The robust steel construction and powder-coated finish ensure longevity and resistance to rust and corrosion. The roller design improves winching efficiency and reduces rope wear.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 23, 2005 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Quality product at a reasonable price
- Protects the winch line
CONS
- Does not have a protective layer, which causes premature rusting and corrosion
The MotoAlliance Viper aluminum hawse fairlead is an excellent option if you want a quality hawse fairlead for your ATV/UTV winch, which has a load capacity of 5000 pounds. Having a good quality fairlead on your winch as a fairlead prevents the winch from breakage, which happens because of wear and tear while the winch is working.
This hawse fairlead has been designed exclusively for ATV, UTV and Side X Side winches. The fairlead is CNC machined and is made of billet aluminum. It is recommended to use this hawse fairlead with a winch which has a synthetic rope winch line because steel is harder than aluminum, and since a cable moves along the fairlead, a steel fairlead can damage the fairlead.
Although it claims to be durable, this hawse fairlead does not have a protective layer such as a powder coating or zinc-plated finish, which increases its chances of rusting, reducing the fairlead’s service life.
The hawse fairleads feature a universal hole spacing of 4-7/8” inch on the center. It also includes stainless steel mounting hardware with an Allen head. The MotoAlliance Viper aluminum hawse fairlead is suitable for ATV/UTV winches with a load capacity of 5000 pounds or less. It is suggested to use a Viper rubber line stopper to ensure safety. A one-year warranty backs it.
My Opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
The MotoAlliance VIPER ATV/UTV Aluminum Hawse Fairlead is an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-quality and lightweight fairlead for their ATV winch. The precision-machined aluminum construction and sleek finish ensure durability, while the low-profile design reduces rope wear and increases winching efficiency.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on March 15, 2013 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Maximizes the service life of the winch line
- Features a universal hole spacing
- Durable and sturdy built
CONS
- The fairlead is not rustproof
If you are the owner of any ATV/UTV winch which has a load capacity of 2500 pounds or less but does not come with a good quality fairlead, then you must upgrade your winch fairlead. Having a good quality fairlead is important because a fairlead helps to increase the service life of the winch line by protecting it from wear and tear.
There is a large variety of options available in the market. The roller fairlead by KFI products is a good option among the available options. The roller fairlead has a solid black steel frame along with stainless steel rollers. Since this is a steel roller fairlead it should be used with an ATV winch which has a steel winch line, because it can cause damage to a synthetic rope line. This fairlead is prone to corrosion and rusting as it does not have any protective layer.
This roller fairlead is designed for ATV/UTV winches which have a load capacity of 2500 pounds or less. It has a minimum weight of two pounds which makes it easy to move around, and features a standard 4-7/8” inch bolt pattern for installation. For warranty-related queries, you have to contact the manufacturers.
My opinion
Load Capacity
Durability
Compatibility
the KFI Products ATV-RF Fairleads are an excellent option for those seeking a versatile and dependable fairlead for their ATV winch. The heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated finish ensure durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. The roller design improves winching efficiency and reduces rope wear.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on September 9, 2008 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Features a standard bolt pattern
- Good quality at a reasonable price
- Sturdy built
CONS
- Installation hardware not included
- Prone to rusting and corrosion
Types of Winch Fairlead
1. Roller Fairlead
Many winch manufacturers have used roller fairleads as a standard fairlead for quite some time. A roller fairlead uses two vertical and two horizontal rollers, which spin on bushings inside the rollers. As the rollers spin, it reduces the friction as the winch line moves across the fairlead. With a roller fairlead, one can use any type of winch line; it can be a steel cable or a synthetic cable.
Although the roller fairlead tends to stick out more and is heavy, failure with a roller fairlead is rare as none of the parts of a roller fairlead undergoes high pressure. Although you can use any kind of winch line, it is recommended to use a steel cable with a roller fairlead. If you want to use a synthetic line, use an aluminum roller fairlead.
2. Hawse Fairlead
Hawse fairleads have a very simple design. They are made with a single piece of machined aluminum or cast iron. It does not have any moveable parts attached to it. Since it has a simple design, there is little or no chance of breakage during normal use. The hawse fairlead is gaining more popularity because of its slim design, which offers more clearance.
A hawse fairlead is lighter in comparison to roller fairleads as it has less material and is smaller in size. A hawse fairlead features a rounded chamfer which allows the winch line to slide over it smoothly. The larger the chamfer and thicker the hawse, the smoother it is on the winch line. If you are using an aluminum hawse fairlead, make sure to use a synthetic winch line.
3. Steel and Aluminum fairlead
Generally, fairleads are either made of steel or they are made of aluminum. Fairleads, made of steel, are mainly of roller type, which is used with steel winch line. This is because steel is harder than aluminum. Therefore a steel roller fairlead is used with steel cable.
Fairleads are also made of aluminum. Normally hawse fairleads are made of aluminum and are used with a winch with a synthetic winch line because a synthetic winch line can get damaged if used with a roller fairlead.
Looking for something more specific ? Below I have compiled a list of other articles related to ATV winch that might help you. Do check them out!
Buyer’s Guide
Before you buy a winch fairlead, you need to consider certain factors which are essential to determine whether the fairlead is suitable for your application.
1. Weight Capacity
When buying a winch, fairlead checking its weight capacity is an essential factor to consider. The weight capacity of the winch fairlead determines the amount of load the winch will be able to pull or lift. You will find a huge array of roller or hawse winch fairlead in the market with different weight capacities.
Therefore, if you are going to purchase a fairlead for your ATV winch, you need to consider the size of your ATV winch and the activities in which you mostly use the winch. If you mostly indulge in heavy-duty work involving heavy items, you would also need to buy a heavy-duty winch fairlead. Choosing the wrong capacity of a winch fairlead can lead to many safety hazards.
2. Material
Generally, winch fairleads are either made of steel or they are made of aluminum. Steel is much harder than aluminum.
If your winch has a steel cable, then a steel roller or hawse fairlead must be used because a steel winch line will damage a regular aluminum fairlead.
On the other hand, if your winch line has a synthetic cable, it is recommended to use an aluminum hawse fairlead. Since aluminum is soft, an aluminum hawse fairlead will be less harsh on the synthetic winch line. Although roller fairleads are also made of aluminum, they will not be a great option.
3. Size
When buying an ATV winch fairlead, one can get confused about what size they should buy. The size of the winch fairlead is a key factor that cannot be ignored because if you do not buy the perfect size, the fairlead will not fit in the winch. Generally, for a 2000 – 3500 pound ATV winch, a fairlead of about four inches works perfectly. Once you have chosen the right fairlead for your winch it’s time for installation of winch on ATV.
Verdict
The Road Boar aluminum hawse fairlead is a good winch fairlead among the ten winch fairleads mentioned above. The Road Boar aluminum hawse fairlead is suitable for heavy-duty TV/UTV winch with a load capacity of 8000 to 15000 pounds.
Summary
Therefore, if your ATV /UTV winch does not have a fairlead or the fairlead present is not of good quality, make sure to upgrade it to a good quality one because a fairlead helps to increase the lifespan of the winch line by protecting it from damage which in turn expands the service life of the winch. You can check out the options mentioned above if you are confused about which winch fairlead will be suitable for your winch.
