Off-roading can be unpredictable, and having a reliable winch is crucial in getting out of sticky situations. KFI winches have built a reputation for being durable and dependable in tough conditions. In this article, we will look at the top 4 KFI winches, their features, and why they are popular among off-road enthusiasts.
Which is the best KFI winch ?
KFI SE-35 winch is the best KFI winch for its exceptional pulling capacity, durable construction, and impressive features. It is suitable for challenging off-road terrain and provides reliable performance, making it a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
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 pull capacity needed to handle the weight, rope quality and the power performance to know the best KFI winches. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Company Overview of KFI
KFI (Kappers Fabricating Inc.)[1] has been in business since 1986, and they started their product line with an ATV winch mount. After its success, they moved on with engineering their line of products to support the ATV and UTV owners with their off-roading passion.
All of the KFI products are inspected and tested to meet the specifications of different models and makes of ATVs. They are destined to provide you with perfect accessories that fit well on your vehicle without the necessity of making any aesthetic modifications.
As of today, KFI is manufacturing and selling a variety of products which includes winches, winch mounts, snow plows, bumpers, hitches, snow plows, plow mounts, bumpers, hitches, and other accessories.
Best KFI Winches
Best winch
KFI SE-25
- Gear ratio of 171:1
- POM roller fairlead
- Water-resistant seals
If you are an off-roader then you probably know KFI’s product range. Once you shift to the KFI product line, there is no going back! But if you are new to exploring the KFI winches, then here is the review for some of the top-range products that will help you make a decision.
SE 25 is one of the most selling 2500lbs winches of KFI’s stealth series of products. It comes with a 50 feet synthetic cable and is equipped with a cable hook stopper. The mechanical and dynamic braking system will help you control the winch with heavy loads. SE-25 comes with a 4-hole mount design and an all-metal clutch.
The brand offers a one-year limited warranty on the mechanical and operational efficiency of this winch. You get a mini-rocker switch[2] and adjustable bracket to easily mount it on your ATV. The modern-day electric contractor used in this winch will protect the functionality of electrical switches and systems in your ATV.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my opinion, the KFI SE-25 winch is an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts who require a reliable and powerful winch. The installation process was straightforward, and the winch performed flawlessly in pulling my vehicle out of deep mud. Its compact size and durable construction make it a must-have for any off-road adventure.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 8, 2012 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Comes with an all-metal planetary gear system & a gear ratio of 171:1
- Optimal pulling capacity of up to 2500lbs
- Equipped with multi-directional POM roller fairlead
- Available with water-resistant seals
CONS
- Doesn’t come with an ATV-specific winch mount.
KFI Stealth Series of winches is top of the line for this brand. And SE-35 is just another addition to their magnificent options. KFI SE-35 features 3500lbs of pulling capacity and has a 50 ft synthetic cable, equipped with a protective sheath. You get the rocker switch with all of the stealth series winches by KFI.
The water-resistant seals allow you to take your ATV to all terrains without worrying about moisture damage to the winches. The mechanical braking system lets you control the load pull in difficult situations. It is easy to install with its 4-hole mounting set-up. The clutch works perfectly fine even when the winch is drenched with mud and dust.
The KFI SE-35 operates with an all-metal planetary gear system[3] and emits a gear ratio of 171:1.
Moreover, it also has a multi-directional roller fairlead to support seamless pulling operations.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
I felt The KFI SE-35 winch is a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts who require a heavy-duty winch that can handle challenging terrain. The installation process was straightforward, and the winch performed flawlessly in pulling my vehicle out of a steep incline. Its robust construction and impressive pulling capacity make it a must-have for any serious off-roader.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on July 31, 2013 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Wires are color coded for winch and battery
- Available with a heavy-duty electric contractor
CONS
- It is on a bit expensive side
KFI SE-45 is yet another powerful winch of the Stealth Series. It houses 4500 lbs of pulling power, which helps you pull out your ATV or UTV from the worst possible off-roading situations. You get a 38 ft synthetic cable and 5 ft of the protective sheath. The dash rocker switch will help you control your winch’s function easily.
Moreover, you also get a 14 ft corded remote with this winch for operating it from a distance. You get the 4-hole mounting setup for fixing the winch easily on your ATV. The operational efficiency is determined with a 1.7HP permanent magnet motor[4]. It has an all-metal planetary gear drive with a gear ratio of 166:1. To help you with quality assurance, the brand also offers a one-year warranty on this product.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my opinion, the KFI SE-45 winch is a top-of-the-line winch that delivers exceptional performance in challenging off-road conditions. The winch’s high pulling capacity, durable construction, and impressive features make it a must-have for any serious off-road enthusiast. The installation process was straightforward, and the winch worked flawlessly in pulling my vehicle out of deep mud.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on January 28, 2017 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Clutch has free spooling support
- Manufactured with water-resistant seals
- Cable hook stopper is available with the kit
CONS
- You have to buy the ATV-specific winch mount separately
Apart from the stealth series, you can also opt for a low-budgeted 3000lbs winch by KFI, that works with the same proficiency in functionality. It is part of the compact winch series by KFI, which is made with cast aluminum and steel parts. Water-resistant seals are implemented around the critical parts to prevent damage to the winch due to moisture or water exposure.
You get a 14 ft wired remote with this winch that will help you operate it from a distance. It might be a necessity in some terrains when you have to precisely observe your ATV while you are pulling it out from a muddy situation. The performance is justified for the price range as it doesn’t get hiccups while pulling a maximum load.
It operates with a 1.3 HP permanent magnet motor and an all-metal planetary gear system. The gear ratio with which the winch operates is 171:1. The overall weight of this entire winch kit is 24.8lbs, which won’t be heavy on your ATV’s bumper.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my opinion, the KFI A3000 winch is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable winch for their off-road adventures. Its compact size, easy installation process, and powerful performance make it a versatile winch suitable for various vehicles. I was impressed by its smooth operation and durability, which make it a great value for its price.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on September 9, 2008 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Comes with dynamic and mechanical braking
- Brand offers a 1-year limited-time warranty
- You get a mini rocker control switch for better usability
CONS
- The wired remote is not of the best quality
Verdict
You should buy KFI if you are new to off-roading passion on your ATV or UTV. It is because they have all categories of winches to meet your specific needs. You have a plethora of options to choose from the best range of KFI winches, based on power, pricing, and specifications.
Summary
With this, you are now aware of the best line of winches that KFI has to offer. You can check out their website to learn more about these specific winches, and explore all of the other products that they have to offer. Irrespective of whether you want to off-road in your ATV or just want the winch for snow plowing, it is important to pick the right product to meet your specific needs. And this article helps you with the best 4 that can probably be your good pick.
References
-
ATV winches, mounts and accessories for KFI Products – KFI ATV Winch, Mounts and Accessories. (n.d.). https://www.kfiproducts.com/
-
Adminnb, & Adminnb. (2022). What is a Rocker Switch? | RJS Electronics Ltd. RJS Electronics Ltd | Electro Mech Components. https://www.rjselectronics.com/blog/2020/blog-rjs/panel-mount-pcb-rocker-switches/
-
Lesics. (2017c, February 28). Understanding PLANETARY GEAR set ! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARd-Om2VyiE
-
Vavra, C. (2022d). Understanding permanent magnet motors. Control Engineering. https://www.controleng.com/articles/understanding-permanent-magnet-motors/