The winch manufacturing sector boasts numerous key players such as Warn, Champion, and Mile Marker. Of late, X-BULL has expanded its presence to become a budget-friendly brand specializing in winches and automotive recovery items.
Many people, perhaps, will be concerned about this small brand’s products. Are X-BULL winches high-quality? How about their positive and negative aspects?
Don’t worry. We’re here to help you with all those questions about X-BULL. Following that, this article will discuss the overall pros and cons of X-BULL products and give you a detailed review of several winches from this company.
X-BULL History
X-BULL was started and founded in Australia. The founders of X-BULL were tired of people losing their passion for off-roading and adventure due to the high price of rescue equipment. Instead of simply dealing with expensive equipment, they set out to make their own.
After years of engineering and designing more affordable equipment, they began selling their winches and other automotive products. X-BULL is about 10 years old as a company methodically developing the right kinds of winches and auto rescue products.
X-BULL’s tagline clearly expresses its goal, with “Affordable Toughness”. They believe that the safety gear you need for off-roading should be priced right.
Why Buy X-BULL?
Excellent value
X-BULL offers some of the best winches for your money, along with their desire to produce affordable and tough products for off-roaders.
Great controls
X-BULL has also become renowned for being lightweight winches with multiple sets of controls, including a remote. The remote comes in handy when setting up your winch from a distance.
Inexpensive
When comparing prices to other major brands of automotive winches, you’ll have less sticker shock with X-BULL. Their products often cost half for the same weight capacity.
Why Not X-BULL?
Questionable manufacturing location
One of the reasons why X-BULL offers affordable pricing on their winches is their manufacturing in China. While China does make good products, some people have been disappointed by the build quality and setup from X-BULL. A couple of reviewers complained about issues relating to the overload protector and other mechanical problems.
Shorter ropes on some models
Compared to a competing brand in Smittybilt, the X-BULL winches have been noted for including shorter winch ropes. While a 26’ winch cable might not be enough for some, it’ll be plenty for others.
Now you must have a general look about X-BULL winches. If you have any desire to buy one, just read on my article. I’ll recommend the 5 best winch products from this brand.
Top 5 Best X-BULL Winches Ever!
1. X-BULL 12V 3000-lbs Winch Kit: Best for ATVs
Great Price
X-BULL’s dedication to reasonably priced products makes their 3000 lbs winch a great deal. With only $100, you get a nicely made winch. You’ll expect to spend at least 10% more on similar winches from store brands like Champion Power Equipment.
Durability
The winch will likely sit on the outside of an ATV while driving through mud, rain, and snow. X-BULL makes their winches corrosion and UV resistant, so they can handle the tough weather that ATV travel can throw at them.
Multiple cable options
X-BULL makes their 3000 lbs winch with a couple of cable options, including steel and Dyneema synthetic rope.
- The Dyneema synthetic cables are known for durability, easy cleaning and serious strength.
- For a little less money, the steel cables are corrosion and crush resistant. You’ll find the synthetic rope models to be a bit lighter, too.
Lightweight
A lighter winch provides ease of use and installation. The X-BULL 3000 lbs with steel cable weigh in at just over 11 lbs, while the synthetic rope is even more lightweight at just over 9 lbs. Both pull plenty of weight for their compact size.
Pros
- Very reasonable price
- Strong enough to pull an ATV
- Easy to use with remote and manual pull function
Cons
- Poor instructions
- Winch relay issues
Why the X-BULL 3000-lbs winch is best for you
X-BULL offers a great value with useful accessories like a remote control for a low price. You also get a choice of steel or synthetic cable. The 3000-lbs winch fits all vehicles and makes an excellent tool for people who own a snowmobile or ATV 4WD.
X-BULL 3,000 lbs Winch Kit
2. X-BULL 4500-lbs Winch: Easy to Use
Easy to use
Included wireless remote control makes the X-BULL 4500 lbs easy to use in all conditions. Rather than walking back to your vehicle, you can have the X-BULL begin pulling by touching a button. Many reviewers also noted that the remote on the X-BULL works without delay, unlike the remotes of other winch manufacturers.
Excellent price
Users compared the $140 X-BULL to competitive brands like Warn. For the same performance, users preferred X-BULL because of their better price. While prices on Warn products can vary, they offer the same features and power for double the money.
Safe to use
X-BULL makes their 4500 lbs winch safe to use by offering a permanent DC motor and a waterproof solenoid. X-BULL begins pulling slowly and kicks into higher gear to prevent electrical issues. The steel cable and motor housing have corrosion resistance for all-weather use long-term.
Pros
- Well priced for a powerful winch
- Steel and synthetic rope options
- Wired and wireless remote
- Lifetime technical support with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Complicated installation
- Quality control can be an issue, though X-Bull has a warranty
Is the X-Bull 4500-lb your best option?
X-Bull has the full package here. The price is right and far less than competitors. The winch offers a rugged steel cable that can haul an ATV, snowmobile, or bigger.
Also, you can get a warranty to cover mechanical or material problems.
X-BULL 4,500 lbs Winch [Synthetic & Steel Rope]
3. X-BULL 12V 10,000-lb Winch: Best for Moving a Car
Safe to use
X-BULL builds an overload protection device into their 10,000-lb winch to avoid the risk of burning out the winch at a high load. An overloaded winch can damage both itself and your vehicle.
Powerful motor
The 5.6 horsepower motor combines with newly designed internal rotors to give X-BULL the lift needed to carry up to 10,000 lbs. The addition of forged steel gears pulls a big load faster when paired with the new motor.
Sturdy synthetic rope
X-BULL uses a Dyneema synthetic rope that works well in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Wireless remote works from a good distance – further than the rope
- Excellent value for synthetic rope
- IP67 waterproofing for all-weather use
Cons
- Quality control issues with the screws on the drum
- Requires rest moments while pulling
- No update
Why the X-BULL 12V 10,000-lb is best for you
A more powerful motor also provides more pulling strength. The standard synthetic rope offers extra durability and usability in all conditions. X-BULL’s remote adds a very useful range. The 10,000 winch fits most SUVs and trucks.
X-BULL 10,000 lbs Winch Kit Synthetic Rope
4. X-BULL 12V 12,000-lb: Easiest to Use For Big Loads
Steel construction
Why look for steel in your X-BULL winch? Steel resists wet weather better than other metals.
Great remote
The remote has a good range, allowing the user to start pulling from a distance. Many reviewers commended the inclusion of a remote for the low price.
Well priced
X-BULL offers the same performance as other winches for half the price. X-BULL again fulfills its goal of providing outstanding value.
Pros
- A great deal of pulling power for the price
- Can easily swap out synthetic or steel cables
- Very durable housing and rope
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Issues with installation
- The cable can get knotted up and look disorganized, though not problematic
Why this X-BULL 12,000 lbs?
X-BULL offers a nice steel housing for the 12,000-lb winch, which will operate well in all conditions. The one-year warranty is also accommodating for a more powerful winch with a bigger motor and more weight pulled.
X-BULL 12,000 lbs Winch Steel Cable
5. X-BULL Synthetic Rope 13,000-lb winch: Most Capacity
Long cable
At 65 ft, X-BULL provides a long cable to give you plenty of pulling distance. Stuck in mud or snow a ways out? No worries, the X-BULL 13000 lbs has the length to get you out.
Long-lasting synthetic cable
Get the strength without the weight with the Dyneema synthetic cable. Synthetic cables are much lighter than steel cables. They are easier to carry to the affected vehicle.
Smooth operation
Pros
- Pocket friendly for a 13,000-lb winch
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Easy installation
- Helpful longer cable
Cons
- Potential long-term quality control issues
- No obvious steel cable option
Why this X-BULL 13,000-lb winch?
The X-BULL 13,000-lb winch is an excellent option for pulling large vehicles out of anywhere. The long cable helps create distance and bridge the gap from what is making you stuck. This winch is powered by an excellent, quiet, strong motor and uses outstanding proprietary Dyneema synthetic cables.
Buyers will find the winch useful on almost any SUV or truck.
X-BULL 13,000 lbs Winch Synthetic Rope
Recommendation
X-BULL makes a great winch for your dollar. You’ll get a durable winch that can lift anything from an ATV to a full-sized vehicle. The remotes receive rave reviews from customers, too.
We suggest the X-BULL 10,000-lb for use when moving a vehicle in an easy manner. You’ll like the lightweight and ease of installation. Besides, if you have larger needs, don’t hesitate to go for the X-BULL 13,000lb winch.
FAQs
Is the synthetic rope of X-BULL good?
It’s not only good, it’s actually one of the best features of X-BULL winches. Dyneema synthetic rope reduces weight by a couple of pounds compared to a steel cable. Also, the synthetic ropes are easier to clean.
X-BULL or Smittybilt – which is better?
We can honestly say that Smittybilt makes a better winch. While Smittybilt winches and automotive products cost a bit more, they have fewer reports of issues. Smittybilt tends to achieve 4.5 stars or higher, which is better than X-BULL at around 4 stars each. Their reviews reflect a more consistent manufacturing process and a better likelihood you’ll enjoy your winch for years without a problem.
