X-Bull Winch Review: We Compared 6 Winches For You

“Should I go for an X-Bull winch?” A question asked by many off-roading enthusiasts, especially the ones who want to pull free when they get stuck.

Our counter-response is why not? For the price, we believe X-Bull provides fantastic recovery solutions for ATVs, UTVs, or other 4x4s. 

Besides, these winches are excellent for towing or dragging heavier objects.

They seem reasonable but you might struggle to figure out which model of the X-Bull winches makes the best choice for Overlanding?

Well, this gets trickier from here!

X-Bull has different winch models targeted at different audiences. They vary in power, rope type, size, design, capacity, etc. 

So don’t get intimidated with that many options! 

We’ve picked and compared 6 of its winches here. And also laid out X Bull Winch reviews in detail.

This should make it fairly easy for you to find out the Bull (X Bull) you need!

Comparison Chart 

Topic

X-BULL 13000 LBS Synthetic Rope Electric Winch

X-BULL 13000 LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch

X-BULL 10000 LBS Synthetic Rope Electric Winch

X-BULL 3000 LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch 

X-BULL 4500 LBS Synthetic Rope Electric Winch 

X-BULL 4500 LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch 

Load Capacity

13000 LBS

13000 LBS

10000 LBS

3000 LBS

4500 LBS

4500 LBS

Motor Type

Series Wound

Series Wound

Series Wound

Permanent Magnet

Permanent Magnet

Permanent Magnet

Motor Power

6 HP/4.5 KW

6 HP/4.5 KW

5.6HP/4.2KW

1.3HP/1KW

1.9HP/1.5KW

1.9HP/1.5KW

Rope Type

Synthetic

Steel

Synthetic

Steel

Synthetic

Steel

Rope Size

⅜’’ x 85

⅜’’ x 85

⅜’’ x 78’

⅜’’ x 85

1/5’’ x 30’

1/4’’ x 50’

1/4’’ x 50’

Gear Ratio

265:1

265:1

265:1

153:1

136:1

136:1

Fairlead

Hawse

4-Way Roller

Hawse

4-Way Roller

Hawse

4-Way Roller

Suitable for

Jeep/SUV

Jeep/SUV

Jeep/SUV

UTV/ATV

UTV/ATV

UTV/ATV

X-Bull Winch Review

Top 6 X-Bull Winch Reviews

Let’s take a look at the XBull Winch reviews to see what these bulls have to offer our serious off-roaders.

1. X-BULL 12V 13000 LBS Synthetic Rope Premium Electric Winch

X-BULL 12V 13000 LBS Synthetic Rope Premium Electric Winch

Worried about pulling free or dragging heavy objects during your off-road riding? 

Don’t be! 

With the X-Bull’s Premium Electric Winch you could be resilient enough to get out of anything!

Its high-capacity motor allows you to pull free and drive on regardless of the terrain.

The winch comes with a long, tensile, and lightweight synthetic cable. So you should have no trouble pulling anything up. 

Moreover, it’s strongly built and can withstand all weather. Mounting is fairly easy and the fit is tight & snug enough for a secure setup. 

It's also easy to operate with the latest wireless remote. So begin your adventure just when you're stuck.

The design suits all 4x4s so that you can travel off any beaten path without the fear of getting stuck. 

Because when you get stuck — spool out the line, set up the unit, grab the remote and press it.

And you’re free!

Make sure to go through the user manual to figure out what is where in the device.

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 13000 LBS
  • Motor: 6 HP or 4.5 KW Series Wound
  • Mounting Bolt Pattern:10" × 4.5"
  • Battery Leads: 69.6’’
  • Cable Size: ⅜’’ x 85’
  • Gear Ratio: 265:1
  • Clutch: Sliding Ring Gear
  • Drum Size: 2.5’’x 9..6’’
  • Cable Type: Synthetic Rope
  • Fairlead: Hawse
  • Braking: Automatic Out-Of-Drum
  • Recommended Battery: 650CCA
  • Net Weight: 63.2 LBS
  • Product Dimensions: 20.8" x 6.5" x 10.24".

Highlighted Features:

  • 3-stage Planetary Gear System
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • 500 AMP solenoid valve
  • Latest wireless remote controlling
  • High-tensile synthetic cable
  • Automatic load holding
  • Heavy-duty sealed contractor and positive load control
  • Sewn-in elastic around the edges

2. X-BULL 12V 13000 LBS Wireless Steel Electric Winch

X-BULL 12V 13000 LBS Wireless Steel Electric Winch

If steel cable is what you prefer for your high-capacity electric winch, check out this high-powered recovery solution from X-Bull.

It can help you get rid of any murky situation while fording across streams!

This is rugged and comes with IP67 water and dustproof rating. So you can plow through mud, dirt, or water and charge up the mud bogs or sandy hills without any fear.

You know the series-wound motors, how powerful and efficient they are. And this is what you get — higher speed and more stability.

Adds to that is its powerful gear terrain having a great gear ratio. As a result, you get enormous torque even in the small housing.

It has longa and high-tensile steel cable that's excellent for abrasive terrains like sand, mud, and rocks. 

And the convenience continues with its wireless remote as well, probably the best part when you operate it in a murky condition!

This X-Bull winch isn’t the premium one out there so there is room for improvements like in its frame and overall build quality. 

But again, for the price point it has to be the best bang for the buck!

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 13000 LBS
  • Motor: 6HP or 4.5KW Series Wound
  • Mounting Bolt Pattern:10" × 4.5"
  • Battery Leads: 69.6’’
  • Cable Size: ⅜’’ x 85’
  • Gear Ratio: 265:1
  • Drum Size: 2.5’’ x 9.6’’
  • Cable Type: Steel Rope
  • Fairlead: 4-Way Roller
  • Braking: Automatic Load-Holding
  • Recommended Battery: 650CCA
  • Net Weight: 86 LBS
  • Product Dimensions: 20.8" x 6.5" x 9.25".

Highlighted Features:

  • 3-stage Planetary Gear Train
  • IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
  • High-tensile steel cable
  • High-precision wireless remote control system
  • Strong Alloy Cable Hook
  • Automatic load holding
  • Power In & Out motor with positive load control

3. X-BULL 10000 Synthetic Rope Winch

X-BULL 10000 Synthetic Rope Winch

The next XBull winch review takes us to another synthetic rope option, but this time it’s made of a premium synthetic named Dyneema.

This material surely excels over the regular steel cable in terms of much lighter weight and more strength. 

A powerful motor and super strong cable of this winch can surely set you free when you’re stuck.

This is waterproof with an IP67 rating like other X-Bull winches. So you can take it off-road for some serious punishments since it can withstand them with ease.

The load capacity isn't the highest, yet it’s standard for your 4x4s. Setting it up in your vehicle is fairly easy with hooks, bolts, and other necessaries provided in the package. 

Its integrated wireless remoting provides a great controlling experience. 

Although the rope is premium, the body construction is not! The body isn’t made for a heavy-duty job, at least when you look to pull in massively heavier objects. 

However, you can still tow a few tons of weight without any trouble.

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 10000 LBS
  • Motor: 5.6HP or 4.2KW Series Wound
  • Mounting Bolt Pattern:10" × 4.5"
  • Cable Size: ⅜’’ x 78’
  • Gear Ratio: 265:1
  • Drum Size: 2.5’’x 9.6’’
  • Cable Type: Synthetic Rope
  • Fairlead: Hawse
  • Braking: Automatic Load-Holding
  • Recommended Battery: 650CCA
  • Net Weight: 61 LBS 
  • Product Dimensions: 20.8" x 6.5" x 8.6".

Highlighted Features:

  • Features 3-stage Planetary Gear Train
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • 500 AMP solenoid valve
  • Comes with the latest wireless remote
  • Aluminum fairlead
  • High-tensile synthetic cable
  • Larger free spooling clutch
  • Automatic load holding
  • Power In and Out motor with a heavy-duty sealed contractor

4. X-BULL 12V 3000 LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch 

X-BULL 12V 3000 LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch

Now we have a bull for the serious ATV and UTV riders who don’t bother getting stuck knee-deep in the mud bogs!

Being made for UTVs, they tend to be more compact and necessarily not as powerful as the previously discussed ones.

The permanent magnet motor of this X-Bull is powerful enough to produce high torque and strong pulling force. Its high-quality steel cable along with forged-steel and super-heavy hook adds largely to its stability.

Like other X-Bulls, it also comes with a 3-stage planetary gear train making it more reliable in terms of brake and stable speed. This is why overlanders consider it as a reliable friend.

The inclusion of the durable and insulated solenoid relay keeps away the burning phenomenon, hence making it a more reliable option.

This comes with a 12V DC motor and is sized for ATVs, UTVs, and 4WDs.  It’s built to resist harsh weather elements like corrosion or UV rays and is also waterproof.

The alloy fairlead works fine and it seems to reduce excessive wear to a good extent. You get all the mounting options and it's fairly easy to install.

Its wireless remote experience makes it a joy to control the device when you’re stuck in a complicated situation. The clutch handle is another convenient addition that gets you out of sticky situations.

Remember to check the packaging to find out no component is missing.

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 3000 LBS
    Motor: 1.3HP or 1KW
    Motor Type: Permanent Magnet 12V DC
    Gear Ratio: 153:1
    Cable Size: 1/5’’ x 30’
    Cable Type: Steel Cable
    Fairlead: 4-Way Roller
    Brake Type: Automatic Load-Handling
    Recommended Battery: 650CCA
    Net Weight: 11.2 LBS
    Product Dimensions: 11.4’’×3.93’’×4.33’’

Highlighted Features:

  • 3-stage Planetary Gear System
  • Copper motor
  • Designed for UTV/ATV 4WD
  • 500A Winch Solenoid Relay
  • Mounting bracket included
  • Wired and wireless remote control
  • Steel cable
  • Alloy fairlead
  • Mechanical brake with automatic load handling

5. X-BULL 12V 4500LBS Synthetic Rope Electric Winch

X-BULL 12V 4500LBS Synthetic Rope Electric Winch

Here we go with the X-Bull 4500 winch review!

4500 LBS load capacity along with strong synthetic rope is probably the most desired combination for an ATV/UTV winch.

It has a more powerful copper motor that's strong as well as efficient. This winch also comes with X-Bull’s signature 3-stage planetary gear terrain. So it extracts and retracts with strong and stable power. 

The Dyneema synthetic rope of this winch is something that we prefer for ATV winches. However, the rope size has been a concern for a few who found it to be shorter than what is claimed.

It comes with a convenient wireless remote, however, we’ve seen complaints about it not working properly in some cases. 

This is a right-out-of-the-box device that requires hooking up as per the color-coded terminals. But be careful with the bolt pattern and the narrow fairlead as it mightn’t fit the common winch mounting brackets.

Although there are some shortcomings noted in this winch, it can still be a decent option for light ATVs and UTVs.

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 4500 LBS
  • Motor: 12V DC 1.9HP or 1.5KW Permanent Magnet
    5% duty cycle rating
  • Gear Ratio: 136:1
  • Cable Size: 1/4’’ x 50’
  • Cable Type: Synthetic Wire Rope
  • Fairlead: Aluminum Hawse
  • Braking: Automatic Load-Handling
  • Net Weight: 22 LBS
  • Product Dimensions: 15.8’’x 4.6’’x 4.7’’

Highlighted Features:

  • Designed for ATV and UTV
  • 3-stage Planetary Gear Train
  • Copper motor
  • 500A Solenoid Winch Relay
  • IP66 waterproof and dustproof rating
  • Wireless remote control
  • Dyneema synthetic winch cable
  • Mechanical brake with automatic load-holding 

6. X-BULL 12V 4500LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch

X-BULL 12V 4500LBS Steel Wire Electric Winch

We’ve kept the best for the last, especially when it comes to a powerful steel wire electric winch for your ATVs and UTVs. 

Its powerful motor is capable of generating enormous torque creating strong pulling force. So you can charge through any terrain without worrying about getting trapped.

The motor seems to follow a stable mechanism and it can generate a large speed ratio with the X-Bull’s 3-stage planetary gear terrain. 

Its power is well supported by the durable and strong steel cable. And it’s long as well. So recover yours or others UTV in the easiest possible way.

It comes with a stainless steel D-ring and other attachments that make pulling out your vehicle a lot easier. The wireless remote control works well and is fun to work with.

This X-Bull is a real bull out there for your 4WDs. Some find its cable to be shorter, however, it should be fine in most cases.

Specifications:

  • Load Capacity: 4500 LBS
  • Motor: 12V DC 1.9HP or 1.5KW Permanent Magnet
  • Gear Ratio: 136:1
  • Cable Size: 1/4’’ x 50’
  • Cable Type: Steel Wire Rope
  • Fairlead: 4-Way Roller
  • Braking: Automatic Load-Handling
  • Net Weight: 26.45 LBS
  • Product Dimensions: 15.8’’x 4.6’’x 4.7’’

Highlighted Features:

  • Designed for ATV/UTV
  • 5% duty cycle rating
  • 3-stage Planetary Gear System
  • Copper motor
  • 500A Solenoid Winch Relay
  • Stainless Steel Thimble for attachments
  • Wireless remote control
  • Steel winch cable
  • Mechanical brake with automatic load-holding 

X-bull Winch Manuals

You must go through the product guides and manuals to get the best results out of your device. Here we’ve got manuals for each of the X-Bull Winches described above.

Find these product guides below according to the models.

Is X-Bull a good winch brand? 

X-Bull is a good, in fact, the go-to winch brand for off-roaders who are tight on budget. This isn’t the premium brand out there for winches but makes a decent option with some of their good winches.

X-Bull Winch

Are X-Bull winches waterproof?

Yes, all the X-Bull winches come with an IP67 or IP66 waterproof rating.

Is there an X-Bull 12000 winch?

Not exactly, you’ll get an X-Bull with 13000 LBS load capacity. And this is why you haven’t seen an X-Bull 12000 winch review in our guide.

How to use an X-Bull winch? 

You get a user manual with every X-Bull winch purchase. But these user guides are rather complicated, especially if you’re using them for the first time.

So here we’ve come up with a more simplified how-to-use guide. You use an X-Bull winch in 3 different parts such as Rigging your X-Bull, Pulling out, and finally Unrigging your X-Bull.

X-Bull Winch

Let’s take a look at what you need to do in all these 3 stages.

Rig Your X-Bull

  1. Plug the remote control or connect with its wireless system into the winch. 
  2. Wear a pair of thick and heavy gloves.
  3. Look for an anchor in front of your vehicle where you can winch to
  4. Press the disengagement lever to release your X-Bull’s steel or synthetic cable
  5. Pull your X-Bull cable all the way to the anchor over there
  6. Wrap the bottom of your anchor with the tree trunk protector
  7. Hook a D-ring shackle on the trunk protector
  8. Hook your X-Bull winch hook to the D-ring with the tip up
  9. Engage the lever by turning it back to engaged mode
  10.  Use your X-Bull remote to carefully pull the cable taut and pull the cable back into your X-Bull winch

Pull the Vehicle Out

  1. Clear the area with nobody standing close to the winch cable
  2. Get to the driver’s seat and take the remote control in hand for starting the operation
  3. Press the remote control to slowly pull out your vehicle but make sure to release the power button every few seconds and continue winching again
  4. Stop your X-Bull when the vehicle is completely on the stable ground and move forward when the gas pedal is pressed
X-Bull Winch Review

Unrig Your X-Bull

  1. Unhook the X-Bull cable from the D-ring but keep it hooked to the tree trunk protector
  2. Use your remote to rewind the cable slowly.
  3. Unplug or disconnect the remote control from your X-Bull
  4. Remove the D-ring and protector from anchor
  5. Store all the accessories in the right place

Final Words

There are premium brands such as Warn who are the market setter for winches. But X-Bull has its own set of followers. It’s because they bring affordable vehicle recovery solutions.

And for off-roaders tight on budget this makes a great choice. This is as functional as most of the top brands out there. But again, there is some room for improvements, especially regarding the quality control segment.

They’ve a great variety in terms of load capacity, motor capacity, motor type, gear ratio, cable type, cable size, and so on. So you get a chance to choose the specific model that’s best suited to your jeep, SUVs, ATVs, or other 4WDs.

In this article, we’ve helped you get an insight to its top models and also compare them in a more comprehensive way. So now you should be good to choose the right Bull!

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