Warn Winches

Last updated: Nov 8, 2023

Table of Contents

Warn Winches Winch Line Speeds: HOW FAST IS YOUR WINCH UNDER DIFFERENT LOADS?

Graph: Winch Line Speeds (Warn Winches)

Warn VRX 25-S, Warn VRX 25Warn VRX 35, Warn VRX 35-SWarn AXON 35-S, Warn AXON 35Warn AXON 45-S, Warn AXON 45RC, Warn AXON 45Warn VRX 45-S, Warn VRX 45Warn AXON 55, Warn AXON 55-SWarn VR8, Warn VR8000, Warn VR8000-S, Warn VR8-SWarn M8, Warn M8-SWarn Zeon 8, Warn Zeon 8-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 8 Multimount, Warn Zeon 8-SWarn VR EVO 8-S, Warn VR EVO 8Warn XD9000, Warn XD9000iWarn 9.0RcWarn 9.5XP-S, Warn 9.5XPWarn VR10, Warn VR10-S, Warn VR10000-S, Warn VR10000Warn Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount, Warn Zeon 10, Warn Zeon 10-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 10-S, Warn Zeon 10 MultimountWarn M8274-S, Warn M8274Warn VR EVO 10-S, Warn VR EVO 10Warn Zeon 10 Platinum, Warn Zeon 10-S PlatinumWarn VR12-S, Warn VR EVO 12-S, Warn VR12000, Warn VR12Warn M12000, Warn M12000-SWarn Zeon 12 Platinum, Warn Zeon 12-S PlatinumWarn VR EVO 12Warn M12000 24VWarn Zeon 12, Warn Zeon 12-SWarn M15000, Warn M15-SWarn M15 24VWarn 16.5ti, Warn 16.5ti-S0 lbs2000 lbs4000 lbs6000 lbs8000 lbs10000 lbs12000 lbs14000 lbs16000 lbs18000 lbsWarn Winches: Speed vs Load (1 layer of winch line on the drum)0 ft/min10 ft/min20 ft/min30 ft/min40 ft/min50 ft/min60 ft/min70 ft/min80 ft/min

Table: Line Speeds vs. Load

Table: Warn Winches Winch Line Speed (in feet/minute) vs. Load
Winch 0 lbs 500 lbs 1000 lbs 1500 lbs 2000 lbs 2200 lbs 2500 lbs 3000 lbs 3500 lbs 4000 lbs 4400 lbs 4500 lbs 5000 lbs 5500 lbs 6000 lbs 6600 lbs 8000 lbs 8800 lbs 9000 lbs 9500 lbs 10000 lbs 11000 lbs 12000 lbs 13200 lbs 14000 lbs 15000 lbs 16000 lbs 16500 lbs
VRX 25-S 17.5 14.3 12 9.9 8 6.8
VRX 25 17.5 14.3 12 9.9 8 6.8
VRX 35 15.8 13.4 11.2 9.3 7.6 6.2 5 4
AXON 35-S 20.2 17.8 15.8 14.2 12.9 11.8 10.7 9.5
VRX 35-S 15.8 13.4 11.2 9.3 7.6 6.2 5 4
AXON 35 20.2 17.8 15.8 14.2 12.9 11.8 10.7 9.5
AXON 45-S 16.3 13.8 11.8 10.3 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.3 7 6.7
AXON 45RC 16.3 13.8 11.8 10.3 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.3 7 6.7
AXON 45 16.3 13.8 11.8 10.3 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.3 7 6.7
VRX 45-S 16.2 14.1 12.2 10.5 9 7.7 6.5 5.6 4.9 4.3
VRX 45 16.2 14.1 12.2 10.5 9 7.7 6.5 5.6 4.9 4.3
AXON 55 15.8 13.4 11.5 10 8.8 8 7.3 6.8 6.3 5.9 5.4 4.8
AXON 55-S 15.8 13.4 11.5 10 8.8 8 7.3 6.8 6.3 5.9 5.4 4.8
VR8 29 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
M8 30.2 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
VR8000 29 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
Zeon 8 35 17.2 11.7 8.5 6.2
Zeon 8-S Multimount 35 17.2 11.7 8.5 6.2
VR EVO 8-S 24.8 13.1 9.6 7.6 6
VR8000-S 29 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
VR EVO 8 24.8 13.1 9.6 7.6 6
M8-S 30.2 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
Zeon 8 Multimount 35 17.2 11.7 8.5 6.2
Zeon 8-S 35 17.2 11.7 8.5 6.2
VR8-S 29 14.2 9.9 7.3 4.8
XD9000 38 15 10.3 7.5 5.1 3.9
XD9000i 38 15 10.3 7.5 5.1 3.9
9.0Rc 32 16 11.4 8.9 6.8 5.6
9.5XP-S 37.5 16.6 11.8 9.3 7.4 6.2
9.5XP 37.5 16.6 11.8 9.3 7.4 6.2
VR10 26 13 9.6 7.1 5 2.3
Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount 33 14.9 11.2 8.5 6.5 4.8
VR10-S 26 13 9.6 7.1 5 2.3
VR10000-S 26 13 9.6 7.1 5 2.3
VR10000 26 13 9.6 7.1 5 2.3
M8274-S 76.15 23.63 16.75 12.69 10.15 7.78
VR EVO 10-S 27.1 13.9 9.9 8.2 6.5 5.2
Zeon 10 33 14.9 11.2 8.5 6.5 4.8
Zeon 10-S Multimount 33 14.9 11.2 8.5 6.5 4.8
Zeon 10-S 33 14.9 11.2 8.5 6.5 4.8
VR EVO 10 27.1 13.9 9.9 8.2 6.5 5.2
Zeon 10 Multimount 33 14.9 11.2 8.5 6.5 4.8
Zeon 10 Platinum 44 17.8 12 10.7 7.5 5.6
M8274 76.15 23.63 16.75 12.69 10.15 7.78
Zeon 10-S Platinum 44 17.8 12 10.7 7.5 5.6
VR12-S 28.4 12.6 9.5 7.5 5.8 4.4 3.6
M12000 30 14 8.62 6.92 5.8 4.39 3.86
M12000-S 30 14 8.62 6.92 5.8 4.39 3.86
Zeon 12 Platinum 32.9 15.1 9.9 8.9 7.8 5.4 4.5
VR EVO 12 26.2 13.9 9.5 8.1 6.8 4.9 4
Zeon 12-S Platinum 32.9 15.1 9.9 8.9 7.8 5.4 4.5
M12000 24V 31.94 11.7 9.5 8.5 7.5 6.5 6
VR EVO 12-S 28.4 12.6 9.5 7.5 5.8 4.4 3.6
VR12000 28.4 12.6 9.5 7.5 5.8 4.4 3.6
Zeon 12 28.1 14.2 9.3 7.8 6.4 4.3 3.3
Zeon 12-S 28.1 14.2 9.3 7.8 6.4 4.3 3.3
VR12 28.4 12.6 9.5 7.5 5.8 4.4 3.6
M15000 22.2 7.27 5.41 4.43 3.79 3.31 2.93 2.61 2.48
M15-S 22.2 7.27 5.41 4.43 3.79 3.31 2.93 2.61 2.48
M15 24V 28 10.2 7.5 6.9 6.6 6.2 5.2 4.3
16.5ti 23.6 12.07 9.22 7.37 6.08 5.12 4.4 3.86 3.38 3.24
16.5ti-S 23.6 12.07 9.22 7.37 6.08 5.12 4.4 3.86 3.38 3.24

About Winch Line Speed

In the graph above, we're looking at the speed of winches as you pull more and more weight.

The more load a winch needs to pull, the slower it is. To measure-wide this, we calculate line speed. This is pretty simple:

Imagine standing next to your deployed winchline: You attach a ribbon to the line and reel the winch line in (standing in the same spot). You do this for 1 minute. When you measure-wide the distance the line has moved (usually in feet), you'll have a line speed.

Winch line speeds vary a lot! Some of the fastest line speeds are around 45 feet/minute. Some of the slowest linespeeds are around 2 feet per minute.

Is line speed important?

Fast line speed is helpful when:

  • You need to be able to get out of a situation quickly (you're hanging off a cliff)
  • You're in a competition
  • You don't like waiting around

Loaded vs. No-Load Line Speed

With no load on your winch line, your winch will be at its fastest. This is no-load line speed. If you winch all the time, no-load line speed is important - it drastically affects the speed of "clean-up" after a recovery. This can be important if you're on a trail ride with lots of other 4x4s.

Loaded line speed varies by the weight you're pulling and how badly stuck you are. In truly bad "stucks", it's easy to come close to the breaking strength of steel winch cable. Consider upgrading to synthetic if it makes sense.

You need to decide for yourself how important line speed is.

Sometimes you don't have much of a choice:

If you want a larger winch, there aren't as many options out there, so you'll probably have only a couple options.

However, there are many 10,000 lb and 12,000 lb winches that have varied line speed.

Warn Winches Pulling Power per Cable Layer: HOW STRONG IS YOUR WINCH WITH EACH LAYER OF WINCH LINE?

Graph: Winch Strength per Cable Layer (Warn Winches)

Layer 1Layer 2Layer 3Layer 4Layer 5Warn Winches: Layers of Winch Line on Drum vs. Pulling Power0 lbs2000 lbs4000 lbs6000 lbs8000 lbs10000 lbs12000 lbs14000 lbs16000 lbs18000 lbsWarn VRX 25-S, Warn VRX 25Warn VRX 35, Warn AXON 35-S, Warn VRX 35-S, Warn AXON 35Warn AXON 45-S, Warn AXON 45RC, Warn AXON 45, Warn VRX 45-S, Warn VRX 45Warn AXON 55, Warn AXON 55-SWarn VR8, Warn M8, Warn VR8000, Warn VR8000-S, Warn M8-S, Warn VR8-SWarn Zeon 8, Warn Zeon 8-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 8 Multimount, Warn Zeon 8-SWarn VR EVO 8-S, Warn VR EVO 8Warn XD9000, Warn XD9000iWarn 9.0RcWarn 9.5XP-S, Warn 9.5XPWarn VR10, Warn VR10-S, Warn VR10000-S, Warn VR10000Warn Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount, Warn Zeon 10, Warn Zeon 10-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 10-S, Warn Zeon 10 Multimount, Warn Zeon 10 Platinum, Warn Zeon 10-S PlatinumWarn M8274-S, Warn M8274Warn VR EVO 10-S, Warn VR EVO 10Warn VR12-S, Warn M12000, Warn M12000-S, Warn M12000 24V, Warn VR12000, Warn VR12Warn Zeon 12 Platinum, Warn Zeon 12-S Platinum, Warn Zeon 12, Warn Zeon 12-SWarn VR EVO 12, Warn VR EVO 12-SWarn M15000, Warn M15-SWarn M15 24VWarn 16.5ti, Warn 16.5ti-S

Table: Pulling Power vs. Layer

Table: Warn Winches Pulling Power (in lbs) per Winch Line Layer
Winch Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 4 Layer 5
16.5ti-S 16500 15279 12672 10824
16.5ti 16500 15279 12672 10824
M15 24V 15000 13900 11400 9700
M15000 15000 13890 11520 9840
M15-S 15000 13890 11520 9840
VR12-S 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
VR12000 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
M12000 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
M12000 24V 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
M12000-S 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
VR12 12000 11120 10340 9770 9250
Zeon 12 Platinum 12000 9894 8117 7324
Zeon 12 12000 9894 8117 7324
Zeon 12-S Platinum 12000 9894 8117 7324
Zeon 12-S 12000 9894 8117 7324
VR EVO 12-S 12000 9801 8283 7173 6324
VR EVO 12 12000 9801 8283 7173 6324
9.5XP-S 9500 8650 7920 7400 6940
9.5XP 9500 8650 7920 7400 6940
M8274-S 10000 8378 7209 6327 5636
M8274 10000 8378 7209 6327 5636
Zeon 10 Platinum 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10-S 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10-S Multimount 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10-S Platinum 10000 8245 7014 6103
Zeon 10 Multimount 10000 8245 7014 6103
VR EVO 10-S 10000 8226 6987 6072 5370
VR EVO 10 10000 8226 6987 6072 5370
XD9000i 9000 8190 7500 7010
XD9000 9000 8190 7500 7010
VR10000-S 10000 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR10-S 10000 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR10 10000 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR10000 10000 8000 7280 6670 6230
M8 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR8 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR8-S 8000 7280 6670 6230
VR8000 8000 7280 6670 6230
M8-S 8000 7280 6670 6230
9.0Rc 9000 7280 6670 6230
VR8000-S 8000 7280 6670 6230
Zeon 8 Multimount 8000 6777 5878 5189
Zeon 8 8000 6777 5878 5189
Zeon 8-S Multimount 8000 6777 5878 5189
Zeon 8-S 8000 6777 5878 5189
VR EVO 8 8000 6716 5788 5085
VR EVO 8-S 8000 6716 5788 5085
AXON 55 5500 4582 3926 3434
AXON 55-S 5500 4582 3926 3434
AXON 45 4500 3749 3212 2810
VRX 45-S 4500 3749 3212 2810
AXON 45-S 4500 3749 3212 2810
AXON 45RC 4500 3749 3212 2810
VRX 45 4500 3749 3212 2810
VRX 35 3500 2934 2525 2216 1975
AXON 35-S 3500 2934 2525 2216 1975
AXON 35 3500 2934 2525 2216 1975
VRX 35-S 3500 2934 2525 2216 1975
VRX 25-S 2500 2141 1872 1663 1496
VRX 25 2500 2141 1872 1663 1496

About Pulling Power vs. Number of Cable Layers

In the graph above, we're looking at how much power your winch loses when you have more cable on the winch drum.

Did you know that the more cable wraps you have on the winch drum, the seaker your winch is?

Most people probably don't realize that.

Basically, with more wraps of cable on the drum the winch line is further away from the axis of rotation. This makes it harder for the winch motor to reel in.

Imagine holding a heavy weight in one hand. If you hold the weight close to your body, it isn't so bad. But if you hold your arm straight out, it's much harder. It's similar for you winch.

The drops in power can be pretty surprising, so pay attention to how much line you have on your drum before starting a pull!

Keeping Your Winch Powerful

You can "preserve" your winch's strength by:

  • Using anchors that are farther away
  • Using a snatch block

If you use a snatch block, know that this will cut your line speed in half! Another reason to pay attention to line speed.

Warn Winches Amp Draw vs. Load: HOW HARD DO YOUR BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WORK TO RUN A WINCH?

Graph: Winch Amp Draw vs. Load (Warn Winches)

Warn VRX 25-S, Warn VRX 25Warn VRX 35, Warn VRX 35-SWarn AXON 35-S, Warn AXON 35Warn AXON 45-S, Warn AXON 45RC, Warn AXON 45Warn VRX 45-S, Warn VRX 45Warn AXON 55, Warn AXON 55-SWarn VR8, Warn VR8000, Warn VR8000-S, Warn VR8-SWarn M8, Warn M8-SWarn Zeon 8, Warn Zeon 8-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 8 Multimount, Warn Zeon 8-SWarn VR EVO 8-S, Warn VR EVO 8Warn XD9000, Warn XD9000iWarn 9.0RcWarn 9.5XP-S, Warn 9.5XPWarn VR10, Warn VR10-S, Warn VR10000-S, Warn VR10000Warn Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount, Warn Zeon 10, Warn Zeon 10-S Multimount, Warn Zeon 10-S, Warn Zeon 10 MultimountWarn M8274-S, Warn M8274Warn VR EVO 10-S, Warn VR EVO 10Warn Zeon 10 Platinum, Warn Zeon 10-S PlatinumWarn VR12-S, Warn VR EVO 12-S, Warn VR12000, Warn VR12Warn M12000, Warn M12000-SWarn Zeon 12 Platinum, Warn Zeon 12-S PlatinumWarn VR EVO 12Warn M12000 24VWarn Zeon 12, Warn Zeon 12-SWarn M15000, Warn M15-SWarn M15 24VWarn 16.5ti, Warn 16.5ti-S0 lbs2000 lbs4000 lbs6000 lbs8000 lbs10000 lbs12000 lbs14000 lbs16000 lbs18000 lbsWarn Winches: Amp Draw vs Load (1 layer of winch line on the drum)0A50A100A150A200A250A300A350A400A450A500A550A600A650A

Table: Amp Draw vs. Load

Table: Warn Winches Amp Draw (in amps) vs. Load
Winch 0 lbs 500 lbs 1000 lbs 1500 lbs 2000 lbs 2200 lbs 2500 lbs 3000 lbs 3500 lbs 4000 lbs 4400 lbs 4500 lbs 5000 lbs 5500 lbs 6000 lbs 6600 lbs 8000 lbs 8800 lbs 9000 lbs 9500 lbs 10000 lbs 11000 lbs 12000 lbs 13200 lbs 14000 lbs 15000 lbs 16000 lbs 16500 lbs
VRX 25-S 20 45 71 98 128 159
VRX 25 20 45 71 98 128 159
VRX 35 20 41 60 79 100 124 155 192
AXON 35-S 35 58 81 105 129 154 178 204
VRX 35-S 20 41 60 79 100 124 155 192
AXON 35 35 58 81 105 129 154 178 204
AXON 45-S 33 48 68 91 114 136 156 174 191 208
AXON 45RC 33 48 68 91 114 136 156 174 191 208
AXON 45 33 48 68 91 114 136 156 174 191 208
VRX 45-S 20 44 69 94 119 145 171 198 225 252
VRX 45 20 44 69 94 119 145 171 198 225 252
AXON 55 28 49 71 92 114 135 155 176 196 216 235 254
AXON 55-S 28 49 71 92 114 135 155 176 196 216 235 254
VR8 69.2 179.2 281 381 457
M8 80 200 285 350 435
VR8000 69.2 179.2 281 381 457
Zeon 8 63 167 255 335 413
Zeon 8-S Multimount 63 167 255 335 413
VR EVO 8-S 57 122 183 242 298
VR8000-S 69.2 179.2 281 381 457
VR EVO 8 57 122 183 242 298
M8-S 80 200 285 350 435
Zeon 8 Multimount 63 167 255 335 413
Zeon 8-S 63 167 255 335 413
VR8-S 69.2 179.2 281 381 457
XD9000 56 161 252 332 423 478
XD9000i 56 161 252 332 423 478
9.0Rc 85 187 284 367 458 408
9.5XP-S 71 169 248 328 413 482
9.5XP 71 169 248 328 413 482
VR10 66 160 247 332 417 502
Zeon 10-S Multi-Mount 62 144 215 280 353 409
VR10-S 66 160 247 332 417 502
VR10000-S 66 160 247 332 417 502
VR10000 66 160 247 332 417 502
M8274-S 67 203 312.5 415.5 518.5 623.5
VR EVO 10-S 58 125 185 244 303 358
Zeon 10 62 144 215 280 353 409
Zeon 10-S Multimount 62 144 215 280 353 409
Zeon 10-S 62 144 215 280 353 409
VR EVO 10 58 125 185 244 303 358
Zeon 10 Multimount 62 144 215 280 353 409
Zeon 10 Platinum 55 149 233 311 387 465
M8274 67 203 312.5 415.5 518.5 623.5
Zeon 10-S Platinum 55 149 233 311 387 465
VR12-S 65 144 215 281 349 415 457
M12000 67 140 210 250 320 370 440
M12000-S 67 140 210 250 320 370 440
Zeon 12 Platinum 57 132 200 261 321 381 446
VR EVO 12 55 120 178 234 288 337 396
Zeon 12-S Platinum 57 132 200 261 321 381 446
M12000 24V 24 105 129 152 175 198 221
VR EVO 12-S 65 144 215 281 349 415 457
VR12000 65 144 215 281 349 415 457
Zeon 12 66 141 209 272 335 401 469
Zeon 12-S 66 141 209 272 335 401 469
VR12 65 144 215 281 349 415 457
M15000 67 135 185 235 285 335 385 435 460
M15-S 67 135 185 235 285 335 385 435 460
M15 24V 24 85 115 142 170 190 210 235
16.5ti 68 138 189 240 291 342 393 444 494 507
16.5ti-S 68 138 189 240 291 342 393 444 494 507

About Amp Draw and Load

Winches are taxing on your electrical system! Winches can draw a lot of power, especially on hard pulls.

Manufacturers recommend a battery with a minimum of 650 CCA. However, if you winch a lot, it's common make electrical upgrades like:

  • Installing dual batteries (more reserve)
  • Installing a higher amp alternator (faster battery recharge)

Either of these can give you peace of mind on the trail, help you run more accessories, and protect your ability to start your rig if you do a lot of solo fourwheeling.

Don't Run Out of Juice on the Trail!

It's a good idea to run a voltmeter and monitor it while you're winching. If you're winching a lot, you may want to give take breaks so that your winch motor can cool and your battery can charge up.

You should be especially careful if you're solo:

You could kill your battery's charge if you winch a lot without letting it recharge. You won't be able to start your rig again if you have a dead battery!

Winch List: WINCHES ON THIS PAGE

Show Legend â–¼

Max GVW Max vehicle weight
Electric motor
IP68 Waterproof (Best)
IP67 Waterproof (Moderate)
Not Waterproof
Manufacturer must provide IP67 or IP68 rating to be considered waterproof
Wireless Remote
No Wireless Remote
Synthetic Winch Rope
Steel Winch Cable
Made in USA
Made in China