Viper Elite winches

[Scarsman]

Has anyone seen or used these? I have been researching winches and came across these. It seems Viper has been well known in the ATV winch market for awhile but is fairly new to the 4X4 market. They just started the Elite series at tha start of this year and they seem very impressive. They are completely sealed and are fully submersible. I have no plans to be doing any underwater winching, but that just makes them all the more weather resistant. I have been reading on a bunch of forums and people seem to be really happy with them. And the Viper people are very active on the forums answering questions and solisiting feedback. So far I am very impressed with the company and how they are working with their customers.

Here is their site:
http://motoalliance.com/index.cfm/pa...142#family_142

Here is a comparison between their 10,000 lb Elite and the WARN 9.5 Thermometric. Pretty impressive, especially considering the price difference:
http://motoalliance.com/media/Document_165.pdf

I think this is the winch I am going to go with when I do it. I will get either the 10,000 or 12,000. I'm going to try for the 12,000.

[father_of_4]

Use the front receiver?

[CUZICAN]

Their cradle doesn't appear to have a vertical hole for the front receiver. You would then have to drill a second hole which would weaken the cradle. Are you planning on the hitch mount or are you getting a bumper that has an internal mount? The front receiver definitely reduces the approach angle when on.

[Scarsman]

I will just be using the front receiver at first until I can afford to buy or build a bumper. As for the hole in the cradle, I may just build my own cradle with the hole the right way. But doesn't the hitch extender fix the wrong way hole issue? I thought that is what it was for. I didn't get one with my truck.