Hey, SD! Always look forward to Sundays when you post! How's it going, buddy? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Line speed is certainly an important issue, but Warn isn't the only winch that has series wound electric motors for frequent use, integrated solenoid mounting, and ft/min line speed equivalent to the renowned Warn XD9000i. I only quickly perused the comparison field test results cited above, And, I could only question if similarly rated winches were used with similar features. I'd put my Ramsey Patriot 8000 against the XD9000i any day even though the Patriot 9500 might be more comparable ... the Warn's 3 ft/min (1/2 in/sec) line speed advantage doesn't mean even a hill of beans when winching up a rockface under power. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> All have life time warranties and the Patriot 8000 is $200 less expensive than its comparable XD9000i! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Seriously, either winch will be more than adequate and worth the $750 to $1000 spent.
SD, You were there when my Ramsey REP8000 went belly-up, but the little permanent magnet motor had done well for over 10+ years, although on trail climbs the Warn guys complained ferociously concerning its deplorable line speed.
See you soon.