Thrashed: Superwinch Winch-In-A-Bag Plus

Superwinch Winch-In-A-Bag Plus
Fun is what off-road riding is all about. I can think of many a good ride where at least one of my pea-brained friends ventured into the wrong end of a creek or giant mud crater and became helplessly stuck. I never really think about the trail being a problem until I'm at the business end of a long rope trying to help a friend escape their "hey ya'll watch this" moment. That's when I wish I had forgone the weight savings and added the heavy-duty winch to my ute or UTV! The alternative is a mobile winch that could save on weight and cost, especially if you have an arsenal of machines that you use rather than buying a separate fixed unit for each machine you possess. The Winch-In-A-Bag from Superwinch is rated for 2,500 pounds (the company does have a 2,000-pound option as well). This mobile dynamo comes in its own carry bag and the plug-'n'-play system includes alligator-style clips for the battery as well as giant plugs to power the winch and a wired remote control that reaches eight feet from the danger zone. There are two choker straps (one four feet and one six feet) with a one-ton bow shackle for anchoring to anything in the trail and a pair of gloves all for $320.99.

Creating the most helplessly stuck scenario possible with our 1,200-pound Polaris Ranger, we had the Winch-In-A-Bag set up in under five minutes and ready to drag this dinosaur out of the earth. Lacking confidence in its abilities along with a major dose of doubt, we were surprised by the Superwinch, which impressed us as it tugged the Ranger to safety with ease. The Teflon guide did show a little wear afterward, which could be an easy fix and an actual wireless remote would have made me feel a little better, but I was very impressed with this system. -Rick Sosebee

Bottom Line: It's mobile, easy to operate and powerful enough to rescue you or a friend from an unwise off-road decision.

Superwinch: See your local dealer; 860/928-7787; www.superwinch.com