KFI Winch Reviews: User guide

When you discover yourself in a stuck predicament then you need an extra hand. Especially when your vehicle gets stuck in sand mud or any tough situation. That time a winch becomes your best helping hand to unstuck you from the danger.

In such a situation KFI Products winches can be your reliable helping hand with their market best ATVs, UTV’s winch series. If you are in need of a reliable budget-friendly, sturdy, long-lasting winch then this article is for you to explore the KFI winches and choose the best one. So, let’s see in depth the KFI winch. 

Editor’s Choice

KFI Products AS-50 5000lb Assault Winch
9.7/10
  • High Gear Ratio
  • ‎17.3 x 13 x 7 inches
  • Mid performance motor
  • Reasonable price in this range capacity
KFI Products SE45-R2 New Stealth Winch
9.6/10
  • Mid Gear ratio
  • 4.6″  x 4.55″  x 4.82″ inches
  • High-Performance Motor
  • Budget-friendly
KFI Products A3000 ATV Winch Kit
9.4/10
  • Mid Gear ratio
  • ‎16 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches
  • Mid performance motor
  • Cheap

KFI Winch Reviews

KIF products is the brand name of Kappers fabricating Inc. which is a family-owned business company since 1986. In 2002, they decided to start manufacturing winch accessories who’s first product was an ATV winch mount. Since then they have come a long way from their KFI Products line.

KFI Products winch and accessories are made in their 92,000 sq.ft. manufacturing factory in Spring Valley, MN. They research with other manufacturers and use their own staff of power sports enthusiasts to rigorously test the products they bring. KFI always prioritizes winch quality and customer satisfaction and sells most items that meet the most demanding standard. 

A highly skilled engineers and production team work together to create the best winch from the highest quality materials. With their in-house engineering, riding experts, and other business partners, KFI Products provides the highest quality winch at the best possible price.

Here are the top 6 winches manufactured by KFI Products.

S. NoWinchCapacityGear RatioWeightCable Type
1KFI A3000 ATV Winch3,000 lbs171:124.8 lbsSteel Cable
2KFI SE45-R2 Stealth Winch4,500 lbs166:134.85 lbsSynthetic Cable
3KFI A2500-R2 Winch2,500 lbs171:124.8 lbsSteel Cable
4KFI AS-50 Assault Winch5,000 lbs180:126.0 lbsSynthetic Cable
5KFI U45-R2 Winch4,500 lbs166:136.6 lbsSteel Cable
6KFI SE35 Stealth Winch3,500 lbs171:124.8 lbsSynthetic Cable

01. KFI A3000 ATV Winch

A dependable winch is the most crucial piece of equipment a rider can have, whether they’re on a winding trail, shoveling snow, or deep in the mud. A KFI ATV, UTV, or SxS winch makes you confident to pull yourself out of any situation. 

The compact 3000 lbs ATV series winches each featuring quality cast aluminum and durable steel components,  a standard four-hole mounting design, and a heavy-duty all-metal turn clutch with water-resistant seals to keep the elements out.

The control of the KFI A3000 winch includes a mini rocker switch which comes with an adjustable bracket to mount onto ATV’s handlebars. 

The brand-new Heavy Duty Electric Contactor switches the power distribution of your winch, which is managed by your switches, while also safeguarding the electrical system of your ATV.

Compared to the other wireless solutions, this small, high-quality remote provides a more dependable level of control. You may store your remote using the socket plug-and-play wiring system that is included. Note: For your particular make and model of ATV, you need a model-specific mount.

Except for a winch mount designed specifically for an ATV model, the KFI A3000 winch comes with everything you need. Everything needed to mount your winch to an ATV winch mount unique to your model is included, along with thorough installation instructions and hardware.

Pros: 

  • All metal cam activated freespool
  • 12DC, 1.3 HP permanent magnet motor
  • Multi-directional roller fairlead
  • Both dynamic and mechanical brake
  • Mini-rocker control switch
  • Heavy-duty corded remote switch
  • Limited one-year warranty

Cons:

  • Low capacity winch in this price range

02. KFI SE45-R2 Stealth Winch

A standard winch is the most important accessory a rider can have on an off-road ride. Install a KFI WINCH on your ATV, UTV, or SxS, and rest assured that you can survive any circumstance. This 4500 lb ATV Stealth Series winch has a heavy-duty all-metal turn clutch, synthetic cable, a cable hook stopper, a dynamic, mechanical, and drum braking system, water-resistant seals to keep out the elements, and a standard 4-hole mounting design.

Additionally, a KFI 1-Year Limited Warranty is included. Except for a winch mount designed specifically for an ATV model, the KFI SE45 Stealth Winch comes with everything you need. Everything needed to mount your winch to an ATV winch mount unique to your model is included, along with thorough installation instructions and hardware.

A Handheld 14′ CordedRemote (ATV-HR) is also provided in case you need to operate your winch while dismounted from your vehicle or from a distance.

The brand-new Heavy Duty Electric Contactor (ATV-CONT) adjusts the power distribution of your winch, which is managed by your switches, while also safeguarding the electrical system of your ATV.

Pros: 

  • All metal cam activated freespool
  • Both dynamic and mechanical braking system
  • Multi Directional roller fairleads
  • Deluxe dash-mounted control and heavy-duty corded remote switch
  • Outstanding looking
  • Keeps tension on the hook to eliminate the cable becoming loose
  • Limited one-year warranty

Cons:

  • Pricy

03. KFI A2500-R2 Winch

Install a KFI WINCH on your ATV, UTV, or SxS, and rest assured that you can escape any emergency. This 2500 lb ATV Series winch has heavy-duty all-metal turn clutches, water-resistant seals to keep out the weather, high-quality cast aluminum and sturdy steel components, and a standard 4-hole mounting system.

Additionally, a “KFI 1-Year Limited Warranty” is provided. Other than a winch mount designed specifically for an ATV model, the KFI A2500 winch comes with everything you need. Detailed installation instructions to mount the winch are provided with the winch box.

A heavy-duty electric contractor protects ATV’s electrical system and switches the power distribution of the winch that is controlled by your switch. 

The customers are very satisfied with KFI Products’ winch easy installation process which gives them priority in the winch market.

Pros: 

  • Very easy installation process
  • All mounting hardware included
  • 12V DC and 1 HP permanent magnet motor
  • All metal cam activated freespool
  • Both dynamic and mechanical braking system
  • Adjustable bracket that mounts onto ATV’s handlebars
  • One-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Fairlead mount only

04. KFI AS-50 Assault Winch

Invest in a KFI WINCH for your ATV, UTV, or SxS, and you’ll be sure to be able to overcome any difficulty. This 5000 lb ASSAULT Series winch has a high-duty all-metal turn clutch, synthetic cable, a cable hook stopper, a dynamic and mechanical braking system, water-resistant seals to keep out the elements, and a standard 4-hole mounting design.

Moreover, a KFI Two Year Limited Lifetime Warranty is included. Except for a winch mount designed specifically for an ATV model, the KFI AS-50x Assault Winch is equipped with everything you need. Everything needed to mount your winch to an ATV winch mount unique to your model is included, along with thorough installation instructions and hardware.

The winch also comes with a 38 feet synthetic cable with 5 feet protective sheath and end loop. Including a handheld 14 feet, corded remote ensures safe operation away from your machine.

For simple installation, it comes with a switch and a wire harness with a plug. A blue LED light is also included within the dash rocker to highlight your dashboard at night. You never have to entirely release your grip on the steering wheel while using this rocker switch to regulate your winch.

Pros: 

  • Comes with a hook stopper
  • Hook stopper eliminates hook clatter from going down the trail
  • 12V DC and 1.22 HP permanent magnet motor
  • All metal cam activated freespool and planetary gear drive
  • Both dynamic and mechanical braking system
  • Multi-directional roller fairleads
  • Two years limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Short length synthetic cable

05. KFI U45-R2 Winch

Equip your ATV, UTV, or SxS with a KFI WINCH and you’ll be able to get yourself out of any difficulty. The portable 4500lb ATV/UTV Series winches have a heavy-duty, all-metal turn clutch, premium cast aluminum and strong steel parts, water-resistant seals to keep out the elements, and a standard 4-hole mounting system.

All KFI winches come with everything you need except an ATV/UTV model-specific winch mount and are covered by a one-year limited warranty. Everything you need to mount your winch to an ATV or UTV winch mount, including hardware and thorough installation instructions, is included.

The winch also comes with a 38 feet steel cable including a handheld 14 feet-corded remote ensures safe operation away from your machine.

For simple installation, it comes with a switch and a wire harness with a plug. A blue LED light is also included within the dash rocker to highlight your dashboard at night. You never have to entirely release your grip on the steering wheel while using this rocker switch to regulate your winch.

Pros: 

  • Multi-directional roller
  • Steel wired cable 
  • All metal cam activated freespool and planetary gear drive
  • Both dynamic and mechanical braking system
  • Deluxe dash-mounted control and heavy-duty corded remote switch
  • Comes with complete kit
  • Limited one-year warranty

Cons:

  • Not waterproof

06. KFI SE35 Stealth Winch

Implement a KFI WINCH on your ATV, UTV, or SxS, and rest assured that you can break away from any danger.

This 3500 lb ATV Stealth Series winch has a heavy-duty all-metal turn clutch, synthetic cable, a cable hook stopper, a dynamic and mechanical braking system, water-resistant seals to keep out the elements, and a standard 4-hole mounting design. 

Furthermore, a KFI 1-Year Limited Warranty is included. Except for a winch mount designed specifically for an ATV model, the KFI SE35 Stealth Winch comes with everything you need. Everything needed to mount your winch to an ATV winch mount unique to your model is included, along with thorough installation instructions and hardware.

The winch also comes with a 50 feet synthetic cable with 5 feet protective sheath and end loop. Including a handheld 14 feet, corded remote ensures safe operation away from your machine.

It also provides a mini-rocker switch that comes with an adjustable bracket to mount it on the ATV’s handlebars which allows you to control your winch with the touch of your finger without ever letting go of your handlebars. 

Pros: 

  • All metal planetary gear drive
  • Both dynamic and mechanical braking system
  • Deluxe dash-mounted control and heavy-duty corded remote switch
  • Multi-dimensional roller fairlead
  • Hook stopper eliminates wear and tear on rollers fairlead
  • Comes with complete winch installation kit
  • Limited one-year warranty

Cons:

  • Fairlead mount only

Are KFI Winches Any Good

KFI manufactured a good quality, reliable, sturdy and durable winch for ATVs and UTVs. Many customers acknowledge that their experience with the KFI winches is not only good but also that they can’t think without KFI winches for their daily life off-road riding. 

KFI produces their winch providing lots of features like synthetic/steel cable, cable hook, hook stopper, a dynamic and mechanical braking system, water-resistant seals to keep the elements out, and a standard 4-hole mounting design using heavy-duty all-metal turn clutch.

Overall, the things and features that KFI provides at an affordable price range that really make the brand worth the money.

FAQs

Is KFI a good winch?

KFI is an absolutely good winch manufacturer for ATVs and UTVs of highly efficient performance, sturdy, durable, and budget-friendly

Where are KFI winches made?

KFI Products winches are made in Spring Valley, Minnesota over the past 20 years with tremendous power, performance, and dependability. 

Are KFI winches waterproof?

All models of KFI Products winch are not waterproof but most of them have water-resistant seals that protect the winch from water and muddy situations. 

Final Thoughts

Finally no doubt that KFI is a reputed winch manufacturer of a high-quality outstanding winch. Though it has some issues that it can improve. Such as they always use roller fairlead both for synthetic and steel wired cable. They can use hawse fairleads for the synthetic rope which will increase the vehicle outlook and it is also per match for hawse fairleads too. Besides this most of the KFI winch is not submersible. 

Apart from it as well, we ought to admit that KFI winches are amongst the very few witches that offer quality at a reasonable cost.

Now it is your time to choose the best and have an enjoyable off-road ride. 

Ricardo Vaughn
Ricardo Vaughn

Vaughn is a seasoned off-roading expert and professional winch specialist. When he's not out on the trails, he shares his knowledge and experiences through his writing as a blog author in the off-roading and outdoor lifestyle space.

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