New Product Alert: TrailFX XV95 Winch
For our money, it’s hard to beat the recovery options TrailFX has been churning out the past several years. The brand’s winches hit a super appealing price/performance sweet spot for consumers in the recovery market. Now, TrailFX introduces another worthy contender – the TrailFX XV95 Winch.
We covered TFX’s original REFLEX line of winches way back in 2017, as well as the REFLEX 2.0 line in last year’s Winch Guide. Our original sentiment of the first edition REFLEX held true for the 2.0 version as well—these winches very well may have the best-looking housing in the winch market. It’s modern, durable, and just looks great whatever application you drop it in. And with the pulling power, peripherals, and sub-$600 price point to match, the current REFLEX 2.0 is a beast of winch.
But we’ve covered the REFLEX line before, and on the heels of its success, TrailFX has added another winching option to its recovery lineup.
Meet the NEW TrailFX XV95 Winch
For those wheelers who perhaps don’t need the bells and whistles of the REFLEX 2.0, TrailFX’s NEW XV95 steel cable winch is a no-frills, get-the-job-done 9,500-capacity workhorse.
Formally unveiled in March at the Keystone BIG Show, the XV95 Winch features 94 feet of wire rope, a wired hand-held remote, fairlead, and clevis hook. With fast lines speed and IP67 ingress protection, TrailFX says the XV95 series winch is “built for the challenge.”
The most appealing part? Its $390 price tag, as of September 2022. But don’t let the budget cost fool you—it’s got features of winches twice its price:
- IP67 Certified Dust/Water Resistance
- 3-Stage Planetary Gear System
- Included Wired Remote w/ 12’ Lead
- 7 HP Motor
- Automatic Full Load Braking System
- Limited Lifetime Warranty for Mechanical Parts
- Limited 3-Year Warranty on Electrical Parts
(Let’s just say that my current winch is comparable to the XV95 in features except for two things. Mine gives up 1,500 lbs. of load capacity and cost me north of $900.)
Winching Q&A
To highlight more about TrailFX’s new XV95 winch, we chatted with Ryan Osbourne, TrailFX Product Manager. Ryan’s been with the company since TrailFX’s first winch, and, as an off-road enthusiast himself, knows the recovery segment inside and out.
Why did TFX decide to expand its winch product line?
After years of success with our original series winches, we felt the timing was right to update design features, improve functions, and refresh the appearance to launch the XV95 Series winch. This product offers retailers and consumers a reliable product at a competitive price.
How does the XV95 compare to the Reflex 2.0?
Reflex 2.0 series winches offer retailers and consumers a more premium winch. Available in both 9.5k & 12K pull capacities and synthetic rope or steel cable options, these winches feature more consumer benefits and style combinations to suit their needs. Reflex 2.0 winches include a Daytime Running Light (DRL), Load Warning Indication, and include wired and wireless remotes for operation. The XV95 Series winches offer 9.5k pull capacity and include a steel cable rope.
In terms of overall performance, the Reflex 2.0 9.5k series has a faster no-load line speed of 41 ft/min. However, the XV95 still packs a punch with a no-load line speed of 32 ft/min. An additional feature of the XV95 is the adjustable control box that can be mounted above the motor for better fitment in tight locations. The Reflex 2.0 is in a permanent location and should not be adjusted. The Reflex 2.0 also carries a IP68 ingress rating, while the XV95 carries an IP67.
Who is the target customer for this new winch?
Jeep/Off-Road Consumers, Truck Accessory Consumers, and Weekend Warriors who have the need for a quality, dependable winch that won’t break the bank.
In your opinion, what makes the XV95 unique/stand out?
The versatility of the mounting locations of the control box gives installers and consumers options to mount in different locations or with different products. The brackets for the control box to move above the motor housing is included with each winch.
Limited color accents and branding on the winch allow customers who have unique vehicle color schemes to combine the winch with their off-road build without interfering with the appearance. Combined with a very competitive price point, the overall functionality of the product has been tested to withstand the elements and allow consumers to buy with confidence and be prepared in any recovery situation.
We thank Ryan for his time, and encourage everyone to head on over and check out the TrailFX XV95 for themselves. While you’re there, peruse all of TrailFX’s new products, including their new JL/JT Roof Baskets, full line of bumpers, and wide range of leveling kit applications. And sticking with recovery, be sure to take a look at all of TrailFX’s winching accessories. You’ll find hooks, shackles, mounting plates, and complete recovery kits to go along with the new XV95.
