Drum Anchor Winch Testing in a 4 way Shootout!

As first reported by Trailer Boats - Australasia, Melbourne Testing Services (MTS) puts the 4 most popular brands of boat drum anchor winches in Australia's most popular size (250mm drum) to an independent test.
-Lone Star GX2
-Stress Free Mini 50
-Viper Pro Series II
-Sav 1000SS (Sea Choice, BLA drum winch)
Winches were tested for Max Pull, Drop Speed, and Longevity in a NATA Accredited laboratory with a component breakdown at the end. This video shows the full results of each test, all units are standard off the shelf models and the latest current model at the time of testing.

[@AndrewHartill]

Thanks MTS for providing this comprehensive Winch test. It would be great to see this again with current (2022) winches on the market, but I think everyone can clearly see the winner. It's made my decision that much easier. Thank you again!

[@markgambetti9152]

Further proof that I made the right choice. Thanks LSM for putting your nuts on the line and giving us boaties a helping hand in choosing an accessory that’s been researched and developed with our safety and reassurance in mind

[@cato7669]

I frickin love my Lonestar winch👊🏻🤙🏻

[@daviddigby6272]

I'm glad i purchased a GX2

[@pops9190]

Thanks for that clarification.
Bottom line is I'm glad to see that everything was at 13 + volts. I am in the market for such a device for stern anchor on a sailing yacht and your reviews have definitely helped me.

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

POPS we really appreciate the questions. Our pleasure, thanks again for asking.

[@rayzar6720]

Old reply but GX2 now on my boat. Solid bit of kit.

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

Heck Yeah thank you

[@Ted...youtubee]

Years after this vid was made.
Never the less...
Thinking of getting the GX1.
But i need to build a model to make sure it fits.
How cool would it be if your company had such models. Even for a modest fee.
Mine might be a tight fit.

[@mikebrunt4099]

Cant argue with workshop testing in conrtolled conditions on performance - cheers

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

Thank You Mike, agreed 👍

[@davesoltoggio3280]

LSM 💯👍🏼👌🏼🇦🇺

[@korny0009]

What size of deep cycle battery AHR should i use with a GX2? what is the actual amperage it uses for pulling a winch up?

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

Great question. If using a single battery we recommend a 100ah battery. Consumption on the GX2 will vary with load. Under a standard load you'll use no more than 50-60 amps but as you can see from the footage they can be pushed much harder. When using a single battery always ensure your outboard is running before using the winch.

[@korny0009]

@@LoneStarMarineWinch Awesome thanks for the quick reply. It's all installed now i just can't wait to try it out :)

[@theantspants1]

I must be doing something right. I bought my boat off John Willis and my winch from lonestar== WINNING :)

[@pops9190]

Sure looks like you're running these tests in constantly diminishing voltages, I don't see any battery voltage stabilizing power supply of any type on your supply battery, like a high output battery charger (50+ true amps @ 13+ volts) or more realistically 50+amps from an alternator stabilizing the voltage at around 13+ volts at all times from a running engine, with a fully charges battery. 10 amp battery charger does nothing - Is that what the tiny red lead to the + side terminal is? Fill us in. Where is your tech work?

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

Well hello Pops, no, actually it sure doesn’t. No, the tests were not run on diminishing voltages. They were also not run by LSM, they were run by MTS.
I should probably take the time to remind you of the disclaimer on the beginning of the video. MTS performed all testing to ensure the platform for all products is the same. This of course included voltage, and yes all tests started with over 13v. The ‘tech work’ as you call it is the IP of MTS, the same company that is NATA certified which means they abide by NATA calibration & practices. MTS is the same company that carries out independent product testing for government bodies such as the ACCC.
Besides, if your theory of diminishing voltage was correct how did the GX2 do 100 cycles AFTER the nearest competitor did 42? Because that is the order they were tested in.

[@jeremybristow9074]

Have been researching which winch i should purchase and some of the comments on here from lone star are a direct reason I wouldn't buy from them 👎

[@LoneStarMarineWinch]

Thats ok, not everyone is supposed to have nice things.

[@juzlewis426]

So if you have been researching properly, why on earth would you not want to buy the best and most reliable winch on the market?

[@seancarter84]

@@juzlewis426 obviously the researching being done is not being done properly...
But then again, some people can't handle the truth...
Each to their own mate....

[@joeforza]

Soft cock 🤣