I found this response on Warn's website and I felt that since I posted the
first report I should do the same for the response to be fair. It is a
thoughtful response, and worth reading for anyone with a winch.

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( from http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/press/jkletter.shtm )

Dear valued customer,

Every day WARN winches are put to the test around the world. It's been that
way for more than 50 years. These users determine which brand of winch
delivers the best performance, reliability and value - WARN. They choose
WARN because they know there are thousands of hours of testing, development
and improvements behind the WARN product every time they use their winch.

Some of you may have received a copy of test results commissioned by Mr.
Richard Aho and conducted by Applied Technical Services, Incorporated
concerning the WARN XD9000i winch. Mr. Aho is the President of MileMarker
International. As you know, MileMarker is the manufacturer of a hydraulic
winch.

WARN believes this ATS test was commissioned by MileMarker to support its
lawsuit filed against both WARN and Petersen's Publishing regarding the
"Hydraulic vs. Electric Winch Shootout" published in Petersen's 4-Wheel and
Off-Road Magazine, November, 1997 issue. The Petersen's article stated that
with respect to the MileMarker winch tested "...don't count on it to save
your hide if the truck won't run -like if you've rolled or have hydraulic'd
the engine..." among other comments.

As a result of various rulings of the Court, WARN and MileMarker agreed that
WARN would be dismissed from the Florida proceeding in March, 2001. The suit
continued with MileMarker and Petersen's Publishing.

WARN believes it is essential that you, as an informed consumer, understand
the following points relative to winch fundamentals and performance:

WINCH FUNDAMENTALS

1. WIRE ROPE
For mid-range winches from 6,000 to 9,500 pounds, WARN specifies 5/16"
aircraft wire rope as the best selection for achieving optimal performance
based on a number of parameters. The 5/16" aircraft wire rope has been a
standard on self-recovery winches in this size range for decades and has
proven to be very reliable.

- Breaking Strength
The 5/16" aircraft wire rope utilized in Warn winches is certified by our
supplier to have a breaking strength in excess of the load rating of all
mid-range winches.

- Flexibility
Wire rope flexibility, or how well the wire rope winds on the winch drum, is
an important winch performance attribute. The larger the diameter of the
wire rope, the more stiffness the wire rope exhibits. A stiff or low
flexibility wire rope contributes to loose and uneven wraps on the winch
drum. This condition can potentially lead to safety problems, which include
a snarled or uneven wire rope on the drum that will not spool out in a
smooth and even fashion for the next use. WARN specifies a 5/16"diameter
wire rope for the combination of maximum flexibility and strength for the
mid-range winch.

- Durability
In field winching conditions, the wire rope is seldom in a "straight
forward" situation (i.e., the wire rope makes a straight line from the
center of the winch drum to the anchor location). Normally, the wire rope is
subjected to angle pull conditions where the rope is working against the
winch fairlead. Larger diameter wire ropes can have durability issues
flexing against fairleads in these winching conditions. Once again, WARN
specifies a 5/16"diameter wire rope for the combination of maximum
durability and strength for the mid-range winch.

- Length
In field winching conditions, many times the available length of wire rope
can often be the single overriding performance attribute for a successful
self-recovery. Off-road self-recovery users prefer to have between 100 and
125 feet of wire rope available. For the WARN mid-range winch, WARN
specifies a 5/16" diameter wire rope for the combination of maximum length
to wind on the winch drum along with durability and strength.

2. WINCH PERFORMANCE
The WARN design is optimized for performance, durability, reliability and
ease of use in off-road self-recovery applications around the world. With
the WARN performance also comes the industry's leading customer service and
warranty. Our customers tell us there is none better! Some of our most
demanding customers are our employees and their families. You have no doubt
met them on the toughest trails from Tellico to Moab.

Any attempt to call into question the proven reliable performance of WARN
winches is clearly a thinly veiled approach to gain business. Once again,
please consider the source of the funding for the ATS test...Mr. Richard Aho
of MileMarker. WARN stands behind our commitment to you as a valued customer
and we place a tremendous importance on the trust between us. WARN will
"never compromise customer trust".

Sincerely,