The best winch for a Polaris Sportsman 570 is the WARN VRX 35-S: 3,500 lb of capacity, synthetic rope, IP68 waterproofing, and a lifetime mechanical warranty. It bolts to the 570 with a vehicle-specific KFI winch mount. If you want the simplest install, a KFI Assault Series plug-n-play kit bundles winch, mount, and wiring for your exact model year.
What Size Winch Does a Sportsman 570 Need?
A Sportsman 570 weighs roughly 700 to 800 lb loaded. The 1.5x rule puts the minimum around 1,200 lb, so a 2,500 to 3,500 lb winch is the right class. A 2500 lb winch handles trail recoveries fine; a 3500 lb winch adds margin for deep mud, plowing snow, and pulling other machines. You do not need a 4500 lb winch on a 570. See our 3500 lb vs 4500 lb comparison (coming soon) for the full reasoning.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Winch | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | WARN VRX 35-S | 3500 lb, synthetic rope, IP68, lifetime mechanical warranty |
| Easiest install | KFI Assault Series 3500-S kit | Winch + vehicle-specific mount + wiring in one box |
| Best budget | KFI A2500-R2 | 2500 lb, proven fit on the 570, lowest cost of entry |
Best Overall: WARN VRX 35-S
The VRX 35-S is the 3,500 lb sibling of the VRX 45-S we recommend for UTVs, and it is the premium choice for the Sportsman 570:
- 3,500 lb capacity with synthetic rope and hawse fairlead
- IP68 waterproofing, the highest in the class
- All-metal construction with 3-stage planetary gearing
- Load-holding brake and hub-lock-style clutch dial
- Dash rocker switch plus corded remote
- Warranty: limited lifetime mechanical, 3 years electrical
Mount it with a KFI vehicle-specific winch mount for the Sportsman 570 (KFI’s 101740-series mounts, which fit 2014–2020 Sportsman 570/SP models and accept the VRX 25/35 series). The mount bolts to the OEM location below the radiator. Budget roughly $55–125 for the mount on top of the winch.
Easiest Install: KFI Assault Series 3500-S Kit
KFI sells plug-n-play Assault Series winch kits built specifically for Polaris models including the Sportsman 570. The kit bundles the winch, the correct mount, and model-specific wiring, so there is no guessing about fitment. The 3500-S version ships with synthetic rope. If you want the job done in an afternoon with factory-style connectors, this is the kit.
KFI’s standard winches (A2500-R2, A3000, SE25, SE35) also fit the same KFI Sportsman 570 mounts, so you can mix and match winch and mount if a kit is not in stock.
Best Budget: KFI A2500-R2
If the 570 is a trail toy rather than a work machine, 2,500 lb is genuinely enough, and the KFI A2500-R2 keeps the cost down. It is explicitly listed as compatible with KFI’s Sportsman 570 mounts, so fitment is confirmed rather than hoped for. Spend the savings on a good mount and clean wiring; a well-installed 2500 lb winch beats a sloppy 3500 lb install every time.
What About the Polaris OEM Winch?
Polaris sells its own Pro HD winches through dealers. They fit perfectly and keep everything in the family, but you pay dealer pricing for what is fundamentally a rebadged mid-range winch. The VRX 35-S gives you better sealing specs and a lifetime mechanical warranty for similar or less money. Buy the OEM winch only if dealer installation and factory integration matter more to you than value.
Installation Notes for the Sportsman 570
- Mount first: the winch bolts to a model-specific mount, not directly to the ATV. Confirm the mount lists your exact model year.
- Wiring: route battery cables away from heat and moving parts; use the included circuit breaker or fuse.
- Contactor placement: mount the contactor/solenoid high and dry under the front rack or seat area.
- Break in the rope: spool synthetic rope under light tension before the first real pull so it beds evenly on the drum.
- Snow plowing: if the winch will lift a plow, a winch saver strap or pulley reduces wear from constant short cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size winch fits a Polaris Sportsman 570?
A 2,500 to 3,500 lb winch is the correct class. The winch mounts via a vehicle-specific KFI mount (101740-series for 2014–2020 models) that accepts standard 4-hole ATV winches including the WARN VRX 25/35 series and KFI’s own winches.
Is 2500 lb enough for a Sportsman 570?
Yes for trail riding. The 570 weighs roughly 700–800 lb loaded, so 2,500 lb is more than double the 1.5x minimum. Step up to 3,500 lb for deep mud, heavy snow plowing, or recovering larger machines.
Do I need a separate winch mount for the Sportsman 570?
Yes. ATV winches do not bolt directly to the machine; they bolt to a model-specific mount that attaches to the frame. KFI’s Sportsman 570 mounts are the standard choice and list exactly which winches they accept.
Synthetic rope or steel cable for a Sportsman 570?
Synthetic is the better pick for most 570 owners: lighter, safer, and easier on the hands. See our synthetic vs steel guide (coming soon) for the tradeoffs.