When you’re in the thick of it at the King of the Hammers, having a reliable winch can make all the difference. At Superwinch, we build rugged, high-performance off-road winches designed to handle the toughest recovery situations.
Recently, Darren Parsons put his Superwinch winch to the test at King of the Hammers, the ultimate off-road racing event held in Johnson Valley, California.
While taking on the infamous Jack Hammer trail, Darren didn’t just rely on his winch for himself – he used it to help fellow trail-rider HighSierra4x4, climb the steep, rocky terrain. Although we at Superwinch can’t approve of all the recovery methods seen in this video, we did enjoy the watch! It was a perfect example of why every serious off-roader, Jeep owner, and overland enthusiast needs a Superwinch in their recovery kit.
King Of The Hammers: The Ultimate Off-Road Test
If you love off-roading, rock crawling, and desert racing, then you’ve probably heard of King of the Hammers (KOH). Check out more of Darren in action at the King of the Hammers below, right-side-up this time:
King of the Hammers started as a friendly bet between 12 teams has grown into a week-long off-road spectacle, featuring:
- 530+ teams competing for off-road glory
- 2 million+ online viewers tuning in for the wildest off-road racing in the world
- 80,000+ fans camping in the desert to watch the action live
But KOH isn’t just about speed – it’s also about surviving some of the gnarliest rock trails in existence, like the Jack Hammer trail.
The Jack Hammer trail isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a 5+ rated rock-crawling challenge that puts both drivers and their rigs to the test.
- Twisting through a narrow canyon, then climbing a steep, rocky ridge
- A sharp turn at the top, with little room for error
- A brutal descent into a second canyon, packed with ledges and drop-offs
Even fully built off-road rigs struggle on this trail. That’s why having a powerful, reliable winch is a must when tackling hardcore terrain like this. When Darren Parsons found himself on Jack Hammer, his Superwinch SX Series winch proved why it’s one of the best off-road winches on the market.
What Makes Superwinch Stand Out?
- IP68 Waterproof – Fully sealed drum, gearbox, and contactor (aka solenoid) for protection from the elements
- Rugged Steel Winch Drum – Steel won’t crack or shatter like aluminum
- Ready For Extreme Duty – Tested in temps from -40 to 125 F; Integrated drum and controller lighting for after dark recoveries
- True Capacity Rating – Every winch meets or exceeds the pulling power rating
- Easy-To-Use Clutch Handle – Big and easy to operate, with a no-bind design
- No-Bind Design Clutch – Won’t bind and break like cheaper clutch designs
Whether you’re crawling through boulder fields, crossing deep rivers, or tackling steep hills, a Superwinch gives you the pulling power you need to keep moving.
Why Every Off-Roader Needs a Winch
If you’re serious about off-roading, overlanding, or rock crawling, a winch is one of the most important recovery tools you can have.
- Self-recovery – If you get stuck, a winch can pull you out of deep mud, sand, or rocky terrain.
- Helping Others – Just like Darren Parsons did at King of the Hammers, a winch lets you assist fellow off-roaders when they need it.
- Tackling Tough Trails – Trails like Jack Hammer, Chocolate Thunder, and Back Door are nearly impossible without a winch.
Having a reliable off-road winch means more confidence on the trail, knowing you have a way out of tough spots. At Superwinch, we’ve been building industry-leading winches for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and off-road vehicles for decades. Whether you need a winch for extreme rock crawling, overlanding adventures, or serious trail recovery, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to upgrade your off-road recovery setup? Check out our lineup of Superwinch winches and make sure you’re ready for whatever the trail throws your way.
