From the UK to the Outback:
Daniel Kistler’s King Cobra Transition
At RED Winches, our engineering is born in the UK, but its true home is wherever the terrain is toughest. This is why we are incredibly proud to see our gear being put to work by Daniel Kistler in Australia. Daniel is a prominent figure in the Australian 4x4 and winch challenge scene, known for his technical builds and relentless testing in the Victorian High Country and beyond.
Why the King Cobra for Australia?
Australian off-roading often demands a balance between daily drivability and hardcore "overland" capability. For Daniel, the King Cobra solved a specific geographical challenge: the need for an aggressive approach angle on steep, technical tracks.
"I chose the new King Cobra for a few main reasons," says Daniel. "One of the biggest was the physical size. It made it much easier to package the front end exactly how I wanted without having to run a big bulky bar and losing approach angle."
By moving from an original twin-motor Hornet to the King Cobra, Daniel gained the ability to run OX motors and a bus bar setup, providing the high-torque reliability needed for solo recoveries in remote Australian bushland.
The Evolution of the Front End
For many builders, the winch often dictates the design of the front bumper. Daniel’s goal was to maintain a sleek profile without compromising on performance.
By moving away from his previous twin-motor Hornet, Daniel was able to reclaim vital space while upgrading his internal components.
Engineering Excellence: Gearing and Strength
The King Cobra isn’t just about a smaller footprint; it’s about what is happening inside the casing. Being fully gear-driven ensures extreme strength under load, a non-negotiable for serious off-road and competition use.
Daniel also noted the efficiency of the design:
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Effortless Freespool: Borrowing the proven freespool design from the Hornet 2 race winch, the rope pulls out with minimal resistance.
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Versatile Gearing: With a wide range of ratios available, the King Cobra caters to everyone from those needing slow, high-torque recovery to those demanding high-speed competition setups.
Power and Packaging
The motor setup was a primary factor in Daniel’s decision. He opted for the OX motor with a bus bar setup, a configuration he considers his preferred power delivery method. Interestingly, because the original Hornet cannot accommodate the OX motor, the King Cobra provided the necessary platform for this upgrade.
Even the way the product arrives and is handled in the workshop earned top marks. "The new packaging style is very user-friendly," says Daniel. "It’s easy to move around, easy to store on a shelf without it tipping over, and it looks the part, too."
Daniel’s Specification
For his specific build, Daniel settled on a tailored configuration designed for a balance of speed and control:
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Model: 12V Single Motor King Cobra
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Solenoid: DC182
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Drum: Medium
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Gearing: Overland 89:1
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Power: Running on 24V for optimal performance.
Our Australian Footprint: Seamless Distribution
We understand that for our Australian customers, "Great British Craftsmanship" must be backed by local accessibility. We don't just ship boxes across the globe; we partner with experts who live and breathe the off-road lifestyle.
- Local Expertise: Through our dedicated partners like RED Winches Queensland and Road Runner Offroad in Victoria, we ensure that Australian drivers have local stock, technical support, and expert installation advice.
- Reduced Lead Times: By working with local distributors, we minimise the hurdles of international shipping, getting our winches onto Australian tracks faster.
- Built for the Heat: Our CNC-machined aerospace aluminium bodies and patented air brake systems are designed to dissipate heat and perform consistently, whether it’s a damp morning in the UK or a 40°C day in the Australian desert.
Through the Lens: Offroad Lenz
This feature wouldn't be complete without the incredible imagery provided by Patrick from Offroad Lenz. Based in Australia, Patrick specializes in capturing the heart of off-road adventures and high-stakes winch challenges.
About Patrick (Offroad Lenz):
Offroad Lenz is an offroad photography specialist. Focused on shooting the ‘winch challenge’ sport, getting in amongst some of the toughest and well-known events in Australia. Dedication, commitment, and consistency are just some of the attributes Offroad Lenz is always striving for. 2026 will bring many quality images to the table with events in the calendar such as Wild Dog Winch Challenge, Offroad Outlaws and Ultimate 4x4 challenge. In amongst working with top tier brands to mix up all the action! Find all the crispy images on the Offroad Lenz Facebook, Instagram, or website. – Patrick, Offroad Lenz
