ARCOS are not Barients
Arco winches are based loosely on the late model Barient designs. They are not cast or machined with anything approaching the level of craftsman ship of original Barients. To say they are rough is an understatement. They do work, however they there is no comparison between them and the ease of using one of the other manufactures products. Simply the machining of a Harken, Anderson, or even a Lewmar is far smoother, far more robust than the casting and machining of an Arco. Therefore the Arco is not as smooth to use, and gives up a fair amount of power to friction, and less precise fit.
The temptation to go with the Arco based on Price is in my opinion a false economy. One that I did make in the past. I would not do so again. Also I have a set of Barients that were mounted right next to the Arcos. The Barients are at least 28 years old, and look practically like new. The Arcos, are less than 10, and look really tattered despite having the same care applied to both winches, which are both chromed bronze.
Although it hurts the wallet initially the choice of one of the other brands will beat the hurt to the wallet twice and the ego that will come from buying the Arcos only to later replace them with one of the other brands.