Apart from the visual difference, what is the point of having the solonoid over the drum rather than to the side? Basically, for occasional use off-road do I want a 'standard' or a 'i' winch?
It's slightly higher so more likely to be out of the mud when going downhill or wading ...
I'd guess each company have their own 'ideas' as to why there's an 'i' version, ask them .. I'd guess a lot of it is 'cos they want to be seen to have a bridge type in their range.
The Goldfish has great reviews. david bowyer had one on the goodwinch stand all last year running submersed in water. It was running all weekend apparently.