Klikster

So I've been doing some research on batteries from older posts and I've already determined I want a deep cycle battery as I'm going to be upgrading the audio system, but I'm interested to see input on what brands are good/bad, etc.

It seems Optima Yellow Tops used to be the cream of the crop.. but aren't anymore? And I've read a bit about DieHards as well.

Generally speaking I'm just interested in buying the best battery I can, and buying it from a reliable source.

I'm located in Canada with access to a US post box so I can easily ship from wherever, just looking for some insight on the matter.

Help is greatly appreciated.

oojimmyc

Hi Klikster,
Personally I would go for an AGM (absorbed glass matt). Not sure how many manufacturers there are. I know Lifeline makes them...and they are somewhat pricey. I've ran one in a Miata for 5 yrs and it never failed me and has pretty much the same readouts as it did when i bought it. Right off I don't remember what brand it is. It's not a lifeline brand and I only paid $80 bucks for it in Colorado. I'll try and figure out which one it is and get back to you. Also, you living in Canada may have something to do with availability. The AGM's seem to do better in cars with harder suspensions and you don't have to worry about spillage. With Miata the batts are in the trunk where you really don't want spillage.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Don't get Optima, after JC (Johnson Controls) bought Optima, they've gone "cheap" with the material and the result was ----- bad. They also moved the factory to Mexico. Not saying Mexicans can't make good batteries but ... cutting corners here and there not gonna help you. Especially Optima Battery is never cheap. When people don't get what they paid for, they leave and never look back, this is exactly what is happening to Optima (JC) for the past 10 yrs or so.

Optima battery used to last at LEAST 5+ yrs under normal usage, but now you'll be pretty lucky if it last 5 years. most of them die around 2-4 years.

After tons of complains saying their battery sucks, JC upped their quality a bit, now it seems that Optima should be able to "last" a bit longer. but who knows what the long term effects are. Are you willing to pay like 150-180 to "try their quality?" I would not.



Enersys got Optima's engineer (cuz JC fired them to save money, rumor) they came up with a new design that will pack more power and make it last even longer. if you never heard of Enersys, they also make Odyssey battery. it's just one of their product line. Like how Toyota has Lexus, Scion and Nissan has Infiniti, etc.

DieHard is another "Rebrand" that is being sold by Sears. I'm not sure if they have Sears in Canada (I think so), in US Sears, Die Hard battery comes with 4 yrs free exchange no questions asked warranty. after that is prorate. It probably cost more than even Optima, but 4 years warranty and their AGM is really good if not better than Optima's.

If you wanna go "cheap", you can always go for Store Brand Lead-Acid battery for 100 bux (US) or less. usually their "top of the line" battery comes with 3 yr warranty, but sometimes depends on which store you go to, For Example, Autozone, might try to "charge" your battery before they will give you an exchange(depends on store), sometimes it might work at the store, but it will die a week later or so. PITA to go back and forth.

Klikster

I'm definitely willing to spend around $150-$200? I don't know if that's high or low, but I'd rather buy a good quality battery and having a good warranty is always a plus.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

The Optima Blue is a better deep cycle than the Yellow

I've had an Optima Red in my Honda Ridgeline truck for four years, zero problems

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

For a car battery, 150-200 bux is considered as "expensive"

Why? cuz like I said above ----------- a regular Lead-Acid battery with 3 years warranty cost only 100 or less.

Some people say its not worth it while some people always prefer quality over price.

if you getting it in the US and ship it to Canada. what if the battery really run into problem(s) ? will mailing it back to your US address then have your friend warranty it cause you any problems? is it better to buy local ?

think about those b4 u get it

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

This is something I hadn't thought of! Good thing this came up, as I was considering ordering a battery within the next few weeks

Rudolph

"Spiral Wound" AGM – these high tech, spiral wound and sealed batteries are featured in Exide's Orbital series of starting and deep cycle batteries for both automotive and marine applications. The plates (or separator mats) are wound or rolled into a tubular form like a roll of carpet and placed in multiple configurations where the cylinders may or may not be visible.

http://www.exide.com/portal/server.p...uto_deep_cycle

Have one myself , here in Europe....................

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

AGM/rolled metal plates battery technology came out decades ago.

Its a good way to store more energy. Its not new tho.

Rudolph

Thanks,

You are right, however I did not mention/gave the impression that it is "new".........indeed these types are on the market for a long time already..........the purpose was to show another example of a reliable brand.......

Best regards,
Ruud

Klikster

Definitely forgot to consider that, thanks. It would make more sense for me to buy local then as getting the warranty in the US would prove troublesome.

Cohort

iTrader: (4)

Glad I read this thread, I was going to buy an Optima battery next week. I had read about the Exide but had never heard of them so was skeptical of their quality.

Great info so thanks =)

Rudolph

for your info:
.......EXIDE...........since 2001 they are the world largest battery group:
With effect from the end of June 2001, two of the largest lead acid battery manufacturers have joined forces to be known as Exide Technologies Network Power.
This has come about as a result of CMP Batteries Standby Division merging with GNB Technologies to form the world's largest battery manufacturing group.
Exide Technologies will manufacture batteries for Telecommunications, UPS, Utilities, and other standby power applications.
The new and larger UK business headquarters is at Stevenage in Hertfordshire.
It is from Stevenage, all sales, administration, logistics and technical support team will operate.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Exide has been here for a long time ...