I posted a few days ago about leaving my headlights on and needing a jump start, and some of the issues that caused.

Well, this battery has seen some abuse and was a few years past its expected life anyway, and this last time running it dead seems to have taken a toll. It's now taking several extra seconds of cranking to start the engine, and I'm thinking it's time to retire it and put in a new battery.

I've always had very good luck with Die Hard batteries, but I'm thinking this time I might give Optima a try.

Looks like the choice is between red top or yellow top, and I would want to go with the highest CCA that will fit either way.

My main priority is reliable starting on very cold nights, which would suggest red top. However, I also like the idea of being able to run the radio when we're out camping (low volume, I'm not "that guy") and still be able to start the vehicle, so maybe yellow top would be good.

What experiences have you folks had with the different models, and do you have any recommendations for a specific battery out of their lineup?

 

Personally I have the Optima Yellow Top and love it. Also, if you're looking for mainly CCA but also plenty of power reserve I've had great luck with Autozone's Duralast Gold with 1050 CCA.

Optima has great batteries hands down, whether you choose Yellow or Red top, you will be happy.

 

I'm on my last Optima Blue. 3rd times a charm. And have you priced an Optima lately?

What is the usage you plan? Just standard stuff? If so, Duralast Gold at AutoZone.

IndyDurango

 

My vote would be Duralast Gold...I got either the 800 or 1000 CCA not sure which. Probably the 1000 since I knew I was going to Minneapolis even though I got it in Maryland. The Duralast Gold got me through a winter in Minneapolis with no starting problems. If you live in a cold climate I would recommend the highest available.

My use... Normal use moderate load.... Kenwood flip out stereo with CD/DVD GPS, XM radio and cell phone charger.

 

Usage would be normal driving, electronics will be pretty much what came stock, may do a modest upgrade on the stereo at some point, but wouldn't be anything that demanded high current. I would like to be able to run the radio for 5 or 6 hours at a time when we go camping and still have starting power, which is why I was thinking about the yellow top. Reason for considering the extra money for Optima? Peace of mind, pure and simple. I get off work at a ridiculous time of night and don't want to have to sit around waiting for a tow truck to jump me. It would be worth a bit of extra cash to "just know" that it's going to start no matter how cold it is.

You seem to be unhappy with the blue top. May I ask what your complaints with it are? I'm not in the market for straight deep-cycle batteries at the moment (I need something that's good for starting also), but I very likely will be in the near future.

 

If you're not in the market right now for a deep cycle I'd say just stash your money and get the Duralast Gold. The reserve is the same on them, I can't listen to the radio asking as you're saying you're wanting to with the Optima. Duralast Gold IMO is the best for the money, as it had awesome CCA as well as a great reserve capacity.

My complaints with my YellowTop are that it's expensive as hell and I'm on my third one too. The other two just died on me and wouldn't recharge, had to jump it to start it every time.

 

+1

3 years tops, taken very good care of, not nearly the life it should have for the EXPENSIVE price. Ditch the name and buy a regular battery. If a Dura Blue fits my custom battery hold down, I'm done with them.

IndyD

 

I don't care for the dry cells and never have. Too many issues with them......IMHO

 

OK, I'm convinced.

I'm glad I asked. I was willing to spend extra cash for extra reliability, but it sounds like I would have gotten the opposite of what I was hoping for.

I don't like the sound of one "just dying". That's exactly what I want to avoid. I've got a 7+ year old no-name battery right now that's been abused to hell, run 100% dead dozens of times (long story), and it's definitely on its last legs. But it least it's failing gracefully and giving me warning signs that it's time to replace it. It may take a few more seconds of cranking than normal to get the engine running, but so far it still starts reliably. I like having that warning.

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I was about to spend a lot extra for something that was pretty much the opposite of what I'm wanting.

 

my yellow top only lasted two years now its a $200 paper weight dont waste your money i had a orbital that lasted five years and was a hundred dollars cheaper O reily carrys orbital heres a good right up on battery's and who makes them
http://bestbatterytips.com/tags/who-...ast-batteries/