Optima batteries...

Allo all!

Wondering if any folk are currently using the Optima batteries.
Some people rate them as they are spill free and a few other benefits.

I saw a marine type (blue top) it had the standard terminals but also had two small black and red terminals. I figure this would be great for extra accessories (UHF + lights).

But a marine type battery in Cruiser ute?

Any thoughts? Can't find any previous threads on this

Cheers

Matthew
Matthew Clements
I just love the Pilbara!
1HDJ79 RV

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:09

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:09
Matt, cant see a problem with marine type batteries.
Been looking at them myself, will be interested in other opinions.

Cheers.....Lionel.
AnswerID: 378850

Reply By: Rod W - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:11

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:11
Looked at them once upon-a-time but too dear and with only 12mth warranty not considered to be value for money.
AnswerID: 378851

Reply By: paulnsw - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:45

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:45
over priced
over rated
over hyped
if you can get one for 50% of advertised price then buy one
AnswerID: 378858

Follow Up By: Rolly - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 01:01

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 01:01
Any qualifications for those opinions?

I ask because, with the exceptional performance of the 'Red Top" that I already have and a recommendation from a professional fisherman, I'm considering a couple of 'Blue Tops' for caravan use.

The resistance to failure from exposure to severe vibration, as well as slow self discharge and fast recharging, are important considerations.
0
FollowupID: 646310

Reply By: RV Powerstream P/L - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:47

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:47
The Optima is a spiral plate AGM battery of high recombination and is an excellent battery but its capacity is small in comparison to other AGM batteries.

The fast recharge capacity makes them one choice for competition fishermen in USA for running the electric trolling motors.

Cost per size is a deterent to their use.
Wheeley

AnswerID: 378859

Reply By: Robin Miller - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:49

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:49
I used the lower cost equivalent, the spiral wound exide Orbital , hard to beat as a battery
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 378860

Follow Up By: Rolly - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 01:08

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 01:08
Must have a look into that.

Thanks.
0
FollowupID: 646311

Reply By: Member - Joe F (WA) - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:56

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 17:56
G'day Matthew

I actually use Optima batteries in my 80 Series Cruiser, two red tops and a single yellow top (deep cycle), these batteries have out~lasted all wet cell batteries that I had used before the Optimas.

I have two in the engine bay in the standard dual battery set up and the deep cycle unit lives under the floor along side the chassis rail, this yellow top unit feeds a rather heavily used 12v ~ 240v inverter.

Yes they are as dear as poison but four years on, they are still just brilliant.

I have no affiliation with Optima Batteries, but I will most definately buy them again, no question.

From what I remember of the "Optima" information sheet, the Marine (Blue top) is only different in the battery post configuration, so it should be ok for your intended use.

Regards:
AnswerID: 378862

Follow Up By: Member - Matthew C (WA) - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 19:23

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 19:23
Joe,

Thanks for your reply and the info given is great!

I did (compulsively) purchase the Optima Blue Top due to my support of small business in Port Hedland. The two smaller terminals are ideal.

I do like testing products for further advice to others! There is so much to learn

It is, for the moment, attached to a single battery setup. Dual battery setup installed in time.

To all you other folk for the replies - thank you.

Cheers,
matthew

ps: Joe I see you do tours in the Pilbara. You gotta love this country!
Matthew Clements
I just love the Pilbara!
1HDJ79 RV

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 646230

Reply By: Members Paul and Melissa (VIC) - Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 20:18

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 at 20:18
I have 2 Yellow top's in my 100 series,they were put in March 04 and still going strong,my vehicle sits for long periods of time and only once did i have to jump start it(was about 6 months) and have not had any problems since.they do recover quickly as stated and IMHO are pretty hard to beat. the only difference in the marine is the terminals (has screw and post) and they are stainless, otherwise it is the same as the yellow.
AnswerID: 378890

Reply By: Richard W (NSW) - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 07:21

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 07:21
Matthew,

Had a 55AH yellow top used as an auxilliaty battery in the vehicle which lost a cell at 2.5 years. Was replaced with a new one on which I was given a decent discount. This is still going OK after 5 years and now used in the camper trailer. Replaced the auxilliary battery in the vehicle with a 100AH AGM as the 55AH wasn't big enough for all the accesories.
AnswerID: 378930

Reply By: Member - Porl - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 09:15

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 09:15
I have one yellow top Optima bought 2003. Checked it this morning and although haven't charged since about Easter, sitting on 12.53v. Use it a few times a year.
AnswerID: 378946

Reply By: Member - Scoof (SA) - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 13:56

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 13:56
I have a yellow and a red top the yellow is deep cycle and starting used only as second battery and red is starting battery.

I first got a yellow top and it stuffed up not long after I got it.

It was replaced and at the same time got the red top so both started life together new and they are approx a year old now and have been great.

Cheers Scoof . :-)
AnswerID: 378974

Sponsored Links