Are the red & yellow top Optimas worth the near double price of a normal battery for a daily use battery. I can understand for heavy use, track day, etc.
Looking for a battery for a truck that doesn't get driven much, possibly to be relocated to the inside of the bed as well.

Short answer, yes.

Have them in both of my cars. Never had an issue with heat or battery sapping cold temps. My jeep that I do not drive on a regular basis I wood go through batteries like skittles. My fault for not having my trickle charger on it, but damn it. They should should last longer than that and be able to be at least jump started.

Put an optima on it like I have on my F150 and no problems since. You do get what you pay for in this instance.

Eta: Put the Optima on my jeep 3 and half years ago. Truck right after I bought it in 5 years ago. So my experience is good.

Optima quality has gone done in the last 5 or so years. Look at Odessey or Sears platinum....same thing, 1100cca.

But honestly, just unhook the battery when not in use, it may work for your needs. My Odessey was $300+, but I use alit of accessories and am planning to put a winch in.

quote:

Originally posted by dewhorse:
Optima quality has gone done in the last 5 or so years. Look at Odessey or Sears platinum....same thing, 1100cca.

But honestly, just unhook the battery when not in use, it may work for your needs. My Odessey was $300+, but I use alit of accessories and am planning to put a winch in.

THIS. Optima's these days are not great batteries. Odysseys and AGM lifeline are both very good......sears AGM too but I think they discontinued them.

In a marine application they are pretty awesome. My buddy has three blue top batteries in his bass boat for his trolling motor. They were purchased in 2010 and are still running strong. Pretty awesome.

I went with a Bosch AGM battery for my truck and that thing is amazing. I've left things on by mistake for a long time and the truck has never failed to start.

quote:

Originally posted by sig77:
In a marine application they are pretty awesome. My buddy has three blue top batteries in his bass boat for his trolling motor. They were purchased in 2010 and are still running strong. Pretty awesome.

Uhhhh Yeah, that's longer than 5 years ago when they gained that "made in mexico" stamp on the case.

I changed out a set of 3 year old blue top optima's from a 25' Grady White that were totally shot.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:

quote:

Originally posted by sig77:
In a marine application they are pretty awesome. My buddy has three blue top batteries in his bass boat for his trolling motor. They were purchased in 2010 and are still running strong. Pretty awesome.

Uhhhh Yeah, that's longer than 5 years ago when they gained that "made in mexico" stamp on the case.

I changed out a set of 3 year old blue top optima's from a 25' Grady White that were totally shot.

Not sure what to tell you. I want my buddy to replace them, but they continue to perform. It is impressive.

DEKA/East Penn Manufacturing makes the Intimidator AGM line - very reliable:

http://www.remybattery.com/bat...dator-batteries.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2xTFTgRfWs

I had an Optima that failed and left me stranded when it was only a year old. I have had Odyssey batteries in my skid loader and motorcycle, which get infrequent use, and they haven't failed after four years. I believe Odyssey batteries are designed to have a ten year shelf life. I think they also have more lead in them because they are significantly heavier. The price reflects that as they are expensive.

I heard the same quality stories about Optima when I need two new batteries for my F250 diesel last year. I ended up buying the Advance Auto Parts AGm batteries, I bought them online (to pick up in store) at 20% off with one of their sales and at the time they gave a $50 gift card after buying. So far I have been pleased but it has only been 8 months or so. I buy a lot of my auto parts from Advanced sine they normally run 20% off sales and sometimes give you $20 in their "Speed Perks" after purchase. You can order online and the order is ready when you go to their local store. I used to use the 20% online deals with synthetic oil but the stopped allowing the purchase online of their oil that I use.

I wouldn't touch a current Optima with a ten foot pole. Definitely living off of their past reputation.

Lots of other AGM batteries out there to choose from.

NO NO NO AND NO!! Did I mention NO?
Had a red top in my 96 Mustang when it was a second car. It was constantly dead only good thing about them is their no questions asked warranty. I think I had 4 replacements in the 3 year warranty period. As soon as the warranty was expired I put a Motorcraft back in it and started every time until I sold it years later.

I just bought a NAPA Legend AGM battery for my Sienna. I have had nothing but a great experience with all other NAPA parts so I am hoping that continues.

First one I had lasted 7 or 8 years. The replacement made it to three. I wouldn't buy another one.

What a stinking shame it is when a good company with a good product decides that short term profit beats long term viability. How many decades of future purchases did they lose to get a few years of cheap labor in Mexico? Idiots!!

20yrs ago, sure.

Not today.

I'd go with an Odyssey AGM.

Also be aware the AGM batteries are designed to be charged to a higher voltage than a lead acid flooded cell. Some folks have had starting problems due to undercharging. Unless your car had one in originally I would not install one. I had a Moto Guzzi motorcycle that had AGM as original equipment and had to buy a specific charger for over the winter maintenance. That charger was also not compatible with normal batteries.

Have an agm type in my atv. Its a no name off eBay that will still kick the motor over after setting for 2 years in my garage. Guess I will look further then. Will check out the Napa and auto zone options. I run Interstate in everything currently, I just don't have easy way to trickle charge as vehicles all reside outside, street parking.

For info, looking to install in a 4cyl s10. I believe stock replacement is in the 450 CCA range. I think I could almost start it with a rope around the crank pulley (not really, but u get what I mean).

AGM batteries are worth the extra money but there are many these days that are better quality than Optima. They're also a touch cheaper as well.

quote:

Originally posted by wolfe 21:
Are the red & yellow top Optimas worth the near double price of a normal battery for a daily use battery.

In a word, 'No'. As already noted, when Optima moved manufacturing outside the US, quality went down substantially. Also, their warranty sucks compared to pretty much everyone else.

I had a red top at one point, but never again. Give me a Walmart Everstart battery with their warranty for my daily driver truck and I'm good to go. And if it does fail in the first 36 months, Walmart will replace it for free (I know this for fact).