Optimas are definitely a good/great battery. But the AGM battery (DieHard Platinum) outperformed it hands down.

It's much better technology.

A Batteries life has alot to do in how well they're maintained too.

Owning motorcycles here in New England, you really learn a lot about discharged batteries and such.

My regular lead acid batteries required a topping off every 4-6 weeks or they'd drop into low voltage range very quickly.

As a result I run only AGM batteries in my bikes now...with no more problems.
They hold a charge for pretty much 3-4 months now without discharging.

My original XJ Mopar Battery in my Cherokee which I purchased new in 97 lasted almost 10 years. Reason is is that I drove mainly highway miles with the XJ for much of it's life allowing it ample time to recharge with only 1 serious discharge....having left the parking lights on one day at work.

Finally after 10 years that Battery eventually gave up the ghost.

I bought a basic red top Duralast Battery 3 years ago, which had tested well a few years ago and have had nary a problem with it.

When I am going to park the Jeep for a while, I simply disconnect the negative lead from the battery. Then it doesn't drain nearly as fast if at all.

Oh and those little felt donut things sold at your LPS eliminate corrosion on your terminals.

They're cheap and work very well.

 

Great post and there's proof that Walmart sells cheap batteries or batteries cheap, whatever,.....and 2 of them finished in the top 5.

 

Which two? I am in need of a new battery...

I don't know how old the current battery is (AC Delco), it was put in by the previous owner...I know that it sat a lot in the parking lot between uses...usually once or twice a month was how often it was cranked...

 

Here's the top 5:

These are the RETAIL prices...

1.) DieHard Platinum 50090 $190. Excellent Overall - uses AGM Technology
2.) EverStart Maxx-34N(North) $75.
3.) Optima RedTop SC34U $150.
4.) EverStart Maxx-34S(South) $75.
5.) DieHard 30034(North) $90.

The EverStart Maxx batteries are sold by Wal Mart.
Also the warranty is actually slightly better than that of of the Optima.
The key would be to assure you're getting a fresh one.
For a DD it would probably do fine.

Remember that there are only a few battery manufacturers out there so many of these brands are actually made by the same companies.

 

Ummm... Optima make FOUR types... you left out the reverse polarity Orange tops...

But yes there is no difference in the group 34's you get from the speed shop or China Mart.

 

Didn't read all the pages on this but your issue dose not sound like it is battery related. Sounds more like a tune up or fuel pump issue. As for buying a billon doller battery. I would buy one if I needed to mound my battery sideways but beyond that they are just like any other battery. You pay for what you get within reason. My new everstart has 770cca. If you need more then that you need 2 battery's or a new motor. I payed $80 for mine last week. Would never pay twice that unless I needed to mount it sideways. And the warranties on those just went way down. Now its only a year! Says a little about there quality since it use to be alot longer warranty.

 

As a poster who worked in the industry had said, the Optimas were bought out by another company, Johnson Controls.

And as with most buy outs, theyre then subsequently "managed" into more profits by cutting costs and essentially making the product cheaper.

The Optima Red Top, or any Optima for that matter isn't the same Optima you'd find a few years ago prior to the sale.

The tests by Consumer Reports somewhat prove that for the Optima didn't test any better than a descent battery at half it's price and was the basis of the test.

 

I just picked up a $77 Everstart Maxx from Walmart, and guess what?? It started my jeep just fine..LOL..

It's just a DD, so I aint worried about it...

Carry on....

 

Hey RandMan,

As long as your battery doesn't fall out of the tray and slide into your fan you should be A-OK !