Optima Yellow top vs Red top battery?

DunDan · 06-20-2004, 01:37 AM

Just can't decide between the Optima red top vs yellow top batteries. If I don't drive my car for a week then my OEM battery completely drains. This time I couldn't even recondition the BMW battery (circa 1998) with my charger so I picked up a red top. From what I hear, the yellow top "deep cycle" will be able to recover from complete drains due to inactivity or car audio/computer/alarm systems. I haven't heard any stories of the red tops dying but Adriano and Sickfingas both say that they have had yellow tops die on them. Both Optimas are roughly the same price ($190 CDN). The red one higher in CCA but the yellow is only better by residual charge by 10 minutes.

Is the Optima yellow top battery deep cycle technology overrated (for autos)? Can the red tops be recharged or has anyone even had a red top fail on them prematurely?

Can sombody tell me how to secure the battery with a 'L' bracket? I just have the battery sitting in the compartment right now. TIA

moregothanshow · 11-09-2004, 09:47 PM

i am also currently in the market for a battery now so any opinions on the subject of Optima yellow verses red, would be greatly appreciated....

Spartiatis · 11-10-2004, 12:56 AM

The red is better for your car.

moregothanshow · 11-10-2004, 12:59 AM

i have subs and an electric roof. i just did some reading and i think the yellow is a better choice now, unless there is something i missed. thanks though.....

M50E30 · 11-10-2004, 03:16 AM

Big system = Yellow top

Still draining the yellow top battery? Then you need to put a capacitor. Usually 1000 watts will need a full farad cap.

Adriano · 11-10-2004, 08:00 AM

They're BOTH SHIT!
Take it from me, I used to sell them.

Red - normal usage
Yellow - deep cycle (if you drain the batterey often)

I would get a dry-cell if possible.

Miguel · 11-10-2004, 08:15 AM

So what do you recommend Adriano?

Adriano · 11-10-2004, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miguel

So what do you recommend Adriano?

Lightning Audio LCB1200 Blue Top battery. Very small, light 700 amps and very reliable. I have discharged mine over 20 times with almost no change in charge capacity. I also accidently left my charger on 40Amp boost setting OVERNIGHT! The whole shop stank like sulfer and the battery was soo hot, I couldn't touch it. I almost started a fire in my car. Guess what? I used the same battery for almost a year afterward. It is a damn expensive battery but after that insident, I won't recomend anything other then dry cell. There are many companies out there that carry dry cell and I believe that they are relitivly the same design and specs so they shouldn't vary that much from one brand to another.

If you are using your battery to JUST start your car then go get a Newfy Speed and Sport (Canadian Tire) Motormaster and save yourself $250.

moregothanshow · 11-10-2004, 09:16 AM

see the things is i have been through 2 "eliminators" in the past 2 years and its just not fun anymore.....

M50E30 · 11-10-2004, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriano

They're BOTH SHIT!
Take it from me, I used to sell them.

Red - normal usage
Yellow - deep cycle (if you drain the batterey often)

I would get a dry-cell if possible.

Why are Optimas sh!t? I have a red top in my car for about 2 years now with out any problems and my brother has a yellow top for over a year.

Adriano · 11-10-2004, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M50E30

Why are Optimas sh!t? I have a red top in my car for about 2 years now with out any problems and my brother has a yellow top for over a year.

If you are using them just to start your car, then go nuts. If you have a large power requirement or you are going to cycle them, then don't waste your money. You CAN NOT cycle the yellow top more then three times without it loosing over 30% of it's charge capacity. I don't car who says what about this statment, I have over 10 customers that can prove this including myself. I have been thru 4 when I changed to dry cell and have not had any problems since. Optima is OVER RATED.

Optima just replaced batteries that I sent them and finally I gave up. I showed Optima reps that their battery could not be cycled and they basicall shrugged their shoulders. I am not saying that their battery is no good as they would be great for a lawn mower or your mom's stock Ford escort, it is just that they are way over rated and are not worth thier expense. I have replaced Optimas with AC Delco and had much better results with less expense.

moregothanshow · 11-10-2004, 10:38 AM

so what am i look at, price wise, in terms of the Lightning Audio LCB1200 Blue Top battery??
Thanks!

Adriano · 11-10-2004, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moregothanshow

so what am i look at, price wise, in terms of the Lightning Audio LCB1200 Blue Top battery??
Thanks!

I can't remember but I think 2 years ago it was around $350 retail. Cost is 30 points so you should be able to get it for around $300 CDN.