Thread: Are Optima Batteries any good?

I just bought an Optima Red Top battery Sunday after my 4 year old Diralast Gold failed on me with a bad cell.

Its the Red Top "Starting" battery i got which is PN 34/78. Its got 1000 CA, 880 CCA, 100 RC.

I heard these batteries are pretty damn good, I hope it was worth the money. It was about $40 more than my usual Duralast batteries. I don't have any stereo strain happening because I have all stock equipment. I do have 2 sets of HIDs, and IC pump, DO controller, Radar detector, aftermarket gauges, Wideband, and an ICCU straining my battery generally at start up. Also at the track, I'll want to run my IC pump + HIGH Speed fans without the battery dying on me. From my research, the Red top should suit my needs perfectly, right?

Just wondering.....

The RedTops are not much different then any other battery...it is the YellowTops that are solid. I have not heard much good about them recently, and personally have never been let down by the EverStart batteries.

Shawn,

I have had my red top since 01 and am not looking back.
Red top is the best for starting and above average electrical load.

Yellow tops are the bad boys but they are meant to be deep cycled which average person will not do. So red top is perfect.

Yellow tops are good if you have a big stereo system.

Originally Posted by Toofastgs

Shawn,

I have had my red top since 01 and am not looking back.
Red top is the best for starting and above average electrical load.

Yellow tops are the bad boys but they are meant to be deep cycled which average person will not do. So red top is perfect.

Good to hear McPeek! I remember you had one, in fact I tried calling you with no luck (I have a wrong number I think).

I take it you probably have the same exact battery I have now? Hoping I can get the use you have out of yours...

I have had my car for 10 years. I had the stock battery for two years before the terminal leaked. I bought a yellow top and that lasted 7 years. I replaced it with a red top that I have had for almost a year. So far so good with optima.

This might help Shawn

I checked Consumer Reports Online and they tested batteries with the top and side post connectors and here were their findings....

1. Sears Platinum Battery (I bought this one) rated in with a score of 91, but it also cost $180 bucks.

2. Optima Red Top Battery rated second with a score of 76 and it costs $150 bucks (thats actually priced a lot higher than I have seen at Costco, they had them for a little over $100 bucks)

5. Napa Select 84 34/78 rated at 5th spot with a score of 67 and was picked as a Consumer Reports "best buy" selection costing $82

The Everstart batteries from Walmart rated in the low 60's and their price averaged around $75 bucks.

I went with the best cause you want to have a good battery regardless of whatever you do. The Napa is a good middle ground battery that should provide ample power. I can say after owning 2 Everstart batteries from Walmart in 3 years, they are not worth their weight in salt. I choose the Sears Platinum cause it was the best in all categories. Sure it cost weight more, but with the extra year warranty and the extra year of a prorated warranty I felt it worth the extra change.

Originally Posted by GeddyLee

This might help Shawn

I checked Consumer Reports Online...

Those folks really cannot be trusted.

Yep!!

Why do they get returned?

you will be fine with the red top. its still got the spiracell setup... its just not the BEST one. still a great battery

Red top = Starter
Yellow = Extreme heavy load (deep cycle)
Blue = marine use

There saying will outlast your car. Has outlasted my 97GT, my first 2k and my 2nd 2k and is now in the regal. Starts every time. Well that one time i ran my high current stereo for 3+hrs and not starting the cat to keep it charged :-/

PS. Shaw ya my number changed. Got rid of the cell. Ill send you a pm with my home number. Also to ask your addy so zach can send you a wedding invitation