Guest AlCapone Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Ever since Optima batteries began being manufactured in Mexico there has been much discussion concerning quality. Many claim quality has diminished somewhat! Are they still a premium battery and if so where is the best source. If not what do you recommend for a group 86 battery? Thanks Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 We have not had good luck with Optima batteries, especially in cars that sit a lot. Like all anecdotal evidence, take it for what it's worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 What would be your suggestion ? Thanks, Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjamin j Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 There are only 3 or 4 battery manufactures that make all the batteries we see in the stores. quality is close to same from all whether it is a flooded cell type or gell or AGM. i have better luck with AGM batteries. the AGMs can sit in a state of disscharge for long periods and be brought back to full percentage with a smart charger designed for AGMs. i was never impressed with optima, the case is a little different looking but the technology inside is exactly the same as any other similar type battery. the only real difference was that the optima cost more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 My 1929 Cadillac has been running the same Optima for nearly five years without incident. I keep it on a Battery Tender whenever it's stored and I have a master cut-off switch for when it's parked, but I've never had an issue with it. I deal with a lot of batteries here in the shop and cars that do sit a lot, and the Optmias are no more problematic than others as long as you keep them topped up. I hear a lot of guys claim that you need special chargers or to hook a standard lead acid battery to the charger than hook that battery to the Optima, but I think that's nonsense. I will say that it kicks that Cadillac engine over with genuine vigor and has a lot more staying power than any other battery I've used. It doesn't seem to object to the ancient regulator that tends to over-charge batteries, either. I occasionally run with headlights on to burn off that extra amperage, but the battery never seems to care. I'm a believer and think they're worth the extra price, especially since they don't leak or emit fumes that can damage paint and make a mess. Of course, they don't look stock, so if your battery is visible, then that's a consideration, but from a functionality standpoint, I'm pleased with them. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 I just bought another Optima Volt gel cell battery on Amazon.com for $112.97 with FREE shipping. It came in about 5 days, (To Franklin NC, between Hooterville anf Pettycoat Junction) well packed and ready to go on the AACA S.E. Divisional Moonshine & Mountain Mist Tour in Tennessee. Worked just fine and was $6.00 cheaper than NAPA's 19L original equipment battery.I laid it on it's side under the back seat, strapped it down and enjoyed it's large cranking amps for the whole tour in our 1966 VW Bug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) I agree wholeheartedly with Matt and Paul. I have been using these for years with excellent results, and no problems with extended storage. I order from Amazon.com - the 6-Volt is about $112 with FREE SHIPPING and NO SALES TAX - and they are absolutely fresh, which is not always the case with local suppliers. I have a pair of them in parallel in the 1941 Cadillac, and also use "000" cables. This gives 2,000 cranking amps and absolutely spins the big Caddy's flathead mill as if it were on Cheerios.. Edited May 22, 2015 by Marty Roth (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Man Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 I have had an Optima for over 10 years without a problem, but the "battery tenders" make an enormous difference in battery life. I have not hat to replace any of my batteries since I started using them before I was replacing batteries every two years (not the Optima) it has been over 5 years and I have yet to loose a conventional battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Amazon may be the best price, I don't know.I buy mine thru Summit Racing. Any order over $100 is free shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I have used Optima batteries both 6 and 12 volt in 4 out of the last 5 cars I've owned and never had a problem. I do run my cars fairly often year round and give the batteries a top off with a battery tender every now and then but do not leave it connected. As others have said Amazon is the best deal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest exbcmc Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 What is an AGM battery? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Al Brass Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 I cautiously bought and installed my first 6V Optima around 5 years ago and I wouldn't fit anything else in 6 volt now. I have found them amazing. I set one into an old Willard rubber case but I have since learnt you can now buy them that way for show cars. RegardsAl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prs519 Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 I have been very impressed with the two Optimas I have used. The weight to amp-hr ratio is amazing. Do NOT overcharge an Optima. I left one charging and foolishly ruined it. Try as I might, I could not get it to take a charge afterwards.. obviously, the trickle chargers the guys are mentioning are not sufficient to harm them, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 A lot of information to digest. Having said that I will try an Optima. Amazon $148 including shipping and in my local AutoZone and O'Reillys about $230 plus. Thanks to everyone for your input !Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midman Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 AGM is "absorbed glass mat", means the acid solution is suspended in a fiberglass matting and is basically spill proof and less prone to sulfating.In our truck parts business we are selling more and more of these, but they are expensive versus a flooded battery.Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I agree with Matt and Marty. I have a 6 volt version in my Buick and it gets abused. It sits for long periods of time without being charged or started. Never an issue. I also have a yellowtop 12 volt I run in my Riviera. It was a year and a half without starting and once I put the engine in, It cranked just like it should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWLawrence Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Batteries Plus also sells Optimas and their prices are less than the traditional auto parts stores. I bought a 12-volt Red Top for my Model A Roadster Hot Rod there and saved a bunch of money. (o{}o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whtbaron Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I've followed a similar discussion on the HAMB and a lot of people seem to feel the quality of the Optima's have diminished in the last couple years. I also agree however that the secret to long battery life is keeping them properly maintained, and it's hard to say how these people that are complaining have treated their batteries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearsFan315 Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Yes to Optima 6v Red... had one for over a year and love it. When not in use i plug it in to my Batter Tender Jr 6v Battery Maintainer !! Got mine off of amazon for around $115 or so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Yes to Optima 6v Red... had one for over a year and love it. When not in use i plug it in to my Batter Tender Jr 6v Battery Maintainer !! Got mine off of amazon for around $115 or soDo you use the battery tender between every use ( even a few days ) or just in the case of extended non use such as a month or more?Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robles Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 (edited) This seems like an interesting thread. has been bookmark Edited May 23, 2015 by robles (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lakelaurashawn Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Optima Batteries are great, never had an issue and keep them on a tender when not in use. Yes, the shape is a little different but they hold up for years. (I would also place a lead battery on a tender when not in use too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vila Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I am not sure about the newer AGM batteries, but when I had my 42 foot sail boat up until 15 years ago the boat the newer style voltage regulators made for boats that had a special settings depending on the type of battery you were using. Flood acid, gel or AGM. I have read in boating magazines where people had their AGM battery explode when they were using them with older voltage regulators that did not have these settings. As I recall, it had to do with the charging voltage where AGM batteries use a slightly lower charging voltage. Older cars may not have a very accurate or steady charging voltage, so it could be an issue with AGM batteries. As far as antique car batteries, I normally buy medium grade batteries that look as close to original as possible. On my older cars that have no battery drain when not in use, I never use an external battery charger. I usually start them at least once per month in the winter. For my 1984 BMW I attach a battery tender to it for around one day per week, since it has electronics that will drain the battery after around two or three weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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