Thread: Optima batteries

As a deep cycle I don't think that they are the best option out there. The spiral cells are great for vibration and cranking etc, but the capacity of the battery is down compared to others, as regular plates are more efficient from a phisical/space perspective. As a guide, the big optima blue top which I use is 75ah. The Lifeline which I also have and is the same size and cost has a 100ah capacity. There is a relationship also between battery life and discharge, so its also better if you dont discharge the battery as much to maintain the life of it, which you can do by having a larger capacity battery.

I run one and am very happy with it. Gets used to power the winch under heavy loads and will easily operate the 40 ltr engel for 24 hours.

I haven't run the fridge on it for any longer than 24 hrs without starting the car.

I have the 800 cca (I think) model . Cant fit the biggest one in.

I think some were on special at the recent LROCV field day..

they are worth it if your going to look after them...

its a bit like plasma rope VS SWR....

90% of the time they are better than the normal wet cell battery (of equivalent capacity) but they do have a couple of down falls. But your not likely to find them unless you go looking for them and IF you were going looking for them you would know what you were going to be up against anyway.


a couple of things Ive learnt about them.

they do not like high current charging (especially if they are over about the half charged mak before you start) or high voltage floating (be very careful with unregulated solar chargers and some "smart chargers")

they are VERY good at making small spanners explode and if not secured correctly blowing holes in the seat box cover plate.

Originally Posted by DeeJay

I think some were on special at the recent LROCV field day..

Could have cranked the tunes

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

they are worth it if your going to look after them...

its a bit like plasma rope VS SWR....

90% of the time they are better than the normal wet cell battery (of equivalent capacity) but they do have a couple of down falls. But your not likely to find them unless you go looking for them and IF you were going looking for them you would know what you were going to be up against anyway.


a couple of things Ive learnt about them.

they do not like high current charging (especially if they are over about the half charged mak before you start) or high voltage floating (be very careful with unregulated solar chargers and some "smart chargers")

they are VERY good at making small spanners explode and if not secured correctly blowing holes in the seat box cover plate.

Have you personally used them before?

I have those Orbital's, very happy with them, 700odd cca, had em for 3 years now and run the fridge for a couple of days. In Sals car now though, will buy some more for the next one though especially at $270ea

Matt
I run 2 blue top 34m Optimas in the rangie. Great cranking power ( 800CCA each) has no worries with the Engal o/night and handles the High mount and Isuzu no worries. Also much easier fit in the engine bay. Also they have the stainless steel studs for accesseries seperate from the main terminals. Have had them for 12mths or so with no worries.

Like anything people like em or hate them. But I find most negative comments are from people who have never had them and just pass on other peoples comments

Justin