Excellent for airplanes and vehicles who get upside down, but, for daily drivers, I think not.
Are Optima Batteries Worth It ??
- Thread starter billt460
- Start date
There is a lot of positive feedback here on Odyssey, (not Optima), batteries. Here is the problem that I'm finding with Odyssey batteries. In using the chart on their website to find the correct battery for both my Toyota Camry, (2018), and my older (1991 F-150), they show AGM type batteries for both, after I type in the information that it prompts you for. I don't need or require an AGM type battery for either one. Both are conventional under the hood locations. And both use standard lead acid, top post, wet cell batteries. So why do they show AGM type batteries for both applications, when it's not necessary? The AGM's are much more expensive. And Odyssey does make standard lead acid wet cell batteries.
For a battery that is supposed to be so heavy duty, well made and wonderful, they sure are hard to find, (almost no one has them in stock in enough quantity, to fit the application your vehicle requires). And they're even harder to get information on the correct battery.
For example, both Duralast, (Autozone), or Everstart, (Wal-Mart) are simple Simon to locate and buy the correct size and type battery for your vehicle. I just went to Autozone with my bad AGM battery from my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. They punched in the application, and pulled a new Duralast AGM off the shelf, put it on the cart, and I was on my way in less than 5 minutes with the proper battery, that was guaranteed to fit.
I don't understand why a company makes their product this hard to find, and even harder to purchase the correct one without doubt? When you need a battery, you need it NOW... Not 4 days from now, or next week. And it should not be a PITA to purchase the correct one without being up sold a more expensive battery, that you do not require in the first place.
My F-150 is fast coming up on new battery time. And I would like to purchase an Odyssey battery for it when the time comes. But I feel like a trained seal in a marine side show trying to do it..... Rant off.
For a battery that is supposed to be so heavy duty, well made and wonderful, they sure are hard to find, (almost no one has them in stock in enough quantity, to fit the application your vehicle requires). And they're even harder to get information on the correct battery.
For example, both Duralast, (Autozone), or Everstart, (Wal-Mart) are simple Simon to locate and buy the correct size and type battery for your vehicle. I just went to Autozone with my bad AGM battery from my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. They punched in the application, and pulled a new Duralast AGM off the shelf, put it on the cart, and I was on my way in less than 5 minutes with the proper battery, that was guaranteed to fit.
I don't understand why a company makes their product this hard to find, and even harder to purchase the correct one without doubt? When you need a battery, you need it NOW... Not 4 days from now, or next week. And it should not be a PITA to purchase the correct one without being up sold a more expensive battery, that you do not require in the first place.
My F-150 is fast coming up on new battery time. And I would like to purchase an Odyssey battery for it when the time comes. But I feel like a trained seal in a marine side show trying to do it..... Rant off.
Odyssey only makes TPPL AGM batteries.
They're "hard to find" because normal people don't want to buy a $300+ battery. As I said before though, you can order from AutoZone.
This is from Wal-Mart's website that fits my F-150....... Odyssey $300.00. Must be ordered & shipped. (Not in stock)...... Everstart $65.00. (In stock on the shelf). That's over 4 times the price.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Odyssey is as good as it gets. The question then becomes is it going to last 4.6 times as long? It would have to, in order to pan out economically. And I doubt it will. Especially out here with the Summer temperature extremes.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStar...ttery-Group-Size-65-12-Volts-650-CCA/47308796
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Odyssey-Extreme-ODX-AGM65-Automotive-Battery/121489236?athbdg=L1600
This is the only battery Wal-Mart shows for my 2018 Toyota. (Odyssey AGM $274.00). I might consider that when the time comes... Just to see how long they really do last. They've got my curiosity aroused.
https://www.walmart.com/browse?fitm...4%202.5L%202487cc%22%7D%5D%7D%7D&cat_id=91083
This is the cheapest Duralast battery Autozone shows. ($210.00) That's only $64.00 difference. In that case the Odyssey seems worth it.
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...tery-h6-efb-group-size-h6-750-cca/1070711_0_0
https://www.walmart.com/browse?fitm...4%202.5L%202487cc%22%7D%5D%7D%7D&cat_id=91083
This is the cheapest Duralast battery Autozone shows. ($210.00) That's only $64.00 difference. In that case the Odyssey seems worth it.
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...tery-h6-efb-group-size-h6-750-cca/1070711_0_0
As @wrcsixeight points out, you may see no benefit to an Odyssey or really an AGM at all.
In fact, they may be less than ideal if your car was never designed for one.
In fact, they may be less than ideal if your car was never designed for one.
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I had a Colorado made Optima that lasted almost 11 years of daily use. Wide temp swings and occasional high load use. I believe when first manufactured, they were basically hand built and very high quality. Since then, they have taken a supersonic trip downhill. Last 2 batteries I purchased were both Northstars and they are bomb-proof. Would have taken an Odyssey too, but the NS were a bit cheaper. All of my vehicles are designed for/require AGMs. Bought a Die-Hard Platinum from AAP for my sister's car and it has been rock solid. The Die-Hards got way better when Johnson Controls sold off their battery division to Clarios. They make batteries for Duralast, Varta, AC Delco etc. also. Not a bad battery for less $$$ than a top shelf Odyssey or Northstar.
On year 7 with an Odyssey battery.
I got 11 years out of a ODYSSEY Extreme Battery! it was very Extreme.
When I tossed it, it still worked fine, but was getting weak.
I'd say it was worth the $300. cost. It was one less thing to worry about while off-roading 100's of miles from any towns.
I cheap'd out on my last AGM (Walmart platinum) 2 years back, and its already getting weak. I'd guess its at 80% capacity. Ive had DEKA's last for 8 years, and they go for a bit under $200.
I never should have gone cheap with the Johnson controls Walmart brand. I only saved $50.
I've not used a wet cell battery since 1997. I love the beating (rock crawling) I can give an AGM, with no issues.
When I tossed it, it still worked fine, but was getting weak.
I'd say it was worth the $300. cost. It was one less thing to worry about while off-roading 100's of miles from any towns.
I cheap'd out on my last AGM (Walmart platinum) 2 years back, and its already getting weak. I'd guess its at 80% capacity. Ive had DEKA's last for 8 years, and they go for a bit under $200.
I never should have gone cheap with the Johnson controls Walmart brand. I only saved $50.
I've not used a wet cell battery since 1997. I love the beating (rock crawling) I can give an AGM, with no issues.
Current ones are made in the Northstar plant. They are said to be better than the old ones.
These days companies are buying other companies and manufacturing is being shifting around globally it's hard to say a product you buy today is as good a bearing or battery or washing machine you bought 5 years ago with same name on it.
I got 11 years out of a ODYSSEY Extreme Battery! it was very Extreme.
When I tossed it, it still worked fine, but was getting weak.
I'd say it was worth the $300. cost. It was one less thing to worry about while off-roading 100's of miles from any towns.
I cheap'd out on my last AGM (Walmart platinum) 2 years back, and its already getting weak. I'd guess its at 80% capacity. Ive had DEKA's last for 8 years, and they go for a bit under $200.
I never should have gone cheap with the Johnson controls Walmart brand. I only saved $50.
I've not used a wet cell battery since 1997. I love the beating (rock crawling) I can give an AGM, with no issues.
This is my experience -
When Im 50 miles offshore and I need to crank up an 8.3 L 700 Horse V10 I cannot deal with a " click".
Same as when Im 50 miles in the desert in my truck...
So why did you say it?
Why not admit you were wrong in this case? I've seen the Northstar plant. It's better than the older Odyssey plant.
It may be why Enersys bought it, and still use it. It was former Odyssey folks that started NorthStar, with the goal of making a better battery for less money.
Enersys took notice, and bought them before they got bigger than Odyssey.
Because I think one needs to test something made today to see how good it is. I am not sure the plant or manufacturer or product history matters as much as testing a new Oddessy bought at a local store to see how good a battery it is.
And even if the Oddessy is a great battery it's over $300 which for many is beyond the price they are willing to pay even for a great battery.
What would be good is if the high end batteries (over $300) would back it up with a long warranty.
That is what steered me away from a Optima battery when I replaced the AGM battery in my Jeep. Autozone carried both their Duralast brand, as well as Optima. But the Duralast was priced at $209.00 and had the exact same warranty and CCA as the Optima, which was priced at over $300.00.
If you pay more you should get more. In this case you didn't.
Better to spend more on a battery that doesn't need a warranty than less on a battery that does.
Don't think it applies to Optima, but IMO it applies to Odyssey and Northstar.
Don't think it applies to Optima, but IMO it applies to Odyssey and Northstar.
I have a 14 GC Overland - replacing the battery is not hard at all. The power seat goes way forward enough to access the battery. Its nice and clean in there so I like it better than under the hood. I replaced my, also original OEM battery last year. Went with a Walmart unit - good deal and they have lasted for me in other applications. As others have said the Optima is not what it used to be years ago so I wouldn't waste my money on one.
How is the consumer supposed to judge quality, if the manufacturer doesn't back up their product with a solid warranty? Reputation doesn't do anything for the customer, without an adequate insurance policy, (warranty), to back it up. If their product is so wonderful, let them prove it with a warranty that will replace it if it's not.
It would be nice if there were some SAE tests that could be done to rate batteries at the 5 year mark. But even if brandABC scored on top for the 5 year test, is the brandABC you go out and buy today the same quality as the brandABC that was on top for, the 5 year test. Many things can happen in 5 years.
I replaced the battery in my Wrangler with an Odyssey. I am on my way to get 2 more at Auto Zone for the Ram. If they last 6 years, they will be the last ones I buy for those vehicles. I could get cheaper ones at Costco but I don't want to deal with changing them again. Both are 2014's and now are on the 4th battery. Now we'll see how they last.
