I was looking at the Consumer Reports battery ratings. Was surprised at how low the EverStart MAXX was scored (like way down the list). I assume CR uses objective, data-based testing so when they diss the EverStart for battery life, they have a reason? Just wanted to know if I should really trust their rankings or not. For example in the 24F class, they liked AGM batteries but they also liked a SuperStart Extreme (O'Reilly) which I believe is EastPenn made. But they listed it as $130 and the website right now is $209. And they don't list any Costco Interstates at all, but do have some other Interstates (and the MT-24F which is apparently similar to Costco's isn't ranked that highly either).
Anyone thoughts? Are these rankings helpful or do they have the impression of precision but aren't really accurate?
I have found them somewhat useful...but they are telling as well. What they tell is that batteries in general are fickle products. You can only rank a brand and model within the size catagory you looking at. Note that X2 Power are highly regarded in some sizes, but in the Group 65 it is the lowest ranked of all.
And while their sampling process of obtaining batteries from around the country might work for some retailers, it is problematic for others. As we learned, Walmart uses different supplier between the West Coast and East Coast. East Penn for East Coast and Clarios for West Coast. (not sure where the dividing line exists). Consumer Reports does not filter that distinction.
More problematic is Clarios uses multiple factories around the world for Interstate and WalMart batteries. Within AGMs, I have seen at Walmart and Costco, country of origin stickers from Germany, USA, Korea, China and Mexico. It is hard to say which versions Consumer Reports is testing.
I used the CR testing a few years ago to select top rated Group 49 H8 AGM from AC Delco (Varta/Clarios made in Germany) and it has now been in service for 6.5 years and still going strong.
Here's my other beef: CR has that AC Delco Group 49 H8 AGM still rated #1 seven or eight years later....and being supplied by Clarios, there is no guarantee it is still made by Varta in Germany. In fact, I saw some reviews on Amazon and people stating a couple years ago, it is now made in Korea...that is all fine, but has CR updated the testing? They don't date when the testing was done, so hard to tell. I know the testing list has changed, as there are different brands and models added over the years from what I saw 7 or 8 years ago, but without a definitive publication date with the testing, it is confusing.
But lately, with all the confusion and obvious testing concerns, I just buy Clarios AGMs from WalMart (Everstart Platinum) the past couple years, as they have a four year free replacement warranty, and most of them are made in Korea. I have purchased a total of four and all are working satifactorily.
(Check out the last photo below...it's German made, but has a "Made in Korea" label stuck over it. LOL)
