Optima Batteries

Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
54
Location
Middle Michigan
What's the general consensus on AGM batteries in the upper-Midwest?

Are AGM batteries worth the price difference? Considering a new battery before the cold winter hits and wanted to do my due diligence before I decide one way or the other.


And lastly, are Optima batteries still considered top tier batteries or are there other brands/manufacture's' to consider? I've had a company vehicle for the last 8+ years and never had to purchase any sort of maintenance items until I moved on from that job.



Thanks for all your help and feedback.
 
I have no experience with Optima batteries lately because I think they're too expensive. The general rumblings I hear is that since they were bought out they are not as good and don't last as long. I do think an AGM is a good choice if your vehicle calls for one. If not, stick with a traditional battery because lead acid and AGM have different charging needs and your vehicle will be optimized for whichever one is spec'd for it.
 
Optima were at one time top tier. the ones you can get now are not great.
X2 at batteriesplus is much better.
they usually have 20% off coupons.
1724285768414.jpg
 
Optima were at one time top tier. the ones you can get now are not great.
X2 at batteriesplus is much better.
they usually have 20% off coupons.
View attachment 236530
These are the same battery as the Odyssey Extreme. Both made by EnerSys. I have an Odyssey Extreme in my 4runner going on 8 years old. Starts up in 110+ summers as easy as it did in -30 winters.
 
AGMs are generally good.

Optimas suck.
Agreed, I only buy AGMs, but not Optima. I had three Optima red top Group 34R leak over a 8 or 9 year period. The battery performed fine on a load test, but leaked through the two black vent caps on top. I thought AGMs are not supposed to leak, apparently Optima didn't get the message. Here is a photo of the last one that leaked, about three years ago.

For AGM brands, I have had good luck with any of the ones with a "Made in Germany" white sticker on top...those are all made by Varta. AC Delco AGMs are Varta, so are some AGMs from Interstate, WalMart...but you have to look for the white sticker, as they seem to change suppliers, or use multiple suppliers. Only AC Delco has consistently had the white stickers on them. Some WalMart on the west coast are now Korean or Chinese...same with Interstate...so check carefully. I purchased the Korean Walmart Platinum AGM last year, it comes with a four year free replacement warranty, so seemed worth the risk. Time will tell.

X2 Power have a good reputation. In Consumer Reports testing it did well in the sizes they tested, with the exception of Group 65, it was at the very bottom. Failed their simulated life test. X2 Power are also the most expensive around.

optima.jpg


AC Delco.jpg


walmart germany.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I have no experience with Optima batteries lately because I think they're too expensive. The general rumblings I hear is that since they were bought out they are not as good and don't last as long. I do think an AGM is a good choice if your vehicle calls for one. If not, stick with a traditional battery because lead acid and AGM have different charging needs and your vehicle will be optimized for whichever one is spec'd for it.
I've had no issue with installing AGMs in place of flooded batteries. I noticed in the past that even Consumer Reports recommends AGM in place of flooded as they tend to last longer and require no maintenance. But like anything they test, there are some good flooded batteries too. Depends on what size. There was no one battery brand that excelled in all sizes.
 
No doubt they are popular upgrades, it is just that they will not get fully charged in a car electrical system designed for lead acid. Same with charging them with a battery charger - you have to have a charger that can properly charge an AGM otherwise it won't get fully charged. It will be approx 80% charged with a reg battery charger or car not designed for AGM.
Perhaps, but my experience is the AGM will still last longer than a typical flooded battery. I only install AGMs for the past 15 years...they generally work excellently. Whatever slight charging voltage requirement difference appears to be inconsequential in actual use.

I have several battery tenders, some with, some without AGM settings. Again, I have found little to no difference in charging capacity and voltage with either setting.

I have used them successfully in a 1978 Ferrari, 2001 BMW, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 1997 Ferrari, 1987 Ferrari...none came with an AGM originally.
 
Last edited:
My experience is that optimas are not worth it but odysseys are.

Im bummed I glassed in an optima receiving plate into my smaller boat.
 
Last edited:
Perhaps, but my experience is the AGM will still last longer than a typical flooded battery. I only install AGMs for the past 15 years...they generally work excellently. Whatever slight charging voltage requirement difference appears to be inconsequential in actual use.

I have several battery tenders, some with, some without AGM settings. Again, I have found little to no difference in charging capacity and voltage with either setting.
I agree...it is science and fact that an AGM is better at everything. I should have mentioned I use them as well.
 
My experience is that optimas are not worth it but odysseys are.

Im bummed I glassed in an optima receiving plate into my smaller boat.
Same. I have used Odyssey and they are awesome...though expensive...like X2 Power.

My Ferrari came with an Optima red top as factory OEM. Ferrari designed a special battery tray with curved retaining lips at the back to go around the spiral cells. Regular battery wouldn't fit. The earlier versions of my car came with a standard flooded battery, so I bought a battery tray from that car and swapped it out. Got an Interstate AGM and never looked back.
 
The batteries are worth every penny! Beware of buying them locally due to most of them being old stock. Purchase them directly from their largest dealer. Super nice people and always have the latest production batch. Upgraded my Subaru outback 2021 oem battery. Weigh less and have better starting.

https://www.odysseybatteries.com/
 
Back
Top Bottom