Which Optima Battery?
11-16-11, 11:29 AM
#16
Lexus Fanatic
I've been using a yellow top for a few yrs now, take my car show/leave the UFO lights on for hours, never had a problem. Sure there are alot of options out there but running a yellow top is never a 'wrong' choice. Helps thou if you know what 'deep cycle' means
11-16-11, 11:43 AM
#17
Surprised to see such negative reviews/opinions on the Optima Yellow Top. I had one on one of my previous cars which was a Lancer. Had a Pioneer headunit, iPod/MP3 adapter, JL 12" sub, MB Quart interiors, and two Zapco amps. Worked like a champ... never had an issue. Car started up stronger, and lights never dimmed when I had the system bumping.
But to be honest... I then had a Duralast Gold on my MazdaSpeed Protege, which also had a similar but slightly smaller system, some upgraded HID's, and additional interior lighting. It felt to be just as dependable as the Yellow-Top. Also had the Duralast drain out after leaving my lights on since the car had a turbo timer (derp). Came back HOURS later, got a jump... and still ran like a champ until I sold it recently.
So... not sure it's worth it to pay more $$ for a battery like Optima, Kinetik, or Stinger. If you want peace-of-mind or if you plan to do a major sound system upgrade, do it. You won't regret it. If you want to save some $$ just get a Duralast Gold in my opinion.
But to be honest... I then had a Duralast Gold on my MazdaSpeed Protege, which also had a similar but slightly smaller system, some upgraded HID's, and additional interior lighting. It felt to be just as dependable as the Yellow-Top. Also had the Duralast drain out after leaving my lights on since the car had a turbo timer (derp). Came back HOURS later, got a jump... and still ran like a champ until I sold it recently.
So... not sure it's worth it to pay more $$ for a battery like Optima, Kinetik, or Stinger. If you want peace-of-mind or if you plan to do a major sound system upgrade, do it. You won't regret it. If you want to save some $$ just get a Duralast Gold in my opinion.
as far as capacitors.... running them for prevention not a band aide...
11-16-11, 01:26 PM
#18
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I hope this thread helps people who are looking for which Yellow Top to use. I already go mine install so I'm not going to discuss which one is better. I didn't know people would get so worked up on batteries. Ha...
11-16-11, 02:09 PM
#20
All car in my family was having Optima Battery and none of us have any problem.
On my Scion tC: Optima Yellow top and was running 1 kicker ZX2500 AMP with 2 L7 SUB. 2 IX1000.5 AMP with component speaker. Head Unit is eclipse 726D and headrest monitor
On accord: yellow top and have full Alpine set up (2 subs, speakers, lighting system, Navigation, headrest monitors, big horns) Not problem as well
On wife Accord: Red Top. was running 2 sub, 1 amp, navigation and headrest monitor. Not single problem
On IS: Red Top, Everything was stock except 1 ipad and 1 tablet
We're all watching and playing music while engine is not running due to kids
On my Scion tC: Optima Yellow top and was running 1 kicker ZX2500 AMP with 2 L7 SUB. 2 IX1000.5 AMP with component speaker. Head Unit is eclipse 726D and headrest monitor
On accord: yellow top and have full Alpine set up (2 subs, speakers, lighting system, Navigation, headrest monitors, big horns) Not problem as well
On wife Accord: Red Top. was running 2 sub, 1 amp, navigation and headrest monitor. Not single problem
On IS: Red Top, Everything was stock except 1 ipad and 1 tablet
We're all watching and playing music while engine is not running due to kids
11-17-11, 06:18 PM
#22
I have an optima yellow top and u push 1000 watts rms @ 1ohm system on the stock alt. Never have any issues, but if you dont have a system or some extreme gadgets its not worth the cash unless you run your radio with the car off (stock radio with no upgrades) or lights for some time then a deep cell like the yellow top helps with that as well. My oem panasonic battery was still testing 100% when I took it out in fact if someone needs a bat. cheap hit me up cause that thing was a tank I head some members have run them 7+ years.
11-17-11, 06:55 PM
#23
I don't think it's hate either. I used to have yellow and red top Optimas in my previous cars as well, 91 240 SX, 91 300ZX, 01 MDX, 07 MDX, 97 NSX with no high end after market audio/video stuff installed but all of them went bad in a short time, they drained themselves out (sometime it was my fault to leave the lights on) but after recharging, they no longer hold the charge as supposed to, went dead quickly and quite a few times I was stranded because I couldn't start the car and had to cal AAA to the rescue. I've since switched to Odyssey in my 07 IS350, so far so good, it's a bit pricy but I'm happy with it. Maybe it's just me but that's my experience with Optima batteries so just trying to share with fellow CL members as well.
12-15-11, 09:53 PM
#24
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I had Optima redtop in my 1997 Honda Accord Coupe.{RIP 6/27/10}Had it for 6yrs and not once a problem. Just put Interstate in my wife's Expy tho,and so far its top notch.
12-15-11, 10:18 PM
#25
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Im also suprised at all the negative talk about OPTIMA batteries. I had a redtop that i bought from a local auto parts store like schucks or action auto parts and i thought it was good. I had it on my Mustang Cobra with a small system (under 1000 watss) and many Cobra's are also known for having bad alternators. I also noticed my car fired up quicker than before and quicker than other identical Cobras.
12-20-11, 05:33 PM
#26
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not sure what happened but i installed a yellow top in my 350 and the gauge cluster stopped working, the power steering, and some other stuff...changed back to the previous battery problem disappeared, put yellow top in problem came back, so i returned the yellow top....the only good thing out of using the yellow top was it cut my rev/speed limiter almost topped 6th gear out...
12-20-11, 11:27 PM
#27
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Costco Kirkland Battery! I have it on my IS, TSX, and Odyssey. Best battery you can buy! 3yr Free Replacement and 100 Month Prorated. And the Battery was only $65+TAX! Kirkland Batteries are made by Johnson Controls...which they also make batteries from Interstate, Die Hard (Sears), Duralast (Autozone), Everstart, and Prostart (to name a few!) Can't go wrong plus they have more CCA than stock or Optima!
Check out http://www.bestcovery.com/best-car-battery-for-value
Check out http://www.bestcovery.com/best-car-battery-for-value
Last edited by tC_demon; 12-20-11 at 11:32 PM.
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