AGM battery

[Gmvette]

I couldn?t find much on AGM battery outside the Optima. I?m looking to replace a Optima red 25, after doing a battery swap replacing the red 25 with a red 34 in my corvette. The BBC Nomad needs a battery. Being that the red 24 only lasted 8 years and typically I had been good for at least 10 years with all my cars on Battery Tenders when not used.

There has been a lot of information saying the Optima?s were not made in USA any longer. So seeking a Deka intimidator AGM 9A34. Deka is heavier and a bit bigger than most group 34 size battery?s 10.75" x 6.875" x 8 and weight is over 42 pounds. But most important is made in USA , in fact in Pa by a family business. The 750 CCA along with weight and size is attractive. Reviews are good.

I?m giving this battery a try in my BBC Nomad using 1/0 welding cables and a power master gear motor starter. Anybody have any experience with this Deka intimidator AGM 9A34 battery?

[chevynut]

Batteries these days seem to be garbage. The warranties are short, typically 3 years on car batteries. You used to be able to find them with 72+ month warranties. I've been buying Interstate batteries but have had to replace a couple. I quit buying batteries for my old riding mower that I just sold, and just used jumper cables because they only lasted one season and were dead the next. I've even had problems with my ATV batteries that are on tenders when not used. I paid $104 for one battery for my Big Bear and it lasted a year. Lately I've been pull-starting it but I can't do that with my Grizzly.

I bought a yellow top Optima several years ago and it still seems to hold a charge, but I've never used it for a car. I thought I was going to need it soon, that's why I bought it. I'm sure it's way out of warranty since it's over 10 years old. LOL

[Rick_L]

As I understand it, Interstate bought the Optima product line and moved production to Mexico - and quality started to decline.

Odyssey has AGM batteries, and the Deka brand mentioned. There is one other, I'll see if I can find the name, it escapes me right now.

I agree with Cnut, typical battery size and specs have eroded in recent years, along with a big increase in prices. The spec decrease came first. I don't know the reasons. EPA mandates for manufacturing maybe? Batteries have lead - and there is a global "thing" about keeping lead out of electronics - batteries probably are affected by that too.

[markm]

I have had similar experience as new batteries are crap.

[OLKY55]

I've had good luck with Odyssey, so far.

[Belair-o]

I have the one below, but like Cnut, I bought it a while back, stuff happened, and it has yet to power my car. Holds a charge well (not that it is being strained).
XS Power D5100 XS Series bought off of Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought one with the wrong terminal configuration, so asked to return. They said keep the battery, and we will send you the other battery, gratis! The old battery has been in my daughter & son-in-laws Accord for a couple of years - no complaints.

I bought this battery to fill a need I created. I installed a GM serpentine pulley system on my 57, and didn't have room for the original battery holder. I had a friend section the holder, so it would fit the space between the mounting location on the inner fender and the AC compressor (having seen that I could find batteries to fit the space). I then looked for a specific narrower battery that would provide reasonable cranking specs. This was it. Hoping to put it in action this year! (said that before...)
Regards, Doug

[Rick_L]

XS Power is the other brand I was thinking of earlier. Summit has them. Prices are higher than Optima, comparable to Odyssey.

I also saw that Summit has AC Delco AGM batteries with similar specs to Optima that sell for $160-170. More like older Optima prices. No idea on reliability or general availability.

[markm]

Between 15 cars 4 trucks two dual batteries, Skidsteer, tractor, two large garden tractors and three of dads cars, I cannot afford 160 dollar batteries. Forgot two race cars.

[Gmvette]

I’m not finding an AGM battery for under the $160 range that puts out at least 750 CCA. So I figured if necessary to spend that amount or more I’d get something made in USA and well built to last longer too. Maybe wishful thinking but that was my thought. The other requirement a group 34 size so it would fit. I’ve had to move a battery from one car to another so size 34 works best for me. Thanks for replies

[55mike]

Although MIM, I still buy Optima's. Never had an issue with Optima MIM or not. I found Amazon to be the best deal, but, they've doubled in price. Aszclowns.

[Gmvette]

Although MIM, I still buy Optima's. Never had an issue with Optima MIM or not. I found Amazon to be the best deal, but, they've doubled in price. Aszclowns.

What about the new Optima’s made in Mexico, do you have the same opinion. Since being made in Mexico the price has gone up............wrong direction, should have gone down. That’s one of the reasons I’m looking only at USA made stuff. Thank for response.

[Rick_L]

Summit has AC Delco AGM batteries for $142-162 depending on case size. Most are 800-900 CA. I don't know where they are made or if they have a decent rep.

Long thread on the other site a few months back saying that Interstate/Optima is enforcing a minimum advertised pricing policy. In other words to be a dealer you have to agree not to advertise it below the price they set. That's why prices vary so little.

As for made in Mexico, they take all of the difference in cost, none goes to the customer or retailer. It's called capitalism.

[55mike]

I agree... and I make a huge effort to buy American as well. This said, I've had no issue with an Optima that I bought about 4 yrs ago (MIM).