OT- Differences in Batteries?
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Melting Slicks
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OT- Differences in Batteries?
Is the Optima battery worth the extra 50% of retail price versus the traditional type battery? I need a new battery in my truck and am wondering if it is worth the extra money. Thanks for your opinions.
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Optimas are much better and worth the money. They have much higher tolerances and can be run down and recharged for more times that a traditional battery. Also, they hold a higher constant charge. I bought my Optima Yellow top and it sat on a shelf for six months. I tested it and it was still holding a 13V charge. On a tender, it holds 13.5V. I will never by a traditional battery again.
Team Owner
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I used to buy the Autozone batteries for my Durango. I went through two a year for three years. I switched to Oreilly premium brand, and it has lasted 3 years. When it dies I'm going with an Optima.
Le Mans Master
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3 of my 4 cars have a Duralast and I have no complaints. Cheap too.
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Another thing about batterys are there age when you buy em. Back in the day we got batterys dry and would fill them up from a box with a bladder full of acid. EPA had a problem with this [landfills] so they stopped it. But flakes of lead start to come of the plates after there wet and if one has been on the shelf for awhile before you buy it, then it might not last as long. In fact when a battery goes bad, sometimes it's because those flakes at the bottom of the battery have built up enough that they complete a circuit and short themselves out!!
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All your buying is reserve back up power. Cheaper the battery the less backup power. And consequently the older the car/truck just buy more power. {cranking amps} Just the opposite opinion of most people buying batteries. 
Get a good one no matter what brand as most of them are made by the same battery manufacturer anyway. 
Get a good one no matter what brand as most of them are made by the same battery manufacturer anyway.
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Melting Slicks
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I will do a search to see what the archives have in the way of information on the Optima. Thanks to all who responded. If anyone has further comments....I am all 
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I have a Redtop in my vette. I put the battery tender on it for a few hours before I take it for a ride and it is always ready. Been in there for about a year or so.
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Yep. Johnson Controls (Bought out Globe Union)makes most of them. I did a job there once. Same guts in different cases. (20 years ago). The guys there told me then the only battery that was slightly better was the Die Hard. The thinner case held more plates, but was prone to cracking.
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