Optima Batteries: Are They Worth The Money?

[akg414]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Minn Kota Maxxum 70# and need two batteries for the 24-V system.

 

Been looking around for batteries and found Optima Blue-tops.

 

Simple question, are they worth their high price tag, or can I do just as good with others types/brands?

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[BKeith]

I think if you did a search, you will find volumes of info on just that subject.   A whole bunch saying worth every penny, and about as many saying no way.

[00 mod]

Optima batteries are simply the best for amount of times you can put a charge on them, and in the boating world, that is every week!

 

Jeff

[S Hovanec]

Bought my Lund in 2005.  I installed 3 Optimas at that time and I haven't taken them out since.

[RyneB]

I was in the same boat as you as far as wanting Optimas. Then I talked to my neighbor, who owns several battery stores in Illinois. He has been in the battery business for over 35 years. He told me to not go near them. Then my buddys dad had his Optima just die on him. Quit holding a charge. My brother in law had the same dead battery issue. I also have a buddy who absolutely loves his. I just didn't want to take the risk for the money. At the time, I bought the boat it had 3 brand new Die Hards installed, so I didn't want to risk it if I didn't have to.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Had 2 that were not mantanied for 6 months both dead of course and would not take a charge .the place I got them from.wouldn't.take them back (no receipt) won't deal with them again.AutoZone or Walmart only way to go

[Wayne P.]

Take the time to compare the capacity of the Optimas for trolling motor use with other DEEP CYCLE batteries.

[Jig Man]

I run a MG TE82 and pull a 20.5 boat.  I have had it for 11 years and have used a few different batteries.  I fish 80-100 days per year and fish in a lot of windy conditions.  I fish into the wind so I really pull batteries hard.  I got tired of the mess of lead acid batteries so I tried the AGMs a couple of years ago. 

 

I bought Optima blue top from Auto Zone.  Even though their listed reserve capacity is quite a bit less than I am used to, I haven't been able to tap their strength.  They are as strong when the day ends as they were when the day began.

 

When I need another set, I'll go back to Auto Zone and buy more Optimas.

 

I don't run an Optima on the cranker because I have a bunch of electronics and a 225 Optimax which takes a lot of juice to start.  There I have the Sears Die Hard 1150 CCA AGM.

[Brian Needham]

I have an Opitma blue top for a cranker.

 

trolling motors get the big interstate.....I compared every major battery out there on weight, RC, size, price, and the interstate came out on top.

 

the Opitmas scare me because of RC...... many people love them. But for the price differecne I cant do it. Optimas are around $230 give or take, I paid $125 for my interstates. I fully expect to get 3-4 years out of my interstates, now to break even on the Optimas, the optimas would have to last 6-7 years. Will they? I dont know, but for my money I am not willing to take the risk.

[akg414]

Thanks guys, lots to consider... Maybe I'll go with some interstates and see how they suit me, with proper maintenance, etc..

 

Will keep you posted.

[J Francho]

I have Optimas in my Xpress for the TM.  They are around four years old, and never run out of juice.  I use a MK Maxxum 70 on that boat.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I've been running optima blue tops for around 5 yrs.  In the last two years I've had several 12-14hr days on Lake St Clair.  Never wore them out with my Fortrex 80lb motor.

[Sam]

I think if you did a search, you will find volumes of info on just that subject.   A whole bunch saying worth every penny, and about as many saying no way.

 

X2.

 

After reading the pros and cons I went with the Wal-Mart batteries as I consider the batteries as expendables over a period of time and I liked the Wal-Mart 100% replacement guarantee plus the price.

 

My friend who fishes out of a Ranger turned me onto the Wal-Mart batteries and so far, so good and believe me, I give them a hard workout every trip as I love to flip and pitch anything I see (on the land, in the trees, hooked on stumps, etc.)

[Walleye2Bass]

I have had Optimas in my boats and in my trucks.  Right now I have an Optima D34M as a cranking/electronics battery and a Sears DieHard Platinum 31M (made buy Odyssey) for my trolling motor (it's only a 12 volt system), my truck currently has a Sam's Club Energizer AGM.  I have never had a problem with Optimas, now as alluded to above they are not the best for tolling motor applications because of the lower capacity vs. other batteries their "size" and their price (ouch).  I have found them to be very tough, reliable and I have never been stranded because of one.  I switched to the DieHard because with a 12 volt system on a windy day I felt I needed a little more safety net in terms of available amp hours, I never ran down my Optima completely, just wanted a little extra cushion I did not get with the Optima.  My truck battery was replaced at an inopportune time and I did not have the cash for an Optima.  Personally, I love AGM's or spiral cells: no leaking, no re-filling with distilled water, no accidental splashes on clothing when transporting them or any other maintenance issues.  That's my opinion, others might differ some folks i fish with swear by the Wal-Mart EverStarts, cheap and reliable for them.  

[Downeaster2010]

I personally like Optima batteries, but for your sake don't put blue tops in your bass boat to run the trolling motor.

If you want Optimas, make sure you have the deep cycle variety, as normal blue tops are for cranking only and

have just a 24 battery siZe.  I have had two of them, and am still using one as a crank battery.  I have had it for

over 10 years.  Its co partner died about 4 years ago.  You can certainly depend on long life with them as a

crank battery.  It's the only battery I know of that you can leave in the boat all winter through severe cold and it will

start the boat in the spring.  Not many do that.

[J Francho]

On 9/6/2013 at 4:14 AM, Downeaster2010 said:

I personally like Optima batteries, but for your sake don't put blue tops in your bass boat to run the trolling motor.

If you want Optimas, make sure you have the deep cycle variety, as normal blue tops are for cranking only and

have just a 24 battery siZe.  I have had two of them, and am still using one as a crank battery.  I have had it for

over 10 years.  Its co partner died about 4 years ago.  You can certainly depend on long life with them as a

crank battery.  It's the only battery I know of that you can leave in the boat all winter through severe cold and it will

start the boat in the spring.  Not many do that.

 

There is only one model of Blue Top that is "cranking only," the rest are dual purpose.  They are all clearly labeled for their purpose here:

 

https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/bluetop