I read somewhere a while back that in order to properly use an Optima AGM battery in an automotive application youll need to replace your alternator with a different one that is designed to properly charge an AGM battery.
I remember it said something along the lines that using an AGM battery with your oem alt you will drastically cut down on the battery life.
While gel cell batteries require a special charger, AGM batteries like are made by Optima, Odyssey, etc. dont. No, Optima batteries are not gel cell, they are AGM.
That said, Optima batteries are no longer recommended by many, certainly not me. While Optima used to have a superb reputation, that took a big nosedive after they were purchased by Johnson Controls who moved the manufacturing to Mexico. I had three Optima batteries in a row fail prematurely. Never again will I run another Optima.
Back in 2011, I bought a cheap Car-Quest when my battery died because I needed something to crank and run my Jeep that day... I intended to replace it with something a bit more recommended but totally forgot about it... this thread just reminded me about that!
I've had better luck with them. They seem to hold up better to hard pull and deep discharges.
I know my tow pig 6.0PSD can be a real PITA when it comes to cold starting. I put two of the Odyssey Extremes in it and have never had an issue with it turning over slowly or low FICM voltage during clod starts since.
I also has less issues with deep draws and low voltage light during winching with my old Diehard Platinum (same as the Odyssey Extreme) before I finally had a shorted cell due to me letting it die repeatedly with the Jeep sitting.
I had 3 group 27's in my boat and at 13 months all three took a crap. They did offer to replace them all at full retail though (place sarcasm here) Currently running a Walmart Eveready in my Jeep and have had no complaints.
I like my optimas, and haven't had any problems with them, but generally I've found that anything within the same price bracket is going to perform about the same.
If they're new enough to have been manufactured in Mexico, you will. An Optima distributor's rep told me the problem with the Mexican made batteries is they reduced the purity of lead.
Guess that sorta explains why I no longer see the "6-pack" optima's in the local parts stores.... they use to be up front in your face "Please buy me"... but I haven't seen any in a good while now.
For those that still have their old optimas, the agm battery desulfators work very well as a reconditioner. Use them often at work and for about $150 bucks you can keep bringing your old red and yellow tops back to life.
Haven't used them with the blue tops but I don't see why they wouldn't work the same
Can agree with the older optimas, I have a blue top thats been running quite well. I killed it and didn't notice and let it sit unused for a month. Gave it an aggressive charging cycle and its good as new now.
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