AGM batteries: Optima vs. Lifeline vs. Odyssey

Discussion in 'Electrical Systems' started by Jeff, May 17, 2009.

?

Which AGM battery make do you prefer?

  1. Optima

    3 vote(s)
    37.5%
  2. Lifeline

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%
  3. Odyssey

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%
  4. Other

    3 vote(s)
    37.5%
  1. Jeff
    Joined: Jun 2001
    Posts: 1,368
    Likes: 71, Points: 58, Legacy Rep: 923
    Location: Great Lakes

    Jeff Moderator

    I'll soon have to replace a pair of (cheap) batteries and am thinking of going with AGM for their ability to sit idle for a while without losing much charge when I'm too busy to go out or when we get a cold period spring and fall. I do not know much about batteries and am considering a pair of Optima D31M, Lifeline GPL-31T, or Odyssey PC1500MST, though the latter is getting a bit pricey for my budget. These also are probably a bit overkill for my needs (will mostly just use them for starting and pumps and electronics and powering computer & external wifi antenna) but I like having a bit more battery than I'll hopefully need. (except for the possible tax it could put on my stock mercruiser alternators with the AGMs if I do draw one down all the way.)

    Anyone have a good review comparison of Optima vs. Lifeline vs. Odyssey in general?
     
  2. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
    Posts: 2,640
    Likes: 125, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1802
    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    Try a price on Trojan batteries too, I have used and recommended them for many years now.
     
  3. Jeff
    Joined: Jun 2001
    Posts: 1,368
    Likes: 71, Points: 58, Legacy Rep: 923
    Location: Great Lakes

    Jeff Moderator

    Thanks Landlubber! The name is familiar but I haven't seen one around here in a while. Will have a look at their pricing. Thanks.
     
  4. mydauphin
    Joined: Apr 2007
    Posts: 2,161
    Likes: 53, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 575
    Location: Florida

    mydauphin Senior Member

    Optimas, are easy to get at most autoparts... They work fairly well, I like Blue tops. Don't know much about others.
     
  5. Jeff
    Joined: Jun 2001
    Posts: 1,368
    Likes: 71, Points: 58, Legacy Rep: 923
    Location: Great Lakes

    Jeff Moderator

    Just ordered a pair of Optima blue tops. I've heard some great comments about the Odyssey batteries but the cost was 50% greater.
     
  6. masalai
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 6,818
    Likes: 121, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1882
    Location: cruising, Australia

    masalai masalai

    My present choice is Optima D34M, but I do not anticipate purchasing till nearer launch date in April 2010, so I am still open to better options (capacity & rate of accepting a charge) as I will have 20 of them and desire the best "bang for the buck" - - They are spiral wound and around 20kg each... but there may well arise better options...
     
  7. mark775

    mark775 Guest

    For "bang for the buck" you may want LI-ion!
     

  8. masalai
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 6,818
    Likes: 121, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1882
    Location: cruising, Australia

    masalai masalai

    Mark, thanks for the thought and suggestion, but not at present, - - technical requirements for charging and mid-stack failures and over here the price is horrendous when 48v 220 AH or better is considered... especially when the controlling and management circuitry is included as opposed to a relatively cheap controller for lead acid...
     
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