[Damon]

I am thinking of getting a new battery. I saw people say the diehards were nice, but what about the optima batteries I see for sale? They are kinda pricey, but they have a nice long warranty, and they seem to be well made.

Also, what the hell does a 'deep cycle' battery offer that a normal one doesnt?
Optima makes one.

-Damon

 

[sixfofalcon]

I have an Optima Red Top that I have used for 8 years+ (it was used when I got it 8 years ago.) It has never died on me, even when I cranked my system for a couple hours at moderate volume w/ the engine off (I was the DJ/sound system for a bunch of drunken bonfires back in my high school days.) However, there are better choices out there now. If you are going to spend $100+, I would recommend the Odyssey battery... a much better battery than the Optima IMO. The Optimas are prone to sudden failure. If I didn't have AAA, the Optima would have been tossed long ago.

A deep-cycle battery is designed to be discharged heavily and then recharged. For example, if you shut off the engine and crank a high-current sound system for a long time before starting the car back up. For normal "starting batteries" this action will kill a battery quickly. Odysseys are better at deep-cycle duties than the Optima Yellow Top.

 

[hoss]

stinger makes several awesome batteries specifically designed for stereo's. they are what i will most likely be running, they are the best i have come accross to date(without going to an 8v battery).

 

[mykej27]

Optima is one of the best batteries you can buy. It is impact resistant and it can handle vibration more than most other batteries out there and it last the longest.