I've read thread after thread about the Optimas, so I have a good handle on those. However, it is the other brands that I'm still unsure about. I've been looking into the Exide Orbitals and the Hawker Odyssey. My question is, outside of the optimas that are so well liked here, what experiences have you people had with these other brands?

Also, what are your favorite battery stores?

 

We run NAPA (Exide) Orbitals in all of our ground equipment at the Airport. They see tons of starts every day in extremely hot and cold weather. Some of our TUG's vibrate hard enough to slosh electrolyte out of convential batteries. They are much better than your standard wet cell but personally I'm an OPTIMA man.

 

I have one in my 4Runner and love it.

 

I have an Exide Orbital and have been very pleased with it.

 

What group size are you using? and where did/do you buy your batteries?

One what? Exide Orbital?

 

I got an Orbital from 4 Wheels Parts. It works great, and starts up everytime!

 

AFAIK, the Orbital is the same basic design as the Optima, have not used one but have just retired my old Optima red top (circa 1998). I am still running a pair of Hawker type batteries in my 4Runner. They have both going strong and I just ordered an Odyssey battery to replace the dead red top in my daily driver.

 

Roger-
That's what I understand as well, it's all the AGM design. I prefer the D34M with the dual top posts opposed to the GM (secondary) style lugs on most Orbitals. For our GSE they have been great and the warranty has been no problem...when you have 300+ batteries on the ramp you are bound to have some crap out prematurely.

 

Odyssey's are the best, thats why they run around $250-$300.

One is going in my '91 4Runner as we speak.

 

Odyssey...
I won't have another Optima in any vehicle of mine.
The Optima's (for me and others out here in the SW) simply don't have the durability.
I get. maybe, two years out of an Optima.
A couple of other friends of mine here in southern AZ and southern CA have had good luck with Optima's, but most don't.






Fred

 

I would never waste money on an Optima. They just don't last in extreme conditions.

I ran an Odyssey PC680MJ in my daily driver/weekend club racing Integra for 2 years. I drained it numerous times and had it mounted near the header, but it never faltered. There is no better battery, but you do pay a premium.

The Odyssey PC1500, which is stock sized, runs around $200 or so. You might be able to use a PC1200MJ (metal jacket), which is way cheaper and more durable, but not as powerful.

 

Sorry about the delay, but I'll have to check the model number in the morning. I bought it at a local NAPA store for around $120 if I remember correctly and as stated above, it is a very similar design to the Optimas.

Matt

 

Sorry should have specified. I have an Exide Orbital.

 

Anybody using a series 35 Orbital? rather than the 34R that is suggested?