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Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

April 09, 2011, 09:32:24 pm

So I see that Barry B. chose to go with the Blue Top for his starter set of batteries.  My starters are Red Tops Grp 35 and are now 7 yrs old and I'm thinking I'll need to replace these in the near future (these are Grp 35 and 750 CCA and, yes I know I should have gone with Grp 34 800 CCA...but didn't know any better at the time...Spring 2004 pre Forum days...have learned a lot since then thanks to you all).
 
I've looked at all three Optima series and not sure which is the best for the starting application.  For the 2004 Honda Element I just replaced the starting battery with the Optima Yellow Top Group 51.  I chose the Optima Yellow as it is both deep cycle (better when in tow and battery cycles) & has enough CCA to start.  With the motorhome, I've never had any battery drainage issues with the Red Top starting batteries as I disconnect these.  The AGM technology is nice as it seems to hold a charge great for the 5 months in storage and they don't freeze up in the winter temps.
 
Any thoughts?  I will be disconnecting these during storage in moderately cold temps between November & April in Cincinnati.

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #1 – April 09, 2011, 09:51:34 pm

Everyone has a choice, for me the Grp 31 w/screw posts work great (3).
Our business sells hundreds of batteries a year and our battery supplier who we have been working with for 27 years, always laughs when I ask about the Optima battery line.  They say they are good batteries, just not worth the cost. more than double .  So as all knows, we have choices and being cheap and tacky, Now you know why I get the grp 31 that go just as long as the Optima's.
Batteries are like tires or any other product, for best results, you need to have a good understanding of what your dealing with, again like tires, the date code is very important, and I will get off the rant, just pay attention , its your money

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #2 – April 09, 2011, 10:36:18 pm

Dave,
Can you provide a brand name to go with the Grp 31's you use? That way when I need starting batteries in 3 or 4 years I can search the archives and find it.

Thanks

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #3 – April 09, 2011, 10:44:29 pm

We use red-top Optima AGM (purchased from Sam's Club) for motorhome starting & MK GEL (Carquest) house.
From Optima Red Top, Yellow Top, Blue Top AGM 12-Volt Batteries :

RedTop: High-CCA starting battery. Provides engine cranking power for vehicles with stock or average electrical loads.

YellowTop: Dual-purpose starting and deep cycle battery. Provides engine starting power plus deep cycle capacity to support multiple accessories , demanding electrical systems , and vehicles without alternators

BlueTop: It's perfect for boats with electric trolling motors, onboard electronics or stereo systems

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #4 – April 10, 2011, 07:32:23 am

George, We use batteries made by Johnson Controls.  Recommend you find a wholesaler who stocks them, ask.    They come with only a date code sticker, then they add the big sticker with what ever name you like, so it becomes hard to find what you want.  If you go to a retailer, of course what ever they have is always the best  
I will see if I can get the actual stock # info, I have always trusted our supplier and never have any issues.  Every once in a while, we get stuck and have to buy from a WM, Advance or what ever is available, 80% of their batteries we test are not going to make it, yes we use a computer type battery checker.  Amazing these new toys.

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #5 – April 10, 2011, 07:53:04 am

Barry,
Do you know if the Optima Red Top batteries you purchased from Sam's Club are Group 35 or 34?  I purchased mine 7 years ago from Costco and it turns out they are Group 35.  Today's price for the Optimas at Costco is $128...you can't beat that price for a Group 35 Optima anywhere else.

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #6 – April 10, 2011, 04:34:18 pm

Peter,
I am pretty sure that our original Red Top Optima and my replacements were Group 34/78.
I think that any red top Optima's with top posts that are 800/1000 amps and that will fit in our battery rack will work.

We replaced our original red top batteries when they were 9-years old, even though they were starting just fine. When I saw that Sam's Club had them for about $125 each a few years ago, we bought two to have starting insurance. I would say our original red tops had many more years left in them.

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Re: Optima Start Batteries Blue vs Yellow vs. Red "Top"

Reply #7 – April 11, 2011, 08:48:59 pm

FWIW, I read somewhere, but cannot find it now, that if an Optima battery has a black case it is a "starting battery".  The red tops have a black case and the other colors are gray.  I have red tops for the engine or chassis battery and MK for the house.  After both have been fully charged and allowed to sit for 24 hours with everything off, the Optima is about .5 volt less than the MK.  MK stabilizes at about 12.75 and the Optima at about 12.25, not sure why that is unless it is just different batteries.  No problems with starting, or anything else electrical.  All of my batteries are about the same age.  Since the chassis battery is primarily only used for starting, seems like a starting battery should be used for that.

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