OptimaJim wrote:
Hello, I noticed your conversation regarding our batteries and wanted to offer some assistance. Rich, we know a lot of folks confuse gel and AGM technologies, so we make sure if someone is searching on the internet for “Optima” and “gel” that they're still able to find our products. We never advertise Optima as having gel technology and as Chris indicated, we do specifically indicate on our site that Optima batteries are not gel batteries.
Our YellowTops and BlueTops (except the 34M) are all designed and warrantied for deep-cycle use, they all use 99.99% pure virgin lead (not recycled) and are found in a wide variety of consumer, commercial and military applications. Each manufacturer comes up with a combination for their batteries, that they believe will be of most benefit to their customers. Generally speaking, there is a trade-off between batteries of like sizes in terms of cranking amps and reserve capacity, where more can be had of one at the expense of the other.
As a result, comparing a single aspect of a battery's specifications does not always present a clear or accurate representation of the product. We encourage comparisons, but prefer that they accurately represent all products, using identical battery group sizes (we don't manufacture a Group 29 battery) and indicating cranking amps, reserve capacity, warranty terms and conditions and of course, price. In the case of tournament anglers and racers, we also encourage a weight comparison, as that is an important consideration for those folks. Even at that point, what won't show up in a spec sheet is how the battery performs after 10, 50 or even 100 cycles. This is often where there is the greatest difference between products.
The key to long battery life, regardless of brand or manufacturer, is proper voltage maintenance. Whenever any lead-acid battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and is left sitting in that state, sulfation begins to form, which diminishes capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintenance device an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see regular use.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries
Good clarification. Point taken about making fair comparisons.
Can you tell us what the Optima procedure is for "recovery" of an Optima AGM if you ever did let it get sulfated somewhat, and what you call that procedure?
Thanks
