best battery to buy?

[Tman]

Deka Eliminator?

I used the link posted for the Deka Eliminator Batteries but there were 4 different Eliminators, which would be the best for use in an EB?

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

They dont have one with Ford post configurations. So your only option is the 34/78 group sizes. So if you want just top posts you can use the 9A34, want dual posts but want them on the top use the 9A34M (Marine), or you can use the most common 9A78DP which is side and top posts. The (a31 is a much bigger battery.
If you are talking to Remy battery.com might ask them if they will lower the price. Say you are on a website where a lot of the guys bought them at $89.95 . Two/three months ago they were only $99.00. All prices have gone up though since about June, pretty much across the board. So they might laugh, they might give you $5-10 off, who knows.

 

[racebronco]

I've had the same Optima yellowtop & bluetop in my bronco for about 5 years now & they still work great & have never had a problem with either one. but mine also sits alot & I keep it on a maintainer..

 

[Brewbro21]

Aren't Optimas made overseas now? I thought I saw an article in some magizine about them being bought by someone and they took them overseas and now quality control is a big issue.

I know for a fact that a lot of my friends have had problems with them now.

 

[jdevon]

i bought a Deka about 7 months ago (thanks to raymond's advice) and have been very, very impressed. i have had long periods of time where i had the key in the 'run' position while i checked my wiring (did a painless install) and never once has it giving me any problems at all. on top of that, the place that i bought it from actually delivered it -- twice!

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

The issue with Optimas started about 3 1/2 years ago. Before that they were fine. I was talking with an Odyessy rep today (trying to get them to sponsor my bike), he mentioned another new thing about Optimas. They used to advertise they had 100% pure lead, now it is high quality/high grade or something like that. High grade or quality is not the same as pure. So they got lighter a few years ago, now they are using lower quality materials, and still selling like hotcakes, LOL. Talk about cashing in.

As for going offshore. Not 100% sure, I think it is Mexico they went too, which in a lot of cases is equal to or worse than off shore. Mexico is a favorite country for Johnson Controls, owner of Optima. They also own Delphi and Interstate. Just bought Delphi last year, and they have already closed all of Delphi's American plants. Delphi was killing Interstate before that. Now Delphi is being made strictly in Taiwan. Really freaking sad.

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

jdevon,
Glad they are working out, always get nervous when I make a mass recommendation. But all the test (independant) I seen on them was awesome. Was speaking with my rep for them a week or so ago and he said they were setting up in Mexico too. Said it was a totally automated plant that a monkey could run. So I asked why they could save money by having to ship batteries that far if there was no labor involved. No answer to that one. He is an awesome rep though, taught me tons about batteries, and has always been honest. Which is really rare amongst battery reps.
But I will be keeping an eye on this. Presently the Odyessy's are $65 more my cost, so it is still a big jump for retail customers.

 

[lonesouth]

I also bought two deka's as per Ray's advice, planning on running dual bats, but could only fit one. I have a 12k winch on the front and have used it a couple times with just the one bat and have been very happy with the results, thanks ray! Also, check out auto barn, google it, i got my bats with free shipping.

 

[RRRAAAYYY2]

If the $119 includes free shipping, then that is an awesome deal. I have been recommending remybattery, but there price is real close and doesnt include shipping.