optima chargers

[SteveL]

T they gave me a free one for my dead optima but I have another one that's pretty low too. As often as mine run low thinking of buying one of their chargers. How much better is the $200 one? The $100 dollar one looks more portable but wondering if the bigger one is better for reviving em.

 

[tirewater]

T they gave me a free one for my dead optima but I have another one that's pretty low too. As often as mine run low thinking of buying one of their chargers. How much better is the $200 one? The $100 dollar one looks more portable but wondering if the bigger one is better for reviving em.

I'm confused by the fact that you seem to want to throw more money at them.

In the old days we used Optima batteries for racing because they could be mounted every which way. Since then, quality has gone down, then up, then down, then up, etc... I have no idea who makes them now.

There are other AGM batteries out there. However if you can keep getting new Optima's, I guess stay with them. Sounds like more hassle than worth though.

 

[SteveL]

This is the only one I've had to replace on warranty. I've had good luck with em but since I haven't been able to drive the broncos much the last few years the batteries tend to run low. I'm working on getting a c4 in my 72 so I can drive it more.

 

[bronconut73]

I have ran a Red Top for 14 years. Of course it had an easy life but it was an amazing battery.
I still have it. I can charge it up and use it but I wouldn't chance it anymore.

I have 2 Optimas (yellow & blue) in the eb.

I have 3 Blue Tops in my boat.

They recharge so quick and have yet to let me down.

Optima did have a quality problem for almost a decade when they first went to Mexico. It is apparent that the quality issues are behind them.
But they pissed a lot of people off in that decade. Many will never buy them again. Sad really. Optima really f*÷ked up.....I doubt they will ever recover the market share they once had.....

 

[Pops68]

Steve L.:

I have the smaller one and have had it for several years.....works fine for me. Bought my father-in-law the larger one for Xmas a few years back as he has a crapload of batteries. It seems to work well on the really weaker ones, but doesn't bring them 'back from the dead'. So, it depends on your needs in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Pops

 

[red hot71]

I didn't buy a optima charger but what I bought is now called a smart charger. Got it from napa about $125.00 made by solar. It has 6V, boost, revamp, knows what you hooked up to it, % of charge, and all encased in plastic.
Good investment and works great and it works with new and old school. I'm sure the Optima charger is the same idea.

 

[399strokerEB]

I have the larger charger and seems to work fine, I brought back a couple optimas. One thing I noticed is if the voltage is too low it will flash a warning and do nothing.