My current batteries have met the end of their life expectancy, so I'm looking to upgrade my batteries to the Optima Batteries. I was wondering if anyone has a connection for deals on them in the Orange/Riverside/San Berdo County areas?

Also, what color top do ya recommend? I know one color is marine, one is auto....Is there really that much difference between them?

Thanks in advance for your input.

The marine batteries (Blue top) have stainless steel studs and wing nuts. There is a "starter" type and a "deep discharge" type I have the deep discharge type. I would use these unless you have a high compression hard to start engine.

Here is a chart (scroll down):

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/

An aquaintance of mine has an Interstate Battery Store (which owns Optima now) does not recommend Optimas.....I had had asked about them a few months back when I needed new batteries. He gets about a 45-50% return on them...does not seem to be working out

Pep Boys has them on the east coast for $145 .

Hey Lavey how ya doing. You got a Boat US near you? I know there is one in north of Newport beach. I can not remember what town just how to get there. Anyhow if you know were there is one close by then give me a call and I will tell you how to get them real cheap from them. (978) 985-0639

Jon

Enticer - What type of problems is he seeing with them?

CatAttack - Is that price for the Blue Top Deep Cycle or the Red Top?

Enticer that return rate seems VERY high to me. I have a much lower return rate then that. They are higher then I would like them to be but they are not 40%. If you want the best battery at no cost then the Stinger batteries I have found to be untouchable. However at almost 2 times the cost and no custom battery boxes made for them the Optimas are worth the try and they have never questioned a return from me.

Jon

Hello Laveyman:
Its been a while, Last time I think was at Nicks
Boat in Costa Mesa I think
Any way you can get the
Optima batteries at REX
Marine, There close to
you I guess.
Mike J.

Hey Laveyman, I have the 2 blue tops in my boat and 2 red tops in my truck. I think they are great. I get a pretty good deal at work.
red top $106.00
blue top #140.00
Plus tax.

Laveyman,
I would recommend getting the batteries with the gel in them, supposedly they don't dry up (the water) in the heat. I know you go to Havasu and it's smokin' hot out there. They cost more, but I think they are worth it. I left my boat out in Havasu last year for a couple of months, and the heat really dried up the water in my batteries. If you don't keep checking the levels, the water will evaporate. Good luck,
Gerard