Not sure how many times i've seen people install the RED TOP battery in their Jeep for their winch...

I've even heard auto-shops tell them "you need the red top optima"...

IT WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY ON THE RED TOP BATTERY IF YOU USE IT FOR DEEP CYCLE APPLICATIONS (READ: WINCH).


REDTOP:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...anty_info.html

Abusive service / Deep Cycle Applciations / Car Audio Not covered

YELLOWTOP:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...eep_cycle.html

So...IF you are going to run a winch, use the YELLOW TOP

 

For those with only one battery won't the yellow top have issues in other areas -- like starting on a cold day? (I don't know this is an issue, I just remember reading a comment to that end somewhere.)

 

OPTIMA YellowTop is made to install and forget. No matter the conditions, be it dampness, heat, dirt or exposure to extremes in vibration or regular discharge, you can count on OPTIMA to deliver uninterrupted power. OPTIMA's ability to hold a higher voltage during the discharge cycle makes it possible to utilize more of the stored power in the OPTIMA compared to ordinary batteries. The YellowTop handles many discharges as well as re-charges without losing significant capacity. OPTIMA is also ideal for seasonal use because of its very low self-discharge rate. That means you can store your seasonal vehicles all winter without regular charging and still spring out of the starting block when winter is over.

 

that excerpt came straight off optima's website...

 

OPTIMA YellowTop Benefits

Dual Purpose starting and deep cycling.
Lasts up to 2 times longer than other batteries.
Constant performance quality keeping your battery running at the same level even as it's being discharged.
More power in the initial 1, 3, 5, and 10 seconds of the starting process than comparably rated conventional lead acid batteries.
Ideal for seasonal use, fully charged, it can sit unused for up to 12 months at room temperature (or below) and still start a car.
15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries.
Nonspillable and can mount in almost any position.

 

winching is not "deep cycling"

 

I'm glad you said that. I was just about to call you out as a marketing weanie.

 

It's pulling more amps to winch than what people can imagine. You need Deep Cycle Yellow Top!

I concur with this topic! Thanks for posting. It's been a pet peeve of mine as well.

 

Or is this one just about the good and bad about optima and no others?

I am sooooo confused! And I thought I was going to keep the mods below 30% of the original cost!

 

What about the blue top batteries? The specs show that they out perform the yellow top???