Seems like I had heard that Optima had moved their manufacturing to Mexico, and that the quality had suffered as a result.

Disclaimer: I don't know if there's any truth to that or not. I'm just repeating something I read.

 

I just did some research and purchased a new battery about a month ago. I ended up with a yellow top optima due to price and basically one local parts store in my town.

However, besides the Optima you should consider:

Northstar
Oddessy
or the Diehard Platnum

I was looking for the Northstar or oddessy but have been happy with my yellow top!

 

optima blue top deep cycle marine battery

 

I would agree that any of these 4 would be good choices. I have dual yellow top Optimas and have been very pleased. I also looked at the Diehard but at the time the sale on the yellow tops couldn't be beat.

 

I have had a yellow top in my old YJ and old TJ with no issues- when my battery in my JK battery failed a few months back I once again with the yellow top- mainly as these batteries have never failed on my and have always been strong- everyone I know that has very trail worthy rigs use them ( some use blue). Oh and I live in colorado springs

 

First choice - Odyssey / Diehard Platinum

Second choice - Optima Yellowtop

 

Optima's were great, at one time. I've had only 2 in my 94XJ since 96, and both have been great, however here recently there have been many posts about the Optima not living up to it's reputation. Not only on this forum but many more I've grazed on. Back in 94 when the Optima's became avalible here in the US, they were manufactured in Milwaulkee. Back in 2006 or so the facility was closed and re-opened in Mexico. Shortly after, the posts about Optima's going bad prematurely. Add 1+1 and get 2.. In addition I also attribute the poor performance to many using the battery wrong. Many jump on the Yellow and Blue Top, then use it as mainly a starting battery, when in fact it should be used as a deepcycle. If we look back when the Optima first came out, the RedTop was listed as a starting battery, the Yellow, as a deepcycle, and the Blue as a marine (also a deepcycle). If one looks at the specs for all battery's one will see the difference. I think most who get the Yellow and Blue are not using them as intended.
Now along the same lines, about 2006 EnerSys, the company that manufactures Oddessey, (here in the US) singed a contract to provide the Sears DieHard Platinum batteries for Sears Corp. The Oddessey sells for about $268.00 The Sears DieHard Platinum sells for about $180.00, however if one looks up the specs for both these battery's, one will see the specs are identical. Again add 1+1 and get 2.
When the battery requires replacement in my XJ and the wifes JK Unlimited, both will be replaced with the DieHard Platinum.

 

Wish someone in the know would address this question. I believe that is what happened when I put a red top in my wife's 07 Sahara. It is her daily driver and never leaves the city limits (we wheel in my Jeep).

 

This should be simple enough to find out. Start the Jeep, and connect a meter to the battery posts.

Traditionally, unless what you're saying is true, you should see over 13v with the engine running. With the engine off, you should see just over 12v from the battery.

 

The voltage values were just an example The "recomended" for optima is 13.65 to 15.0 volts