27F Battery: Optima VS NorthStar

I have a few months to decide, but I want to replace my original battery before next winter. It's still doing fine, but five years is getting to the point where I no longer want to rely on it.

My truck has the tow package, so it has a 27F battery in it right now. I don't really want to downsize since I've only added to the draw (heated seats and mirrors, small sub, bed lights and other extra LEDs, etc.) I also want an AGM battery. I had a DieHard Platinum (supposedly a rebranded Odyssey) in my Outback and it was fantastic. They don't make them in a 27F, though.

I'm leaning toward either the NorthStar AGM 27F or Optima YellowTop 27F. Specs:

Optima:
CA: 1025
CCA: 830
RC: 140 min
53.2 lb
36 month replacement
~$210

NorthStar:
CA: 1080
CCA: 930
RC: 195 min
68 lb
48 month replacement
~$340

Clearly the specs on the NorthStar are better, but is it really worth the extra $130? It's not like I have a winch or anything, just a load slightly higher than factory. Either one is an improvement over the factory battery. I want to say that is 710 CCA. Anyone have experience with either one?

 

Optimas are now overpriced crap, don't waste your money. They USED to be excellent but once they moved production to south of the border, quality went to hell.

 

Look at the X2 line from Batteries Plus

 

I've been hearing that as well, which has made me a little cautious of that one.

Thanks, that appears to have good specs too as far as what they have listed:
CA: Unknown
CCA: 930
RC: Unknown
67 lb
60 month replacement
~$270 w/ current 10% off promotion

Downside is it appears I would have to pick that up, and the closest spot to do so it an hour and a half drive. The thing looks like it could be a rebranded NorthStar based on specs and appearance.

 

just go to any autozone and buy the duralast gold. its made by johnson controls and will last 7 yrs here in new england. ive always had good luck with them in my jeeps and the taco will get one when i think its time for it....

 

They are rebranded northstar.

 

Between the two I would get the Northstar. If it were me, I would buy an OEM battery, properly maintain it (yes, batteries need maintenance) and replace it when the warranty was up. Unless there is some special reason for needing an AGM. Lots of winching, refrigerator, expedition use, or a whole lot of extra electronics. The OEM you could warranty at any dealership, the Northstar who knows?

 

I've been running Optimas and have nothing short of a good experience. I keep them fresh every few months by hooking them up to a charger.

 

Go all out and get a Trojan AGM battery. We use them in off-grid applications and they are nearly indestructible.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/product/27-agm/

 

Ask that oz guy.

 

Northstar FTW

 

Yep, Northstar

Thanks for reminding me to add my Northstar to my list of mods

 

Lots of feedback, thanks! I am leaning toward the X2 since it appears to be a rebranded NorthStar and I can get it for $70 less. Granted, it's a bit of a drive to get it so I have to weigh whether or not the extra $70 is worth just having a NorthStar shipped to me.

I'm not so concerned about warrantying a battery. I know there are flukes where some will die unusually quickly, but I avoid a lot of problems by preemptively replacing mine. Although my factory battery started the truck just fine at -20F this winter, I don't want to trust it any longer since it will now be about five years old.

 

I installed a XS POWER D3400R in my truck. It's been great so far. I've also installed aftermarket seat heaters and speakers. I have a JL Audio stealth box @ 300w. When I've had the radio up, I don't have any lights dimming. The nice thing is that the battery is significantly lighter than some other AGM batteries. I live in STL and no problems in cold/hot weather too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XS-POWER-D3...667139?hash=item3f5b895783:g:9SkAAOSw-7RVEgQs

Only downside is that it doesn't come with the terminals. Kind of a nickel and diming tactic, but oh well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XS-Power-12...ash=item4889b1feba:g:aa0AAOSw-W5Ux7YM&vxp=mtr

It's a bit smaller, so you'll need an aftermarket battery tie down.

• 12-volt deep cycle car battery

• sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) design

• 1000 cranking amps

• maximum output: 3300 amps

• discharge capacity: 65 amp-hours

• 10.24"W x7.2"H x 6.75"D

• weight: 46 lbs.

• warranty: 3 years

 

Never had luck with Optima's. 8 different ones have had the shortest life of any car battery I have had. These diehard relabels(Oddessy) have been lasting for years

 

I wish they made a DieHard Platinum in a 27F. Had one in my Outback and it was awesome.

 

Not sure about their products but the service sucks at my local store. Neither myself or my neighbor will go there again. I would not waste my money on a high $ battery. I would just get one of the better Auto Zone ones. Lately I have run Ever Starts in my boat and they are lasting as long or longer than others that I have used. Last cranking battery went 5 years. I go through a lot of discharge cycles even on the cranking battery. Now on the cranking battery it is not 100% but it will be low enough after a day of fishing to charge on 10 amp setting for 2-3 hours.

 

Wow, 46 lbs is light. I was seeing close to 70 for some of the AGMs out there. Not sure what the factory battery weighs. I've never pulled it, so I don't even have a guess.

 

I don't remember how much the OEM battery weighed, but I know it was more than the XS Power I installed.

 

Just put a AutozoneGold in mine this morning. I have had several Oddysey/Sears Platinium in my boats with great luck. It was the first line I looked at. But found they didn't make a 27f also. A while back I was having issues with my diesel f250. I ended up replacing both of my old autozone gold with two Interstates. Those autozones have got to be ten years old now. And I still abuse them as trolling motors. Running em down to nothing regularly. So I dont fear the gold autozone baterries at all. They are good stuff.