Yellow top problems?

[XXXTERRA]

For those who have the Optima Yellow top are you running into any problems? I'm looking for a better than stock battery that can handle the extra demands from my off road lights and soon to be winch. I know many of you are running the Yellow top, but I've been receiving mixed to negative reviews about these batteries.

Reports of defects that do not allow the battery to hold a charge (multiple cases), to one shop telling me that a marine battery is just as good and cheaper, to a performance place telling me that the deep cycle is used more for rapid charging and is not suited for regular everyday use. I'm not familiar enough to really base an opinion on the matter so if someone can explain to me why the Yellow top is better/necessary for winch applications I would greatly appreciate it. As a side note I'm also looking for a local shop that builds or will upgrade my alternator to supply more amps.

Thank you.

[Schludwiller]

No problems with my yellow top. The red top is suited for better starting performance, the yellow top is built to be drained completely more often before going bad. If you run a lot of lights, or a winch, the yellow top has been the choice for most owners. If you have a stocker and want a better battery or a gell-cell then get the red top.

More info in the threads somewhere if you're interested.

[rhombus]

No problems and I have nuked the battery once when my alternator belt failed. Once I installed the new one the battery took a charge no problem.

Originally posted by XXXTERRA
to a performance place telling me that the deep cycle is used more for rapid charging

This would make sense if it was rapid draining applications (like an electric winch).

[rrdstarr]

No problems with my yellow top! Great battery!

[kinetic]

I've had my yellow top 8 months now and havnt had a problem out of it yet. :flash:

[XXXTERRA]

I'll stick with the Yellow top. I've read many threads about them and was going to buy one until I received the mixed comments. Must have been a bad batch or they had to many red tops and were trying to sell them off.

Thanks again.

[XXXTERRA]

This would make sense if it was rapid draining applications (like an electric winch). [/b][/quote]

Actually racers use the battery instead of an alternator to save weight. Race the straight, recharge the battery (deep cycle) and race again.

[ozxterra]

I use a Die Hard "Range Handler". It works great with my Warn winch. I hear good things for the most part about Yellow Tops too.

[XMan9]

its true - a "deep cycle" battery can handle repeated discharges over and over with minimal lead flaking off the plates. a conventional battery absolutely cannot tolerate this. the way these deep cycle batteries are made now with cca's of 600 amps you would be just fine getting one for everyday use. good for camping and winch use...