Originally Posted by Scott @ USRT

the Braille B14115 and the Deka EXT14 batteries come off exactly the same production line. As with any electrochemical device the quality varies significantly. Three years ago the variance in both cranking amps and reserve capacity was huge. So, since some batteries tested well beyond the desired performance level, Deka sought to create a performance brand to market the best of the batches. That way they could get maximum profits from the units that performed much better than the rest. Thus, the Braille brand was created.

Since then the production methods have matured a bit and the product quality has become more consistent. Now we see some EXT14s approaching the quality of those selected to be Brailles. The average EXT14 is far lower than the average Braille, though. This difference was muddled this summer, however, when a batch of the batteries was mixed up after they left the production line. So, we got a string of "Braille" failures as well as some Dekas with extraordinary performance. A VW enthusiast sampled some of these and publicized his findings. At this point the bad Brailles have been weeded out and the strongest Dekas are mostly distributed. That brings us to where we are today.

A big differentiator right now is that the Brailles deliver a guaranteed level of performance whereas the Dekas are a matter of rolling dice. The Brailles are backed by 1 and 2-year free-replacement warranties while the Dekas have no such protection. Furthermore, USRT also backs the Brailles with implementation knowledge and customer service. Buying a Deka puts you at the mercy of a random battery distributor. And, if the battery tests with 200CCA or more (which is less than necessary for reliable starts in a VW), then you are not covered at all.

This is the straight poop about these battery options. Please let me know if you have further questions. I'll be happy to clarify any other concerns.

Cheers,

--
Scott F. Williams
Team Director
Usually Sideways Rally Team
www.usrallyteam.com

Originally Posted by DanG

I did send/receive a few notes with Scott from USRT (Braille dist.). While he conceded that the Braille does come off the exact same lines as the Deka, he had some more to add:


So use that information as you wish. I'll hand it to Scott for telling the truth and he appears to be a good guy to deal with. However, I'll likely roll the dice with a Deka. I'd get about 3 or 4 rolls before covering the added cost of the Braille.