Peter R.

When used correctly gel and the like batteries can provide some greater stability than conventional lead acid batteries of good quality (Varta, Hoppecke etc.)

Unfortunately, gel cels require a charge voltage of 14.7 V for optimum effectiveness instead of the 14.4 V supplied by your run of the mill alternator.

IMHO all this 'spiral cell' and the like technology is codswollop in your standard car.

They DO provide an added advantage in 4x4's, since they don't leak even under extreme angles.

Peter R.

TB993tt

A fellow RLer recommended the Odessey PC925 a a year or so ago - I was after the weight saving and had tried the even smaller batteries like the 680 which proved useless for "normal" use.
The 925 has been fine, no special mainenance, can leave the car for a couple of weeks and it will start no probs.......and weighs only 11kg/24lbs
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc925mjt.htm

GreggT

Odyssey in a 996TT vs OE.

endodoc

had one in my speedster(six years)-6 volt. never charged after six months of storage and it starts.. maybe 15 trys. but. still the others were dead....

bgiere

Had a battery leak and drip all over my DE car many years ago...from then on it has been Odyssey or Optima batteries only. In my opinion and experience, it is a cheap option.

Edward

For the record, I do really dig the Odyssey batts for their light weight. When it gives up, I will replace my conventional battery (smaller than the regular one but still heavy) in my Trackmeister with an Odyssey. And yes, gel batts are nice to have for certain situations (had then in my motorcycles as those can, umm, tip over ). To each his own, eh.

Edward

Edward

For the record, I do really dig the Odyssey batts for their light weight. When it gives up, I will replace my conventional battery (smaller than the regular one but still heavy) in my Trackmeister with an Odyssey. And yes, gel batts are nice to have for certain situations (in the past I had them in my motorcycles as those can, umm, tip over ). To each his own, eh.

Edward

jdistefa

Interesting... The Odyssey 925 is 7-8lbs lighter than the Optima. Fewer cold cranking amps, but still... Hmm.

GreggT

For what it's worth.........if she sits for more than 5 or 6 days in cold winter she does get a bit weak and should be on the trickle.........other than that, no problems.

sonny1

Don't like Optimas, seen a fair amount of them failing, I do like the Odyssey's, nice gel batteries, no failures as up to now, cheers, Sonny.

TheOtherEric

Sealed batteries are absolutely worth the extra $$. I was just reading that OEMs are wanting to go to Optima-style batteries due to their advantages...longer life, & you could even install it upside down apparently (not sure who considers that an advantage...). Anyway, a battery leak would be very bad.