Odyssey Battery vs Optima Battery Review
There are few things that are more exciting than driving a Jeep in a free-spirited way. There are numerous road adventures to take – and they never end.
That said, it all suddenly comes to a halt when the power goes off, ruining your experience, and forcing you to look for the best battery that gives you both reliability and power. That is the reason behind our Odyssey vs. Optima review – to allow you to make a great decision that works for you.
Searching for a new battery that will last you months and years is not an easy task. There are many brands in the market (too many, you might think), and so many models and brands all promising you the greatest levels of service, which makes it even more challenging to make a decision.
Hopefully, our review of these two brands will give you some extra insight into what you can expect from them, and the features that make each stand out. By the time you are done reading through, you will know what is the best one for your specific requirements.
What are the differences between Odyssey and Optima batteries?
| Odyssey | Optima | |
| Internal resistance (in mΩ) | 0.0271 to 0.071 | 1.9 to 3 |
| Cold cranking amps (at 0F) | 100 to 950 | 720 to 800 |
| Weight | 5.9 to 50 | 18.4 to 31.7 |
| Voltage range | 12V | 6 to 12V |
| Check here | Check here |
Odyssey battery vs. Optima – How these batteries compare
These two battery companies do not have numerous differences between them, as they are both good when handling cold cranking as well as power and reliability of service. They still have their contrasts though – here are some of them:
The design
In terms of the design aspect, the Optima battery uses spiral-shaped plates, which are responsible for its great delivery.
However, compared to the Odyssey that uses lead plates instead, these spirals take up a lot of space compared to the flat plates, which make them troublesome if you want a space-saving battery.
If you are a casual user of a car battery, the spiral design will not be much of a problem though, but it will causetroubleif you want more power – in that case, the Odyssey battery is the better option here.
Cold cranking
You are probably familiar with the struggle of trying to rev up an engine in the cold weather season, as your car continuously breaks down due to the harsh conditions. Therefore, choosing the best batteries that can handle this scenario is the best option.
In this case, both the Optima and Odyssey batteries are at par, with different models of each production line demonstrating different abilities when it comes to cold cranking.
However, the Optima comes out on top when you take an overall look, as the powerful bursts it has when you start the engine will rev it up even in the worst winter weather.
Odyssey only has a few models that can do the same job (with others being for casual use or for other environments), but the Optima specializes in this with all its models – and still adds heavy vibration resistance, reliability, and great performance.
Odyssey battery vs. Optima – A comparison review
Odyssey battery – Overview and key features
Odyssey batteries are great too and perform well in hardy conditions, with the drawback being their weight (they weigh a surprising 50 lbs.) however, that is not the sole thing that makes them stand out – it has to do with their technology.
The design of the batteries will allow for greater surface area coverage, about 15%, which means they have greater power to operate. This makes them part of the new generation of batteries that are specifically heavy-duty types.
Like the Optima batteries, this one also revs up even in colder weather. In fact, it can even operate at temperatures of -40OF/C, and the manufacturer will even send them to you when they are fully charged -0 so no more wasting time charging it up after purchase.
Unlike most car batteries, there is no sense that there is some wasted space here, and the higher number of plates gives it greater operation power. This is the reason behind the impressive cycle life, going at 400 cycles with a discharge depth of 80%. It is also useful if you want to do some winching, although you should not go overboard when it comes to this.
The products that are in their range are:
PC625 Powersports battery
This standsout due to its lifecycle, which is 70 times longer than the normal car batteries. It also has very high recharge efficiency, and can withstand the high impact shocks similar to other Odyssey batteries.
PC925 automotive battery
This is particularly good when it handles cold cranking, as it has 330 of these amps to allow you to start your car easily. The combination of this feature, along with a service of 3 to 10 years and a 4 year warranty makes it among the best in durability ratings.
PC545Powersports battery
This has 150 cold cranking amps, which is less than what you will usually find in car batteries – but it is still suitable for a variety of tasks. It bears the same quality of its build and gives a maximum of 400 cycles at 80% discharge depth, yet you can still mount it in many positions for maximum efficiency.
34-PC1500T and LTV battery
This is among the highest you will get when it comes to cold cranking amps – an impressive 850. That means you can use it to power the most demanding machinery and vehicles you own, and it cannot be adversely affected by harsh environments.
The standout feature is its pure virgin lead, which increases its performance significantly. It also gives you 3 times greater battery power than the normal batteries, ensuring long service.
65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV
Surpassing the 34-PC1500T, this includes950 cold cranking amps to serve your needs even in the coldest regions. It has no issues with a starting a myriad of engines, and the battery delivers a great performance despite its light weight and space-saving design.
PC925L-A battery for automotive light trucks
This is the most versatile option among the Odyssey batteries, as it is suitable for both light trucks and cars as well. It comes with a cranking power of 5 seconds, as well as 500 marine cranking amps – making it great for marine application as well.
What we like
- All Odyssey batteries have a 4-year warranty
- Extremely reliable
- Very long service life that ranges from 3 to 10 years
- A longer cycle life (70% more)
- Long shelf life (up to 2 years if you are not using the battery)
- Mounting flexibility
- Vibration resistance
What we do not like
- Slightly overpriced, even though it is worth it
- Some models lack terminals, which make them prone to overcharging
What can you see with the Odyssey battery?
- Durable and rugged construction
- Features tight-pack plates made of pure lead, which you can recycle
- Non-spill AGM design
- Very good deep cycle performance and cranking abilities
Optima battery – Overview and key features
Perhaps you have seen the frequent advertisements that Optima batteries are the definition of rugged – they can survive anything you throw at them, even in the harshest conditions you can think of. However, it is easy to wonder whether this is just a marketing gimmick, or if it actually lives up to these claims.
There are several types of batteries that Optima have in their collection, which are:
YellowTop batteries
These are best if you own a car that needs plenty of power, since they have the ability to recover quickly and meet your peak performance requirements – all thanks to the top cranking power and quick cycling.
Make arrangements to get this type if you own commercial vehicles, trucks with winches, cars with extreme stereo systems, and so on. Their electrical resistance levels are great, because they have low internal resistance.
RedTop batteries
If you are thinking of getting a battery that can handle high cold cranking amps (such as in SUVs, trucks, off-road cars, and street rods), then this is the best choice to get. The design will enable it to give a power charge of high ignition, which has a starting time of 5 seconds. Because of this, it will also help to avoid the annoying scenarios of sudden battery failure.
BlueTop batteries
These carry the best of both worlds when it comes to batteries – they have elements of quick recharging, durability, and 3 times higher charges compared to the normal batteries. This will serve you well if you own an RV or a boat, as the ruggedness will serve you well where other battery type cannot.
Regardless of whether it is an old battery that has served you for years, or whether it is a new one that you recently purchased, the performance is the same. The only thing to watch out for is the price – while the price tag it carries is more expensive than the ‘budget-friendly’ brands, it is definitely worth the money.
The distinctive feature you will notice in Optima batteries, regardless of their type, is the SpiralCell technology. This is a form of advancement in the field of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), which holds the acid in its place through absorbing it as you would notice a sponge doing. The combination of this aspect, along with PureFlow technology, makes Optima batteries 15 times stronger than the normal vibration resistance that you will note in the traditional car batteries.
Overall, these batteries are among the best picks if you want a battery that can last you for a long time, and they will reinvent the notion of servicing the battery due to their longer shelf life.
What we like
- Quick start regardless of conditions
- You can mount it in several positions
- Very strong resistance to vibration issues
- Has a reserve capacity that runs for up to 90 minutes
- Very good performance in rough weather conditions
- SpiralCell technology increases its efficiency
- Low maintenance and leak-proof
What we do not like
- The packaging leaves a lot to be desired
- Pricey, though it is still worth the money
What can you see with Optima?
- SpiralCell technology that makes it leak-proof and highly efficient
- Powerful starting power mechanism for a high-performance car
- Very good levels of vibration resistance
- Longer lifespan
- 12V battery capacity
Verdict: So which is better? The Odyssey battery or the Optima battery?
It continues to be said, and it will probably not change any time soon: Optima batteries are beautiful to look at if it is your first time handling a battery. It leads the pack when it comes to long-standing marketing efforts and innovative use, although the Odyssey still outshines it in some aspects.
The best pick between the two, because it still needs to be said, is the Odyssey. Even though the price tag is still not as budget-friendly as some other choices in the market, it will still promise you heavy reliability. In addition to this, some of its models have outstanding performance in the coldest conditions you can think of; making it well worth the price.
Frequently asked questions
What are AGM batteries?
These are the latest form of technology in the world of lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte is bound to glass fibers, and it can only drain excess pressure (rather than the liquid inside) through its discharge channel. To increase its safety factor, a backup protection is also present at the end of the battery to prevent any explosion from occurring.
Why is an AGM battery important?
There are two reasons here: further car development, and it saves your fuel consumption. This is because they carry a greater charge capacity than normal car batteries, and can handle thousands of charge cycles without risking damage.
What can I keep in mind when using an AGM battery?
It is always important to handle it correctly. The first tip is to make sure the battery is full before using it for the first time, and second is energizing the electrolyte as many times as you can (due to the lack of memory effect).
