I can get a brand new Optima red top for $125.

I need a battery, and want a battery that can keep up with many accessories.

I have heard mixes reviews on Optima, but for $125 its not far off from a less well known name brand, with more CCA.

What are your thoughts?

 

Between myself and my father we have had Red Tops in 10 different cars over the past 12 years. The vehicles ranged from Broncos to non-tagged road race cars.

We had 1 fail recently at around 4 years old (which was the youngest) but we have 2 that are pushing 8+ years and still in service. We have had a few go bad but all batteries go bad. I have no delusions about that. All batteries suck. Always have and always will. You buy a battery based on warranty and ease of getting a replacement. The warranty support and pro-ration on Optimas is still on-par with any other high-end battery.

It used to be that $125 was the price for one. Not anymore. I'd probably still pay $125 for one but at $150+ there are other options.

 

The Red top is thier starter battery. What kind of accessories are you talking about?

The Yellow top is thier starting and deep cycle batteries. Better for accessories

I paid $150 for my current Yellow top.
I don't know $$ for the Red tops.

Did you see their info pages?
http://www.optimabatteries.com/optim...dtop/index.php
http://www.optimabatteries.com/optim...wtop/index.php

 

Suggestions for said other options?

Gel cell isn't mandatory ...

 

Lights, winch, that's about it. I guess nothing too crazy.

I just got a quote on the yellow top...its $180...wow...

 

I got the Yellow top because of my winch, and my previous Yellow top(free/used) lasted me 4 years. I was going to get a Carquest (Deka) AGM battery for $150, but a vendor that supports the club I'm a member of set up a group buy of Optimas.
Carquest GNT Extreme:
http://www.carquest.com/batteries/pdf/CQ_NGT.pdf
Deka Intimidator:
http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0083.pdf