AGM batteries
04-08-2018, 07:26 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
AGM batteries
I am going to switch to AGM batteries this season. The West Marine Dual Purpose 685 traditional batteries I'm running now are going on their 7th season! Right now West Marines dual purpose AGM group 24 batteries are $199 with an 18 month warranty. Cabela's also has a group 24 dual purpose for $199 but they offer a full two year warranty. An 18 month warranty in the north east may as well be 12 months because the extra 6 months are winter. Even though I've had good luck with West Marine batteries I am considering buy Cabela's for the extra warranty. Same price but West Marine battery has slightly better specifications (longer reserve, more cranking amps, ect.) but both have better stats then what I'm using now.
Cabela AGM
West Marine AGM
Anyone using Cabela branded AGM batteries or have a strong opinion one way or another about them? What other brands should I be considering?
Cabela AGM
West Marine AGM
Anyone using Cabela branded AGM batteries or have a strong opinion one way or another about them? What other brands should I be considering?
04-08-2018, 07:50 AM
#2
I have Cabelas AGM Angler batteries: a 24 for cranking and 27 for 12 v trolling. I am starting my 9 th season and they are going strong. I don’t have brand loyalty with batteries and a replacement choice will be made primarily on the basis of cost and RC rating.
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04-08-2018, 08:13 AM
#4
Senior Member
Originally Posted by GH02050
I am going to switch to AGM batteries this season. The West Marine Dual Purpose 685 traditional batteries I'm running now are going on their 7th season! Right now West Marines dual purpose AGM group 24 batteries are $199 with an 18 month warranty. Cabela's also has a group 24 dual purpose for $199 but they offer a full two year warranty. An 18 month warranty in the north east may as well be 12 months because the extra 6 months are winter. Even though I've had good luck with West Marine batteries I am considering buy Cabela's for the extra warranty. Same price but West Marine battery has slightly better specifications (longer reserve, more cranking amps, ect.) but both have better stats then what I'm using now.
Cabela AGM
West Marine AGM
Anyone using Cabela branded AGM batteries or have a strong opinion one way or another about them? What other brands should I be considering?
Cabela AGM
West Marine AGM
Anyone using Cabela branded AGM batteries or have a strong opinion one way or another about them? What other brands should I be considering?
Originally Posted by gofishbentley
I use Sams Club Duracell AGMs. They are made by Deka and are priced well under $199.
04-08-2018, 10:34 AM
#6
Senior Member
West Marine AGMs are made by East Penn (Deka). I have had bad luck with them that I attribute to the Florida sun and heat. Or maybe it's my charger that's the problem. In any case, I've never gotten much over 2 years out of them before getting a shorted cell fault. On the other hand, I've had great luck with Deka Marine Master flooded cell batteries.
04-08-2018, 11:40 AM
#8
Admirals Club 
The weight of a battery is indicative of the lead used, heavier is better. RC (reserved capacity) ratings are import too. Batteries are simple devises so bigger and heavier is always better than smaller and lighter... unless it's lithium. Buy the heaviest battery with the most reserved capacity.... if the same flip a coin.
https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti...ry-basics.html
... just sayin'
https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti...ry-basics.html
... just sayin'
04-08-2018, 11:44 AM
#9
Senior Member
I have 2 of the Cabelas 27 series. One of them was weak when I received it. Used it anyway for about 6 months and decided to exchange it under warranty. Cabelas sent me a new one and received it quickly. They told me to just dispose of the old one. I have used them for a year and I am very satisfied. Warranty and service was great.
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04-08-2018, 12:08 PM
#10
Admirals Club
Cabela’s is a Chinese made battery by a company called FullRiver. Even though they are Chinese, they are actually great batteries.
the West Marine battery is made by Deka/East Penn. same as the Duracell at Sams club. Sams doesn’t carry a group 24. Smallest is 27 which should still fit in your trays. $159 for the group 27 with 18 month warranty at Sams. Save yourself $40 and get the same brand but slightly larger capacity at Sams Club. I buy Duracell group 31 batteries at Sams by the pallet load. My wholesale cost of the group 31 direct from Deka is $224. I get the exact same battery with a Duracell sticker from Sams for $180. Nuff Said
the West Marine battery is made by Deka/East Penn. same as the Duracell at Sams club. Sams doesn’t carry a group 24. Smallest is 27 which should still fit in your trays. $159 for the group 27 with 18 month warranty at Sams. Save yourself $40 and get the same brand but slightly larger capacity at Sams Club. I buy Duracell group 31 batteries at Sams by the pallet load. My wholesale cost of the group 31 direct from Deka is $224. I get the exact same battery with a Duracell sticker from Sams for $180. Nuff Said
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04-08-2018, 02:14 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I pulled the trigger on a pair of West Marine's AGM 79's ($199 each). After looking closer at the specs. WM had better amp hrs, reserve hrs and marine cranking amps. They also weigh 2.5 pound if that counts for something. Installed them today, time will tell.
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07-16-2018, 08:48 AM
#13
Originally Posted by turboJake
Guys I am completely new to this and need to know, what do you look for in a boat battery? Is reserve capacity more important than cranking amps? Thanks in advance for any help.
Starting? Look for the highest CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
Deep Cycle? Look for the most AH (Amp Hours) at a 20 hour discharge rate
Dual Use? Look for the best combination of both CCA and AH
Don't let the "guys on the dock" talk you into buying Optima Spiral batteries. If you are going to spend the money on a premium battery, look at Northstar, Odyssey, or Lifeline.
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07-16-2018, 08:56 AM
#14
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I was definitely thinking AGM so thank you for the response! Would it be my best best to get a battery with high cranking apps and another one for with a high amp hours? I was looking at some XS Power batteries right now.
07-16-2018, 09:00 AM
#15
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Originally Posted by turboJake
I was definitely thinking AGM so thank you for the response! Would it be my best best to get a battery with high cranking apps and another one for with a high amp hours? I was looking at some XS Power batteries right now.
I have two of the same, Sears Die Hard, AGM, for starting and house.
One seems to be failing. That or one bank of my charger is failing. Need to check deeper into it.
.
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07-16-2018, 09:09 AM
#19
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Originally Posted by Johninsc
I just ordered 2 of the same batteries the boat came with.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Deka-12-Vol...ttery/50183765
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Deka-12-Vol...ttery/50183765
No warranty.
Not AGM.
.
07-16-2018, 09:16 AM
#20
Those XS power batteries look like they are designed to provide supplemental power to large sound systems.
What size are your current batteries? How are they hooked up? Starting? House?
What size are your current batteries? How are they hooked up? Starting? House?
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