Battery choice, Optima vs. Napa Orbital Options

[Bartlett 914]

I have an Orbital battery in my car. This was supplied by NAPA auto. It is a little over 2 years old and now it won't hold a charge. The car was stored inside and it was kept from freezing. The battery was very low when I went to start up the car this Spring. It did crank so the battery was not fully discharged. I charged it up and the car started. Next morning dead again. I had an Optima in my van for several years without any problems. Has anyone here had problems with the Orbital battery? It is in pro rated warranty period now. NAPA wants 120 to replace it. I paid 120 for it. A new battery is 140. Some warranty.

[Matt Meyer]

I based my recommendation on a Yellow Top on the Optima web site.
Red Tops like to be maintained at full voltage.


I have two Red Tops. One in my F150. Driven Daily so red is the one for that. Have left the lights on 2x. Battery is 3 yrs old and strong.

The 914 came with a Red Top. I usually go out once a month or before I plan on driving it and throw it on an automatic charger. If my car sits with the battery connected it will drain the battery in 18-24hrs. Dont know how many that battery has been drained, battery is at least 4 years old. That battery is still strong.

I have a Craftsman charger. Two switches IIRC- Start/Automatic and Regular/Maintenance Free.

[Bartlett 914]

I based my recommendation on a Yellow Top on the Optima web site.
Red Tops like to be maintained at full voltage.


I have two Red Tops. One in my F150. Driven Daily so red is the one for that. Have left the lights on 2x. Battery is 3 yrs old and strong.

The 914 came with a Red Top. I usually go out once a month or before I plan on driving it and throw it on an automatic charger. If my car sits with the battery connected it will drain the battery in 18-24hrs. Dont know how many that battery has been drained, battery is at least 4 years old. That battery is still strong.

I have a Craftsman charger. Two switches IIRC- Start/Automatic and Regular/Maintenance Free.

I have had the same problem with the battery draining after a couple of weeks. I was sure this was from the radio and clock. I found the correct red wire at the battery post for this circuit. The orbital has the big posts and smaller studs with wing nuts. I connect this circuit separately to the the stud for easy removal when I am away for awhile. I figured this would fix that problem and for the most part it has. All winter the car sat and it would still crank over this Spring. It just wasn't enough and I needed a jump.