AGM batteries best prices available?

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Ask the Renogy people how many cycles to 50% DoD they predict.

-Chris

To 50% DOD they appear to claim low 400's for cycle life to 80% of as new capacity. To mislead the average consumer they show the chart going to 60% of the "as new rating". BCI defines end of life as 80% of new Ah capacity and that is what legitimate US manufacturers use.

For example Lifeline claims about 1100 cycles to 50% DOD using EOL as 80% of as new Ah capacity. Given the nature of the Chinese AGM manufacturers I would suggest this number is already rather inflated but if we use it at face value, and call it 450 cycles to 50% DOD, the Lifeline battery is still less expensive than the Renogy.

Renogy = 0.44 per cycle (face value lab rating)
Lifeline = 0.27 per cycle (face value lab rating)

In the real world, based on experience, I would suggest that a premium deep cycle AGM will last nearly 2-3X longer than a cheap AGM in a deep cycling application.

Up front battery cost does not define actual battery cost....

[davil]

Maine Sail,
thank you very much
yes,fully agree,am still looking but when I do,always leave the wallet at home!!
And appreciate your response,do not remember ever having disregarded your opinion.
By the way a check on Google indicates West Marine AMG deep cycle are re branded from EastPenn Manufacturer???
If really is true that will make a difference.

[john61ct]

So, from nearly two months ago:

Originally Posted by john61ct

Lifeline, Odyssey, Northstar for NA market.

Full River in Australia.

Call for a local seller, don't pay shipping

This still stands. If you are going to shop on price, do it within this list only.

Unless you're only looking for a shorter lifespan.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by davil

By the way a check on Google indicates West Marine AMG deep cycle are re branded from EastPenn Manufacturer???
If really is true that will make a difference.

Review Maine Sail's earlier post #12 from 7/20... augmenting his two more recent posts.

-Chris

[davil]

thank you Chris
forgot his comments on #12
need 4 batteries,and the ongoing writing checks for outfitting my new (old)boat has me going in the never wonderland,posponed the batteries as been attentive and responding to sales and discounts to purchase all is needed.
Getting to the finish line and like always,who finish the race,the needed equipment or the checking account,will see.
Truly appreciate all input and your time to stop me making a mistake by buying the best possible value for the buck,thank you again,I listen.
take care

[Don C L]

Can I just ask a slightly off-topic question?.. to test a 6v or 12v AGM one must have a battery load tester, correct? I am wondering if a $25, 100 amp model, is sufficient to do the job for a 190ah-230ah 6v battery.

[john61ct]

My understanding is no, affordable gear not worth using, the lab-grade ones that work are very expensive and huge.

20-hour load test as per MS howto.

Or maybe a known-good SmartGauge cross-referenced with an AH-counter

Recent thread http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=203925