[jasfiveo]

I am adding a second battery for my stereo and was wanting to know if anyone had any comments on Optima batteries...mainly yellow top or blue top. I know blue is for marine applications. My local stereo guy installs many boat stereos and uses the yellow top. It would save me about 30 bucks but is it worth it or should I pony up for the blue. Thanks

[ShabahZ280]

I used an optima blue top Marine battery in my rockcrawler Jeep. I bought it mainly because it's a little bit more impervious to vibration and the elements than a standard wet cell battery, plus it can run on it's side and even upside down, which is important in an offroad vehicle. Cost me a damn fortune, and it lasted me at over 5 years, and was still holding a charge like a champ when I sold it.

Now as far as the difference between the blue and the yellow, the D34 series are exactly the same, no difference in specifications between the blue and the yellow. Sounds like a classic case of the "marine price tag increase". For example, electrical tape at home depot costs $1.29. Put the word "Marine" on it, and it'll fetch $4.99/roll. Trust me, just bought some at West Marine this past weekend! But sometimes it's necessary to buy "Marine Grade" stuff, especially when it comes to engine parts, electrical wiring, and performance parts. However since you'll be using this battery strictly for your stereo, I don't see anything wrong with using a yellow top if you wanted to!

Have you considered upgrading your alternator and charging system as well?

[jasfiveo]

Going with the yellow. I agree about the "Marine" label and price...just a reason to charge more. Appreciate the input.