Braille or Odyssey.... which battery is better

[MissShiftS13]

So my westco battery took a crap and im in need of another battery. I no longer want to go with another westco since it took a crap so fast on me. I have read and a lot of people have the odyssey batteries while not many have the braille, so for those with either battery or those who have had both... can i get an opinion. Also im close to the 626 area in so cal so if you guys know any local shops that have these batteries let me know i would like to buy my battery by today.

[240trainee]

I have an Oddessy 680 I think, whatever the little one is most of us would use.

I have had no problems with it, would buy another one.

[boozels]

Odyssey 680 is also what I use, and I love it.

[MissShiftS13]

I have also looked into baker high performance batteries, they put out more cca's and are cheaper, does any1 on here use the baker battery.

[Monooxide]

I'm about to buy a 925, I had a WestCo go really fast on me too...

[MissShiftS13]

So i see im not the only one that had issues with the westco, i like the braille due to the lightweight of the battery and for around the same price you can get one that puts out more cca's than the odyssey but the baker is a gel cell battery that weighs 15lbs and puts out slightly more cca's..... im confused on whats best to go with

[discosteak]

i use the braille and have had it for over a year no problems

[94_240sx]

i use the braille and have had it for over a year no problems


What model is that? Is it one of these?

Braille B3121 ----------CCA: 550 ---- weight: 21lb ---------------- CA: 742
Braille B2015 ----------CCA: 425 ---- weight: 15lb ---------------- CA: 574
Braille B14115 ---------CCA: 360 ---- weight: 11lb,8oz ------------ CA: 486

[rebornS14]

both took a dump on me. had to relocate a full size optima to the trunk. i think thats the safest bet.

[godrifttoday]

Get what I got it's the actual manufacture of the batteries you mention but at a cheaper cost... Since they rebadge them for this companies I paid 65 bucks if I remember correctly and starts the car right up, I even tried it on a friends 510 ka24de he has the battery located in the back and it started it right up ... I even jump started my fathers Mercedes suv... I bought mine from Tri state batery. Here's the link

Tri State Battery Online Catalog (http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=975)

Don't let the 200cca scare u that's at 0 degrees...

Here's a link to how I originally found information on the battery

VWVortex.com - lightweight battery install..... and some information (http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2353060/page1)

[blink182house]

i had a odyssey 680 small one as well, i just had a quick disconnect and any time the car sat i'd disconnect it. any battery that is a gel cell or whatever you cant leave hooked up and idle for even a few days, theyll be dead quick. if you just take the time to disconnect, it'll last forever.

oh and that small odyssey worked fine in like 20*f weather, no probs starting up sr20 s13 with full accessories.

[ManoNegra]

Friend and I also have that Deka ETX14
allegedly same company that makes Braille makes Deka
same performance minus that marked up price
paid ~$60 shipped off ebay

[slideways2004]

Get what I got it's the actual manufacture of the batteries you mention but at a cheaper cost... Since they rebadge them for this companies I paid 65 bucks if I remember correctly and starts the car right up, I even tried it on a friends 510 ka24de he has the battery located in the back and it started it right up ... I even jump started my fathers Mercedes suv... I bought mine from Tri state batery. Here's the link

Tri State Battery Online Catalog (http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=975)

Don't let the 200cca scare u that's at 0 degrees...

Here's a link to how I originally found information on the battery

VWVortex.com - lightweight battery install..... and some information (http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2353060/page1)

thanks for the link. free shipping is cool

[godrifttoday]

No problem my friend!

[29psiHybrid]

x2 on the Dekka etx batteries! Why pay more!

[garagelu]

I've got the Braille 2015 and the vertical mount kit (part number 211).

I got a good deal since I have a summit racing store on the way to work. They give out coupons every once in a while for 20 dollars off a 100 dollar purchase. So I paid about 120 dollars or so for the battery and only 70 dollars for the mount kit.

Majority of people are going to use odyssey because its cheaper. I had a odyssey which last me about 2.5 years. My first braille lasted me about 2.5 years and now I'm on my 2nd braille.

[94_240sx]

Tri State Battery Online Catalog (http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=975)


This is the best price I can find. I need these, right? It's not that bad, so I might buy them and give a try. It's very tempting.

NEW DEKA BATTERY BOLT EXTENDERS FOR SIDE TERMINAL GM - eBay (item 120648723682 end time Feb-15-11 06:25:33 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-DEKA-BATTERY-BOLT-EXTENDERS-SIDE-TERMINAL-GM-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c17396ce2QQitemZ12064 8723682QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

[RACETUNE]

get a full size Optima.

[Def]

Braille is definitely a rebadged Deka - don't waste your money on marketing.


My first Odyssey PC680 lasted over 5 years, which was enough to sell me on them.

[godrifttoday]

This is the best price I can find. I need these, right? It's not that bad, so I might buy them and give a try. It's very tempting.

NEW DEKA BATTERY BOLT EXTENDERS FOR SIDE TERMINAL GM - eBay (item 120648723682 end time Feb-15-11 06:25:33 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-DEKA-BATTERY-BOLT-EXTENDERS-SIDE-TERMINAL-GM-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c17396ce2QQitemZ12064 8723682QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

yeah u can use that if u want to keep the stock connectors im sure tri state has them too , i havent checked the priced

[codyace]

Friend and I also have that Deka ETX14
allegedly same company that makes Braille makes Deka
same performance minus that marked up price
paid ~$60 shipped off ebay

Deka makes Braille

Support local PA (well to me :D )business !!!

I love my ETX14!

[240Zfunahollic]

Relocate it with some nice 1/0 wire and get a sears diehard platinum group 65. 48 month full replacement warranty and 100 month prorated. It has 930 cca's at 0 degrees and 135 minutes reserve capacity. It's easily once of the best batteries on the market. Do a little research on the car audio boards. Those are really good with electrical theory etc... Just my .02

[codyace]

Relocate it with some nice 1/0 wire and get a sears diehard platinum group 65. 48 month full replacement warranty and 100 month prorated. It has 930 cca's at 0 degrees and 135 minutes reserve capacity. It's easily once of the best batteries on the market. Do a little research on the car audio boards. Those are really good with electrical theory etc... Just my .02

I'd love to know how a battery has any 'influence' in a car's electrical system once it's on...that's what the alternator's job is.

more than likely the car audio forums like that battery as it's big as a tank, and withstands some sort of bullshit draw from all of the stereo nonsense.

While there is no doubt that a oversized battery will work great, the issue is, why add it when a 10 lb 200 cca amp one works fine? These are 8.5:1 compression 4 cylinders, not 7.3 diesels.

[godrifttoday]

Relocate it with some nice 1/0 wire and get a sears diehard platinum group 65. 48 month full replacement warranty and 100 month prorated. It has 930 cca's at 0 degrees and 135 minutes reserve capacity. It's easily once of the best batteries on the market. Do a little research on the car audio boards. Those are really good with electrical theory etc... Just my .02


And to add to Codyace, te battery weight is 60 pounds and cost 3 times as much.... And much bigger in size too

[levelgx]

i run a miata battery.. cheap and easy to get

[94_240sx]

yeah u can use that if u want to keep the stock connectors im sure tri state has them too , i havent checked the priced

I have one question though. They have more selections, for example EXT20L which is slight bigger and heavier. But why EXT14? When I searched, most forums discuss on EXT14. I wonder why EXT14 is the most popular one. Odyssey PC680 is about 15lb, and there are many DEKA batterys under 15lb. I'm curious.

[codyace]

I have one question though. They have more selections, for example EXT20L which is slight bigger and heavier. But why EXT14? When I searched, most forums discuss on EXT14. I wonder why EXT14 is the most popular one. Odyssey PC680 is about 15lb, and there are many DEKA batterys under 15lb. I'm curious.

ETX14 is popular as it starts all of these cars, can be purchased almost anywhere (carquest/napa/tractor supply etc etc), and it's size is crazy.

[94_240sx]

ETX14 is popular as it starts all of these cars, can be purchased almost anywhere (carquest/napa/tractor supply etc etc), and it's size is crazy.

Okay, cool. PC680(15lb) is about $130-$150 and EXT14(8.4lb) is $65. I think I'll give a shot at EXT14 for sure. Thank you!!!

[ChiSleepyEyes]

The reason people go with odyssey is because they are rated in pulse cranking amps( a pulse cranking amp is rated for the first 8 seconds of starting. So, with the odyssey for the first 8 seconds you are getting whatever pc version you are looking at. i.e. pc680= a pulse crank of 680amps for the 1st 8 seconds of starting. If it takes more than 8 seconds to start your vehicle then you are having more than a battery issue. odyssey>all other brands imo

[codyace]

Another thing of advice for small battery owners is to ensure there isn't a major draw on the system. That is th eonly 'real' disadvantage of the smaller ones, is that they obviously are less resilient to pesky draws/leaving lights on/etc etc

[adrians_s13]

OP: Can I ask you a question about your westco batt? How long have you had it for before it stopped charging? I'm only asking bcuz I just got one not too long ago...

[PoorMans180SX]

Does anyone use the ETX14 in cold weather? It can get -10 or lower here in Michigan, and I drive my car in the winter.

Recommendations?

[codyace]

Does anyone use the ETX14 in cold weather? It can get -10 or lower here in Michigan, and I drive my car in the winter.

Recommendations?

Buy a beater car and dont' worry about it ;) Just teasin!


Yea I'm unsure. I know these batteries are used on ATV's, Snowmobiles, and Lawnmowers and the sort, and you don't see issues....BUT (and I'm sure you recognize this as it is) those engine are much smaller to turn over lol. But then again you see them on newer liter sleds too...big compression 4 cyl setups...

[94_240sx]

So my made up my mind to buy ETX14 and someone says Odyssey is better. Man, don't know what to do.

[codyace]

So my made up my mind to buy ETX14 and someone says Odyssey is better. Man, don't know what to do.

In the end, they both work perfect for our application. Go with what fits your budget, and car best. If you're relcating it go biggest you can get.

[My240sx]

Would the deka battery have any problems if it was relocated to the trunk?

[codyace]

Would the deka battery have any problems if it was relocated to the trunk?

No, it's just (to me) that if you're already relocating it, I'd go for the most CCA/size per dollar. Not saying the ETX wouldn't work in the trunk, but the main point of it is if in the stock location to get some weight off the nose of the car, and fit with intercooler pipes.

[godrifttoday]

I have one question though. They have more selections, for example EXT20L which is slight bigger and heavier. But why EXT14? When I searched, most forums discuss on EXT14. I wonder why EXT14 is the most popular one. Odyssey PC680 is about 15lb, and there are many DEKA batterys under 15lb. I'm curious.


I got that one do to the size... And im using it for a track car... U could get a bigger one. If u don't mind a little more weight and bigger dimension and want more cca and it's only a couple bucks more, u could have peace of mind. Do get a bigger one. But from my experience the 14 is powerful enough but that's just my 2 cents.

[My240sx]

yeah i see what you are saying. thanks for the info

[godrifttoday]

Would the deka battery have any problems if it was relocated to the trunk?

No I tried it on my friends car which he has the battery in the back an it started right up

[My240sx]

Is the deko one of the batteries that needs to be disconnected when sitting or else it will die fast? either way I am sold on it for that price and the little size/weight

[codyace]

Is the deko one of the batteries that needs to be disconnected when sitting or else it will die fast? either way I am sold on it for that price and the little size/weight

It makes no difference of brand or type of wheather it dies fast, that's all on KO battery draw.

[nothix]

for you guys that are relocating the battery, what enclosure are you using for the ETX14 DEKA?

I got a generic autozone box, and a stock s13 battery, but the box is too large.
I would like something nicer (metal) and a better fit.

[nothix]

A quick search shows that I would need a series 14 battery box. I don't seem to find those.
But I did find a series 16 box.
Small Battery Box series 16 vented black Attwood 9082 - eBay (item 280479771316 end time Feb-09-11 11:53:03 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Small-Battery-Box-series-16-vented-black-Attwood-9082-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem414de5aab4QQitemZ28047 9771316QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear)

And this Battery would fit in that box
Tri State Battery Online Catalog (http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=978)

[godrifttoday]

for you guys that are relocating the battery, what enclosure are you using for the ETX14 DEKA?

I got a generic autozone box, and a stock s13 battery, but the box is too large.
I would like something nicer (metal) and a better fit.


It's a drycell.....

[motoxris]

I would recommend Odyssey.
I run a 680.
Odyssey has been around for about 10 years now. They came into existence when the military need someone to develop hard core batteries for there vehicles. These batteries can take lots of abuse, be mounted in any position, can take extreme power surges that normal batteries cant, there folded cell design obviously makes them very compact and light. I beleive they come with a one or two year warranty.
Odyssey is super solid. My self and many other that I know use this battery. Including some one that uses one in an airplane.

[jacobs13]

Does anybody run the dekas with audio? Im running 2 amps, how many of these batterys am i gonna need

[ManoNegra]

for you guys that are relocating the battery, what enclosure are you using for the ETX14 DEKA?

I got a generic autozone box, and a stock s13 battery, but the box is too large.
I would like something nicer (metal) and a better fit.

The Braille boxes/enclosures may work
friend has a Braille which if I'm not mistaken is the Deka equivalent
he bought a Braille aluminum enclosure for it to relocate to the trunk
fits like a glove

http://pitstopusa.com/images/F14611505.jpg


you could also have an enclosure custom made
aluminum sheet is pretty cheap

[Touge Noob S13]

The Braille boxes/enclosures may work
friend has a Braille which if I'm not mistaken is the Deka equivalent
he bought a Braille aluminum enclosure for it to relocate to the trunk
fits like a glove

http://pitstopusa.com/images/F14611505.jpg


you could also have an enclosure custom made
aluminum sheet is pretty cheap

Would that be ok to use in the interior? Or would a battery box be required?

[godrifttoday]

^
yeah should be ok since it's not acid filled.... But if u go to the track I'm sure the people inspecting would give u shit... Ex u need a cut off switch/ battery box

[94_240sx]

Man, I love this Odyssey battery. Car feels so light and battery is very powerful. I weighed it and it's 15.06lb. Size is less than 1/4 of stock. This thread helped me a lot to make a decision, so thank you!!

1. I put cutoff switch on negative terminal.
2. Rod in gold color is toilet floaty rod and I cut it into two pieces and modified. Got the nuts and washers from a hardware store.
3. Top bracket is OEM and I flipped it to hold the battery down.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p112/sxj6151/NICO2/IMG_6670.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p112/sxj6151/NICO2/IMG_6651.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p112/sxj6151/NICO2/IMG_6672.jpg

[na12uto]

for an s13 your engine bay is clean clean just saying

[94_240sx]

I would like to report that my Odyssey battery is officially dead today. It lasted for 4 years, so I think I'm okay with it. In Texas, batteries don't last long anyway.

[KoukiMonsta]

At first I was like 'here we go again bumping an old thread'

But actually good post. 4 years is much better then the typical 'buys battery with 2 year warranty'.....2 years and 1 day later battery dies.

Are you going to buy another is the real question?

[brndck]

I would like to report that my Odyssey battery is officially dead today. It lasted for 4 years, so I think I'm okay with it. In Texas, batteries don't last long anyway.

thats pretty good. for a while i was going through one a year. they just wouldn't last, but my car does sit for extended periods of time. i bought a ctek trickle charger and haven't had a problem since then.

[Croustibat]

Forget lead acid batteries. The future is lifepo4.

I bought one some years ago. Still kicking. The good things ? 10 REAL AH (forget anything that has "pbeq" on it, or divide the number by 3 to get the real one), 500+ cranking amps, 4"x6"x4", 3 lbs, and it can take a 80 amps charge current. Meaning the battery can be fully charged in 7mn30 seconds.

what else ... it can be installed in whichever position you want. It has nearly no self discharge rate, 20 times more cycles than a lead acid battery. And it costs around 200$ delivered. I can't see what is left to odissey or braille ....

I have the one on the photo, i bought it cheaper elsewhere though (works all right on any 2L turbo engine). The key is getting high discharge cells (30C continuous), in at least a 4S4P arrangement. If the seller can't tell what cells he uses, go away ! I do advise to install a cutoff switch though, 10AH is perfect for starting the car, but it is not enough to keep draining systems working on long periods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A123-16-Cell-4S4P-13-2V9-2AH-motorbike-battery-starter-with-black-case-/190893403456

[!Zar!]

Deka batteries / thread

[anti tyler]

I wouldn't purchase Braille personally ever since I sold 200 advance auto parts motorcycle batteries to a local Braille rep so they could rebrand them and jack the price up.


My two optimas are on their 9th year. Pretty proud of them.

[!Zar!]

I wouldn't purchase Braille personally ever since I sold 200 advance auto parts motorcycle batteries to a local Braille rep so they could rebrand them and jack the price up.


My two optimas are on their 9th year. Pretty proud of them.

But Optima batteries are big and heavy. That's like the complete opposite of this thread.

My Deka battery is cheap, small, and light. It's past like 3 years old and is still kicking to this day.

Forget lead acid batteries. The future is lifepo4.

I bought one some years ago. Still kicking. The good things ? 10 REAL AH (forget anything that has "pbeq" on it, or divide the number by 3 to get the real one), 500+ cranking amps, 4"x6"x4", 3 lbs, and it can take a 80 amps charge current. Meaning the battery can be fully charged in 7mn30 seconds.

what else ... it can be installed in whichever position you want. It has nearly no self discharge rate, 20 times more cycles than a lead acid battery. And it costs around 200$ delivered. I can't see what is left to odissey or braille ....

I have the one on the photo, i bought it cheaper elsewhere though (works all right on any 2L turbo engine). The key is getting high discharge cells (30C continuous), in at least a 4S4P arrangement. If the seller can't tell what cells he uses, go away ! I do advise to install a cutoff switch though, 10AH is perfect for starting the car, but it is not enough to keep draining systems working on long periods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A123-16-Cell-4S4P-13-2V9-2AH-motorbike-battery-starter-with-black-case-/190893403456

I find this sketch.

The charging system in most cars isn't setup for lithium batteries.

So does this battery come with a circuit board to regulate how the battery charges?

What happens if the operator of a car accidentally leaves their radio/lights on, or the car is parked for a great deal of time. They battery will discharge too low and then that is a problem. If it puffs from discharging too much, and the operator of the car jump/charges the battery and begins to use it, that is another problem as well.


I think the idea is great, but I'm not sure if I'm sold on this...

[Croustibat]

I find this sketch.

The charging system in most cars isn't setup for lithium batteries.

So does this battery come with a circuit board to regulate how the battery charges?

What happens if the operator of a car accidentally leaves their radio/lights on, or the car is parked for a great deal of time. They battery will discharge too low and then that is a problem. If it puffs from discharging too much, and the operator of the car jump/charges the battery and begins to use it, that is another problem as well.

I think the idea is great, but I'm not sure if I'm sold on this...

You are talking about the usual lipo tech, but there are many lithium chemistries. The LIFEPO4 is a little worse considering energy storage per volume, but it has a definite advantage over it: safe chemistry.

It does not need a special charging setup nor a circuit board, because it does nothing when overcharged, overdischarged or pierced. Unlike the usual lipos that tend to explode or catch fire when this happens.

If you want more than 10AH, ask the seller for more elements, they usually can do it. That kind of cell is also used in DIY electric bikes, and electric drag racing.
A 4S8P setup would double everything (weight, size, but also energy storage => 20AH, max deliverable amps => 600+A continuous, 1000A+ for 10s, and 160A max charging A too) .

[94_240sx]

At first I was like 'here we go again bumping an old thread'

But actually good post. 4 years is much better then the typical 'buys battery with 2 year warranty'.....2 years and 1 day later battery dies.

Are you going to buy another is the real question?

Yeah, I thought it could be a good update so people can see how battery holds up. I have 3 other cars and batteries usually last for 2 years on them here in Texas. I ordered another PC680 on eBay from the same seller.