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My original battery is cranking slowly, after 4.25 years of use. I'm considering the Hawker battery to save weight, but am concerned by what I'm giving up for this. What is its durability in hot climates? The plates on the 28lb (same as stock) DieHard WeatherHandler South ($60 at Sears) are made especially thick for better durability in hot climates.

Plus, the Hawker only has 220 Cold Cranking amps vs. the 425 of the Sears battery... I know the weight has to come from someplace, but paying 50% more and getting much shorter life and lower performance does not make the 13lb savings worthwhile for me.

Anyone with real-world experience with this battery? Any better choices than the Sears (cheaper, more durable?)

 

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I have the Hawker/Odyssey and it's been fine here in SoCal. But there are caveats: when fully charged you'll have no problem cranking, but yes, of course it drains faster than a Die-Hard. I bought a "smart" battery charger/tender since I tend to drive only very short trips (couple miles at a time). I use it once or twice a week to keep the charge full, esp. on days when I've raised and lowered the top a few times.

On the upside, this (dry-cell) battery will degrade gracefully over life, as opposed to wet-cell units which tend to die suddenly and completely, leaving you stranded. With a little extra maintenance-charging, I don't see why the Hawker wouldn't last as long as the Die-Hard.

 

I've had the Hawker/Genesis for about a year now - no problems and no maintenance or charging at all...

 

Where are you guys buying the Hawker batteries and how much are you paying? I set up a group-buy for local DSMers last spring at $23/each shipped.

Anyways, back on topic...the battery worked great for me and many other DSMers here in Minnesota. I know mine was 10.8lbs and had 220CCA. What does a stock S2k battery weight? From what I remember when I was test-driving, they seem pretty small.

 

Just about everyone I know that has one got it form the s2ki marketplace http://marketplace.s2ki.com/s2ki/cus...home.php?cat=6

Karim

 

Go with Optima, they're really good and last long too!

 

To me, saving a few pounds is not worth all the hassles, less performance, etc. in relation with such battery.

 

I would rather go with an Optima, which is a bit heavier, but will pretty much be guaranteed to start every time you push the button.

 

I've had my Hawker Genesis for several months now. No problems or issues whatsoever.

That being said, if you have an aftermarket stereo system with amp, subs, etc., and/or an alarm, this may not be the battery for you. But for a car with pretty much stock electronics, I see no problem.