DEKA Intimidator 12 V 105 Ah Battery proved Weakling
Old-school APC UPS Back-UPS Pro 1400 running two car batteries nearly always vastly outperforms all typical designed-for “UPS batteries”…except when DEKA Intimidator is used.
DEKA has 1-year warranty. Optima has 2-years warranty. Now we know why.
DEKA is physically larger, heavier than Optima blue.
DEKA has lead-slug style connectors only. Optima blue has lead-slug and threaded-stud connectors.
What has lasted the longest, worked the best: Optima blue-top size 34 (100 Ah). Second-longest, second-best: Optima yellow-top size 34 (75 Ah). The spiral-cell AGM design is a clear winner in the application of UPS battery backup, as proven since 1999.
Environment and usage: Temperature and humidity controlled ~74 deg F. Zero vibration or movement. Constant monitoring with trickle charge. Never more than 30 moderate and deep cyclings. Never more than 100 shallow cyclings. Constant load never exceeding 50 A, never any heavy starup draws.
The Deka 8A31DTM and Optima Blue Top are both deep-cycle batteries, often used in marine, RV, and backup power applications. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right one for your needs:
1. Battery Type
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery.
- Designed for deep-cycle applications with high capacity and long life.
- Optima Blue Top:
- SpiralCell Technology (AGM).
- Available in two variants:
- Starting & Deep-Cycle (D34M/D31M): Dual-purpose.
- Deep-Cycle Only (D31T): Pure deep-cycle use.
2. Capacity
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- 105 Ah (Amp-Hours) at a 20-hour rate.
- High capacity for long-lasting power in deep-cycle use.
- Optima Blue Top (D31M or D31T):
- 75–100 Ah depending on the model.
- Lower capacity compared to Deka for pure deep-cycle applications.
3. Reserve Capacity
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- Approx. 200–220 minutes.
- Great for long-duration power requirements.
- Optima Blue Top (D31M):
- 155 minutes.
- Lower reserve capacity but sufficient for many applications.
4. Durability & Design
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- Heavy-duty AGM construction for vibration resistance.
- Built for robust, high-cycle use.
- Optima Blue Top:
- SpiralCell design enhances durability, particularly in high-vibration environments.
- Compact and lightweight.
5. Maintenance
Both batteries are maintenance-free due to their sealed AGM designs, eliminating the need to add water or deal with spills.
6. Weight
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- ~70 lbs.
- Heavier due to higher capacity.
- Optima Blue Top (D31M):
- ~59 lbs.
- Lighter, which can be advantageous in mobile setups.
7. Price
- Deka 8A31DTM:
- $350 from Battery Warehouse
- Optima Blue Top:
- $309 from local AutoZone
Summary Table
| Feature | Deka 8A31DTM | Optima Blue Top (D31M) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AGM | AGM (SpiralCell) |
| Capacity (Ah) | 105 | ~75–100 |
| Reserve Capacity | 200–220 mins | 155 mins |
| Weight | ~70 lbs | ~59 lbs |
| Durability | Heavy-duty AGM | High vibration resistance |
| Price | Moderate | Higher |
| Warranty | 1–3 years | 2–3 years |
Recommendation:
Optima Blue-top SUPERIOR
