Hey guys, i was looking into batteries for the near future because my stock one just isnt really doing it for me right now. The well known XS brand stuck out to me, and i saw that their batteries have beastly current output, but i was also looking at Optima batteries, and i wasn't sure which is the better of the two. XS has more output for current, but Optima has a "gel layered top", whatever the hell that means. I'm leaning toward XS but if anyone can explain to me the pros and cons of each battery, and whatever the heck gel layered top means, it would greatly be appreciated!

Both are good brands, but you really did not list any requirements or needs from your battery search.

From what many i've heard this from- Optimas have a higher ESR which is a turn off for competition.

If u want first hand experience, ask Scottie in the Powermaster forum. He used to run over 50 at once.

Have you given any thought to Powermaster? I have a 3100d running backup power for my saz-3000 and it works quite well.

From what many i've heard this from- Optimas have a higher ESR which is a turn off for competition.

If u want first hand experience, ask Scottie in the Powermaster forum. He used to run over 50 at once.

used to?..what does he use now?

I have used both for daily, and both have done me well.

Both are good brands, but you really did not list any requirements or needs from your battery search.

I'm just really looking to power a 1200 watt system without any voltage drops, and if i ever need to in the future, possibly upgrade to 2000 max. I probably should do the big 3 upgrade first, but planning ahead never hurts. If the big 3 upgrade isn't enough for the flickering lights to stop, then an after market battery will have to do.

Both are good brands, but you really did not list any requirements or needs from your battery search.

I'm just really looking to power a 1200 watt system without any voltage drops, and if i ever need to in the future, possibly upgrade to 2000 max. I probably should do the big 3 upgrade first, but planning ahead never hurts. If the big 3 upgrade isn't enough for the flickering lights to stop, then an after market battery will have to do.

You will ALWAYS have voltage drop until your start making more power then you system is using. And more batteries don't create power, just store it. The only part on a car that makes power is the alternator, so if you want NO drop then you either need a bigger alt or another one of larger size then the stock one.

And btw, From what I have seen the XS power batts have more storage then the Optima's.

look at the deka intimidators at remybattery.com or look into the diehard marine platinum series. both are sealed agm just like powermaster and optima and both will run you alot cheaper than the PM. either the deka or the diehard will be the cheapest/ bang for your buck you can get and will be all you will need

I run a Deka Intimidator 9A31 with Big 3 on a stock alternator powering a JL300/4 and Sundown SAZ-1500D. I get very very faint dimming at max volume on heavy bass notes with the headlights and air/heat running. Overall very happy with the Deka for $200 from a local distributor, I would highly recommend it.