Group 65 batteries are one of the most common battery types used in vehicles today. They are offered as standard start/stop batteries, as deep cycle batteries or as a hybrid product between the two types. There are literally dozens of different Group 65 batteries, but only some of them are worth purchasing. Below is an overview of well-known and leading product options, and what each has to offer.
What Does Group 65 Mean?
Group 65 is a specific battery size that’s determined by the Battery Council International (BCI). These batteries are around 11.85″ x 7.30″ x 7.40″ and they will fit in vehicles designed to take Group 65 batteries. These batteries are normally between 56 aH (Amp Hours) and 69 aH and between 700 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) and 930 CCA. They should also have a reserve capacity (RC) of between 120 and 150.
Products
With so many different products available in the Group 65 form-factor, it can be overwhelming to choose one from the next. Below is an overview of some of the leading options and what sets them apart from the other Group 65 batteries.
Odyssey Extreme
- Cold Crank Amp — 950
- Reserve Capacity Minutes — 145
The Odyssey Extreme is a high-performance Group 65 battery built to start vehicles in more extreme conditions. The battery delivers 950 cold cranking amps and promises an impressive 2250 amps over 5 seconds for serious starting power. It promises deep-cycle discharge performance and is made to be low maintenance.
Uses the AGM Form-Factor
The Odyssey Extreme battery is built using the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) which means it can be placed on its side and there is no liquid solution to monitor. There’s no need to add water, and the battery is made to require less maintenance than a flooded battery does.
Pure Lead Construction
The layers used in this battery are made from 99.9% pure lead for effective energy storage.
400 Discharge Cycles
The battery promises up to 400 discharge and charge cycles with up to an 80% discharge for decent long-term performance. By handling up to an 80% discharge this battery can operate as a deep-cycle battery, making it a decent option for running accessories off of even when the vehicle isn’t running.
Quick Facts
- 2250 amps for 5 seconds
- 400 charge-discharge cycles to 80% depth
- Flat plates made of 99.9% pure lead
- AGM Form Factor
- Tin alloy coated brass terminals
- 4 year limited full replacement warranty
- 3-10 year service life
- Can be stored for 2 years before needing charging
- -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit without a metal jacket
- -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 degrees Fahrenheit with a metal jacket
Overall the Odyssey Extreme is an impressive battery with a serious price tag. It’s built to start vehicles in extreme temperatures and can also handle many charge and discharge cycles that go up to 80% of the battery’s capacity, something that many standard lead-acid batteries can’t manage.
NorthStar NSB-AGM65
- Cold Cranking Amps – 930
- Reserve Capacity Minutes – 135
AGM Design
This Northstar battery makes use of the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) spiral design making it denser and easier to maintain than flooded batteries. The battery is made up of layers of lead and fiberglass soaked in an electrolyte solution to create a functioning battery. It can be tipped and doesn’t require additional water.
High Charge and Discharge Cycles
This battery is rated at over 900 charge and discharge cycles with up to a 50% drain. This makes it a decent deep-cycle battery and a long-lasting solution for starting up a vehicle. The Odyssey Extreme above offers reliable performance up to an 80% discharge compared to 50% with this, but it only offers 400 cycles, while this delivers more than double that figure.
Quick Facts
- Cycles 900+ times 50% depth of discharge
- Faster recharge rate
- Made in the USA
Conclusion
When selecting batteries it’s important to decide whether cold-cranking amps, reserve capacity minutes or discharge and charge performance is the most important to you. Both batteries listed above offer a decent mix of exceptional crank power and good charge and discharge reliability, but each stands out from the other for specific reasons as well. Choose the battery that’s going to meet the most important needs first, and focus on the secondary features after for the best results.
