Replacement batteries for Vexilar

[highlife4me]

Looking for recommendations for replacement batteries for my Vexilar and Aqua Vu. I have bought several from the big C and FF but none last as long as my original Vex battery that is 10 years old and still works great the others have only lasted 1 - 2 years. Are there better ones available or do I have to spend the money and but one directly from Vex?

Thanks for any input,

[FishLocker]

I use Batteries Plus. They also rebuild my drill batteries for a lot less than buying new.

If you happen to have a personal business or own a business or an independent contractor, by all means sign up for thier business account. You get an even better deal on all your batteries and rebuilds.

[Tator2k]

Also check computer stores. Alot of times their battery packs for a UPS use similar 12V batteries.

[#fishhunt#]

I was thinking the exact same thing this weekend while I was charging the batteries. My vex battery is over 10 years old and still works. I bought a backup from GM 2 years ago and it doesnt take a charge.

[castmaster]

There might be a reason why the OEM batteries are around $50 and a cheap replacement around $20, and I'm thinking it isnt because of the name on the battery.

Sometimes we get what we pay for.

That said I have found the Werker brand at batteries Plus to be a good battery. Seems to last, have 3 winters on the 2 I have now and are going alright so far this season. In the middle price wise between a Vex battery and a cheapo.

[masoct3]

I bought mine at Fleet Farm for $20. They are 12v.

[mntim]

I bought mine at Fleet Farm for $20. They are 12v.

And you will likely be buying another one next year

[reinhard1]

i have had mine, a 12v, for 6 years. i dont remember were i bought it from but it's label says extreem plus. it's re-chargable and works fine to this day. with proper maintenance [recharging properly] it should last more than one year. and it has had hard use plus borrowed out. i have a vexilar fl-8. good luck.

[cold one sd]

I don't own a 12v SLA battery that is younger than six years and they all work like they should. my spares were bought from a local baitshop. They were around $22 including a non automatic charger. I bought my FL18 the first year they came on the market and I am still using the battery that came with it. My spares get used with my camera and Mo Pod.

[deadeye]

Maybe try a better battery. The higher AH batteries tend to be better quality compared to the cheap ones. My 9AH one has outlasted the 7AH ones by far.

I do admit my original Vexilar battery was a real trooper. It did last about 10 years. Pretty darn good considering. It probably is worth the extra price considering how long it lasted.

[slipperybob]

I'm thinking some of those older Vex batteries are either gel or AGM batteries.

[jBohmer]

I have a Lowrance. I also have a spare battery that I aquired from my work that came from a APC UPS (computer battery backup). I cannot remember which battery was the original because they both last so long. Granted, the Lowrance does not have a motor that draws a lot of current but I think the biggest reason is the care I give to the batteries. I always charge them when they are warm. I always keep it directly off the ice. And I know that they were not cheap batteries. The higher the amps the battery has the longer use you will get out of them but proper care is key. I am not sure of the brand that the Vex's use but if they lasting 10 years I would gladly pay the $50 for another.

[Ed Carlson]

Shoot for the 10 amp 12 Volt for electronics needs and all ice augers and ice house accessories, you will be much happier with it's longevity and recovery time after use.

A 7 amp 12 V will do the job, but will crash far quicker.

9 amp 12 V are better and hold up well and can be a bargain, but the 10 amp or even the 12 amp 12 V offer the best overall performance and longevity of use.

In the end the 10 amp 12 V is the best buy and value.

[Snag]

Cabelas actually has the cheapest price. If you get them on sale, they are 14.99. I picked up a few a couple of weeks ago. They weren't on sale in the store, but they gave me the online price.

[gman2002]

Cabelas actually has the cheapest price. If you get them on sale, they are 14.99. I picked up a few a couple of weeks ago. They weren't on sale in the store, but they gave me the online price.

cheapest what- what size ?

[WallyGader]

I bought a Big C battery for my fl20 2 years ago and sill works fine! I had a old spotlight that wouldnt work well anymore so I tore the batterys out of it, and they are like half a vex battery and one will run my lights for 3 days straight and I have used them for 3 years now.