I've had the Schumacher for about a year without any issues. My brother has had one for several years and it's still going strong. I have no reservations recommending the Shumacher.

Edit: I too have an Optima. My Shumacher has 3 settings for charging, but I've only used the trickle setting.

Last edited by rpm (10/26/2018 2:22 PM)

I 'm using a CTEK brand charger that I've had for longer than I can remember, always worked as expected when charging my cars that's kept in storage over the winter. Seems to be available to buy online here: https://smartercharger.com

Hakan wrote:

I 'm using a CTEK brand charger that I've had for longer than I can remember, always worked as expected when charging my cars that's kept in storage over the winter. Seems to be available to buy online here: https://smartercharger.com

I agree !  CTEK  is the best i had , and still work ,  last forever , without any issue .   Find the right one for your need and will be the best buy for years .  plenty to choose from !

50vert wrote:

I've had 2 Cteks, each one fried an Optima.

So what you're saying is that you used the wrong charger to charge the wrong battery and want to blame the manufacturer for your lack of knowledge?

I like the battery tenders too. Bought one on sale at Hime Depot for $20 last year at Thanksgiving. Plug it in and forget about it. I using batteries from Interstate batteries and Oreillys, I haven’t ever stepped up to an Optima.

Looks  I'm going to go with an Optima charger since I have an Optima battery. I have not had any issues using a 50 year old charger on regular batteries and occaisonally on the Optima but I wanted one that is able to keep the Optima up to snuff in the off season.
 My guess is that Optima should know what is best for their products.
 Thanks for all the responses.

50vert wrote:

Hakan, I'm just an Ozzie yobbo, with lots of gaps in my knowledge, this is the last one I tried.
https://www.ctek.com/au/products/vehicle/mxs-10
This blurb from the site you linked to.
"The MXS 5.0 (part# 40-206) features capabilities for improved charging in all weather. It is the perfect charger for the user with multiple vehicle types and higher demand battery charging and maintenance requirements. The MXS 5.0 offers features such as a special reconditioning function that restores stratified and deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging and the charging of demanding AGM batteries (i.e. Optima). The charger is splash and dust proof, designed to protect vehicle electronics and non-sparking, reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof. It is delivered with a 5-year warranty. Provides an outstanding charging experience!"
It was used on an Optima red top.
Can you explain which is the correct charger, or the correct battery?
I'm obviously not as knowledgeable as you in the field of Swedish battery chargers, because you knew I used the wrong one.
Please educate me.
 

I'm really sorry for overreacting and writing something provocative, but you triggered my reflex to always protect and defend what's Swedish in a big and dangerous world.