Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromScott B

  Date: 08/26/2022

  1 star

  Scott B

  Date: 08/26/2022

  Optima was once regarded as the absolute best in AGM batteries. I have purchased 4 to date over many years, and even had one stolen based upon the brand and cost. I purchased their Optima Digital 400 Battery Charger/Maintainer some time ago to keep in case of need. It was stored in garage in original box, the area is warm and dark and without any issue. I opened the package for the first time this week to tend to an AGM battery that appeared to be in need of charging or replacement. The unit immediately started to fall apart. The grey backing plate that holds the unit together was brittle, and discoloring and crumbled like styrofoam. It was likely a bad molding and could not stand the test of time. I did hook it up as nothing else seemed amiss and unit did not get hot or show any other issues. The item lit up, and helped measure the current battery and charged. I reached out to the company and received a rather terse email in reply. It was not under warranty and they would not assist. I was scolded for not keeping a receipt. Unit has serial number and date code on bottom, and box has clear sticker from inventory of purchase at their approved retailer. I was NOT asking for a free replacement or free repair, just to see what if anything should be done. The unit failed prematurely due to age, material, and workmanship. Were they negligent in build quality ?? Was there a recall ?? Is this a known and covered issue ?? Unfortunately their representative was more concerned with warranty coverage by proof of receipt and worry that I might have purchased second hand. Nice way to start off your product failure thru no fault of client, huh ?? I am happy to mail unit back, now in pieces to show their lack of quality and commitment. I can only offer that they lost a client for life and I will never use their batteries nor charges again. I can only suggest to other consumers to look to brands that stand behind their products.

  Optima Batteries

  Date: 08/29/2022

  Optima customer service received the email inquiry from ************* and his wife about an issue with their D400. We were working on gathering all information from the customer about their charger before deciding how we could help them. Before we could even gather all information and determine the best way to help them, he responded with the same information that is in the review above.***************** charger shows crumbling deterioration of the plastic component on the back of the charger. We have never seen this type of issue on one of our chargers and it appears that some external force is at work here (possible strong chemicals or excessive heat). We do not believe this to be a manufacturing defect.If ************* would like to reopen the conversation, he can reach back our to Customer Service. We'd be happy to work on a solution.

  Scott B

  Date: 08/30/2022

  The battery charger was never used. It was stored since new in the manufacturers packaging with all items in the plastic bags. Unit was never used or tested, other than by factory. What is clear in pics and under close inspection, the mold for this unit was likely made with styrofoam. The plastic used did not properly form and left pockets. Over time the unit crumbled and disintegrated when finally opened. This is a manufacturing error and not uncommon with cheap foreign built products where cost is main culprit. Optima chose not to assist immediately and help with a defective product. Pics were offered, shipping at consumer cost was offered, and ultimately a fair repair would have been accepted by consumer. I believed in product and Optima as a brand, unfortunately they dont stand behind their product and had made excuses here and with us to avoid simply doing the right thing. Unit was not damaged or overheated by consumer, only contributing factor was age and poor workmanship.