I recently came across a smokin' deal on some KM-27 Kinetik batteries. I have been itching to replace the stock interstate wet cells for some time now, but have not done it until this deal popped up. The deal was so good that it was questionable whether it might be a littly fishy, but I decided to jump on it anyway since they have sold 5 figures worth of items on Ebay with a 99%+ approval rating.
The Km-27 is the marine equivalent to the KHC 2000 according to both the people I purchased them from and the Kinetik website. Supposed to have 1100 Cranking amps worth of power and something like 200 minutes of reserve time. Should be ideal for running a 2000 watt system (hence the 2000 in the name).
I got the batteries and they are probably old stock. They look to be in good condition, but have a date on them of 11-15-06. They were at 12.6 V when I got them. They charged up and seem to be holding at just over 13 volts, which is what Kinetik says they should remain at.
I took them to the auto parts store and they failed an 1100 cranking amp test. The tester at Checker had the capacity to determine exactly how many cranking amps the battery holds and it showed 500-600. I recharged and again got the same result.
I contacted the dealer who said I should call Kinetik. This is the response I got, let me know if you buy it:
'Now as far as the performance is concerned, I think the ~550 CCA test result is about where I would expect these units to test out. The 1100A rating you are referring to is a CA, not a CCA rating. Relatively, you will find most units will produce about half of their CA rating in the CCA test. So if that unit is rated at 1100 CA, you should expect about 550 CCA.
Now since our batteries are deep cycle batteries, and not starting batteries, CA and CCA ratings are going to be lower than a similar sized cranking battery. However, our batteries will deliver much more reserve capacity. Reserve capacity is what is important for running electronics. Also, both CA and CCA tests are run at 7.2V, which is well below what your electronics will safely run at. They really have no value in determining their ability to run electronics.
All of that said, I think that your units are likely good working units, even if they may not deliver as many amps in a test. The true test would be to put them into service with your electronics and see how they perform there.'
I am still reluctant to just throw them in the boat without knowing that they are any better than the batteries that I already have. I thought that I read somewhere that the CCA is about 85% of what the CA is, rather than the 50% he is quoting me. I agree that the number most important as far as stereo stuff goes is going to be the reserve time. I want to be able to let the stereo run and not have dead batteries. Is there any way to do a comparison in the garage? I wondered about hooking the battery up to an inverter and then seeing how long it can run a blow dryer or some such item before losing voltage...any thoughts on this?
The Km-27 is the marine equivalent to the KHC 2000 according to both the people I purchased them from and the Kinetik website. Supposed to have 1100 Cranking amps worth of power and something like 200 minutes of reserve time. Should be ideal for running a 2000 watt system (hence the 2000 in the name).
I got the batteries and they are probably old stock. They look to be in good condition, but have a date on them of 11-15-06. They were at 12.6 V when I got them. They charged up and seem to be holding at just over 13 volts, which is what Kinetik says they should remain at.
I took them to the auto parts store and they failed an 1100 cranking amp test. The tester at Checker had the capacity to determine exactly how many cranking amps the battery holds and it showed 500-600. I recharged and again got the same result.
I contacted the dealer who said I should call Kinetik. This is the response I got, let me know if you buy it:
'Now as far as the performance is concerned, I think the ~550 CCA test result is about where I would expect these units to test out. The 1100A rating you are referring to is a CA, not a CCA rating. Relatively, you will find most units will produce about half of their CA rating in the CCA test. So if that unit is rated at 1100 CA, you should expect about 550 CCA.
Now since our batteries are deep cycle batteries, and not starting batteries, CA and CCA ratings are going to be lower than a similar sized cranking battery. However, our batteries will deliver much more reserve capacity. Reserve capacity is what is important for running electronics. Also, both CA and CCA tests are run at 7.2V, which is well below what your electronics will safely run at. They really have no value in determining their ability to run electronics.
All of that said, I think that your units are likely good working units, even if they may not deliver as many amps in a test. The true test would be to put them into service with your electronics and see how they perform there.'
I am still reluctant to just throw them in the boat without knowing that they are any better than the batteries that I already have. I thought that I read somewhere that the CCA is about 85% of what the CA is, rather than the 50% he is quoting me. I agree that the number most important as far as stereo stuff goes is going to be the reserve time. I want to be able to let the stereo run and not have dead batteries. Is there any way to do a comparison in the garage? I wondered about hooking the battery up to an inverter and then seeing how long it can run a blow dryer or some such item before losing voltage...any thoughts on this?
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