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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
Optimate versus CTEK?
Hi all,
I currently use an Optimate Accumate battery charger/conditioner for my Defender. As I use my Defender at weekends I keep it plugged in and connected during the week.

I have had the Accumate for quite a number of years and have experienced no issues.

It has recently started to show signs of a potential fault, so I am thinking of replacing.

Given my positive experience, I am minded to replace with like for like but I am very aware that the CTek is the most discussed and arguably most favoured battery conditioner on this forum.

I genuinely appreciate and respect the advice and recommendations from forum members, so before I replace I was hoping you’d share your wisdom!

Thanks in advance,

Will
Post #1020310 6th Jan 2024 3:24pm
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jcw



Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 168

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey
I’ve had both and never had any issues with either, not sure there’s anything between them quality wise.

I’ve also added a Noco Genius to my collection, again, very happy with that too - maybe worth consideration.
Post #1020311 6th Jan 2024 3:58pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
That’s good to know - thank you.
I hadn’t heard of the Noco - I shall look into that too.
Decisions…decisions…

Cheers 👍
Post #1020312 6th Jan 2024 4:01pm
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peanutbob



Member Since: 12 Feb 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 291

United Kingdom 
I have a Ctek MXS 5.0 which I used for the past 3 years to charge/condition a bmw which is sorned in the garage every winter for 5 months. Works fine and left plugged in during each period.
Post #1020321 6th Jan 2024 6:26pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
Thanks peanutbob,
It’s the CTEK MXS 5.0 I’ve been looking at. That seems to be a favourite on here for obviously good reason.

As jcw points out, there’s probably not much between the 2 main players.

If anyone has any negative experiences then I’d also like to hear those too.
Post #1020325 6th Jan 2024 6:54pm
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mick



Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 2109

England 2010 Defender 130 Puma 2.4 HCPU Rimini Red
Don’t bother with C-tek not as good as they used to be get a Victron
Post #1020327 6th Jan 2024 7:07pm
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big ives



Member Since: 24 Dec 2013
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 125

United Kingdom 
just my two pennies worth

i have a CTEX MS10 for years and no issues, worked it hard charging and keeping charged batterries on my offroad landy with Odyessy batteries and on my V8 defender (as i work away i need to keep all charged and topped up)

two months ago i treated myself to another CTEX MS 10 and to be honest i dont think its a good as the older one which is still working. i get errors on the new one, its stops charging, slow to charge, so maybe if i can get off my arse i might have to send it back, maybe its faulty!!!!!!!!!

i am in the process of buying
an OPTIMATE 6 or 7 12V/24V 6A/3A BATTERY CHARGER (still googling to get the best one with the higher charging amps) friends of mine swear by these optimate and its got the 24v so i can keep my off road truck, 24v system fully charged when i am away.

as above just my two pennies worth 2016 Discovery 4
1989 90 CSW V8 (fully rebuilt and running like a dream)
1996 defender tray back fully rebuilt/loaded for challenge events
Post #1020355 7th Jan 2024 5:30am
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WestCountryPete



Member Since: 30 Sep 2023
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 41

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
Another vote for Noco. Had one for a couple of years to sit the M3W on and it’s been faultless, and all at a good price. Also got their boost which has always worked well, although thankfully not had to use it too often.

Recently bought a CTEK MXS5.0 for the Landy to sit on when not being used as I’d heard great reviews. It’s fine and appears to do the job, but the Noco feels better made. Haven’t used it too much yet but went for CTEK as I picked up a 13 pin connector to charge through.
Post #1020357 7th Jan 2024 8:47am
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
All really helpful - much more to consider. It’s good that others have shared their experience of multiple products rather than having only one like myself.

Price will also be something I will have to consider, as I’ll be in the sub £100 price bracket I think.

Thanks for all the responses so far. Really helpful and very much appreciated 👍
Post #1020358 7th Jan 2024 8:53am
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Lightwater



Member Since: 28 Jun 2020
Location: Sydney NB
Posts: 71

Australia 
mick wrote:
Don’t bother with C-tek not as good as they used to be get a Victron

I have 10 & 30amp Victron chargers, a couple of Victron MPPT solar controllers, Victron DC-DC chargers.

One doesn't want to be 1000 km away from anything in outback Australia with third rate products.

At least have to keep the beer cold! Visitor - Freelander owner
Post #1020364 7th Jan 2024 10:48am
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
Victron do look rather nice and I can see that it isn’t style over substance - they are good kit.

I ‘think’ they may be a little more than I need but I am still looking into it.

My wife reminded me that I’ve had the Accumate for nearly 15 years!
I was also reminded that it was bought for another ‘small classic’ with a much smaller battery.

At the moment I do like the look and price of the Optimate 6. If anyone has any poor experiences of this then please let me know 👍
Post #1020367 7th Jan 2024 11:32am
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NickMc



Member Since: 01 Oct 2014
Location: Norn Iron
Posts: 1624

Northern Ireland 2006 Defender 90 Td5 HT Bonatti Grey
I had a few CTeK over the years and still do (probably about 6/7 years old now) always find them spot on Thumbs Up
Post #1020399 7th Jan 2024 3:57pm
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Ianh



Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 1999

United Kingdom 
I have the Ctek MXS 7 . It has worked perfectly on many batteries and as a constant trickle charger for the defender over the winter when not used for weeks . Being a MXS 7 it can also provide a 7 AMP supply to power components on the bench or provide power to the vehicle when you change a battery so you can keep radio etc settings.
Post #1020405 7th Jan 2024 4:22pm
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Screbble



Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2100

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver
Thanks folks - all adding to the procurement intel 👍
Post #1020408 7th Jan 2024 5:10pm
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Mdm



Member Since: 11 Sep 2013
Location: Sunny Lancashire
Posts: 1599

United Kingdom 
i have one older ctek left the newer ones dont last as long.

sealey have some good ones and the warranty is ace when they fail,cut plug off sent picture and a new one arrives asap

even the ring ones are ok for the money.

newer snap on ones are not worth the money and have no better warranty than any others (older ones ar good though)
Post #1020592 8th Jan 2024 9:31pm
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