posted 03-30-2011 07:43 AM ET (US)        

The Odyssey Drycell Extreme 34 PC1500MST is a 12V 825CCA Marine Start Deep Cycle battery that sells for [$346] at Odyssey retailers like BatteriesPlus+.

The Sears-brand DIEHARD Platinum Marine 34M battery is extremely similar to the Odyssey battery and is believed to be made by the same company. It sells for [$250] at Sears, but it is often on sale for a lower price.

The presentation on manufacture of the Odyssey AGM battery (see above) emphasizes the use of 99.9-percent pure lead as a distinguishing characteristic of the Odyssey batteries as compared to competitors. As previously noted in many discussions, it is the use of pure lead in a battery which improves the self-discharge characteristics of the battery.

The notion that Sear batteries and Odyssey batteries are made by the same manufacturer is widely held. Here is a link to a website which presents this claim:

http://bestbatterytips.com/tags/odyssey-battery/

The appearance of the two batteries, other than use of different color plastics for the case, is very similar, and the specifications are very similar.

This press release seems to confirm this notion:

--begin press release---
EnerSys Signs Multi-Year Contract to Provide Sears Holdings With Long-Life DieHard(R) Platinum Batteries

READING, Pa. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Feb. 27 [2007] /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), the world's largest manufacturer, marketer and distributor of industrial batteries, today announced it has signed a multi- year contract with Sears Holdings (Nasdaq: SHLD) to manufacture and supply Sears with a newly categorized DieHard Platinum branded battery for aftermarket automotive and marine applications. DieHard is America's most preferred automotive battery, among those stating a preference.

Beginning in March, 2007, Sears Auto Centers will be the exclusive distribution channel for DieHard Platinum batteries. "By working with EnerSys on the new DieHard Platinum battery, we continue the legacy of innovation that was established with the original DieHard battery 40 years ago," said Rick Sawyer, vice president/general merchandise manager of Sears Auto Centers. "We're confident this new battery will live up to the DieHard brand name and that users will be pleased with its performance. These premium-grade batteries are designed for a longer life than traditional batteries, offer increased levels of safe operation, can withstand extreme heat and cold, and are durable for consumer automotive/marine applications. The DieHard Platinum battery will offer proven vibration resistance to the consumer market.

The new DieHard Platinum batteries have up to 28% more Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) than comparatively sized spiral Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries providing much more starting power to automobiles and boats, along with unmatched reserved capacity. These thin-plate pure-lead batteries will carry DieHard batteries' best-ever, free replacement warranty. See your local Sears store for written warranty details.

"We're thrilled to provide this high-end, durable DieHard Platinum version to consumers," said John Craig, chairman, president and chief executive officer of EnerSys. "This partnership represents a great opportunity for more users to benefit from our pure-lead technology products."

The DieHard Platinum batteries are manufactured in EnerSys' U.S. manufacturing facility in Warrensburg, Mo, where the first DieHard Platinum came off the production line today. They have a valve-regulated design that allows them to be installed in any orientation, except inverted, without spilling and the U.S. Department of Transportation has classified them as non- spillable for safe shipping.

For more information, contact Richard Zuidema, Executive Vice President, EnerSys, P.O. Box 14145, Reading, PA 19612-4145. Tel: 800/538-3627; Web site: www.enersys.com.

About EnerSys

EnerSys, the world leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes reserve power and motive power batteries as well as chargers, power equipment and battery accessories to customers worldwide. With a strong commitment to innovation, EnerSys has developed a broad spectrum of technologies including lead-acid, specialty nickel based and lithium ion batteries. The company's reserve power batteries are used in numerous applications requiring standby power. Several types of commercial electric powered vehicles employ its motive power batteries, and EnerSys' premium batteries are utilized in a wide variety of motor vehicle, power sports and recreational vehicles. The company also provides aftermarket and customer support through its global sales and manufacturing network.

More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
---end press release---