Fishfinder Battery Life: Lithium vs Sealed Lead Acid

[@Jfldhr]

Honest test is what anglers needed these days. Too many paid "Professional " reviews on the web now. Thank you

[@MrRocque]

May already have been mentioned in another comment, however...depleting an SLA battery below 50% will ultimately decrease the life span of the battery. As such, SLA batteries, though 'rated' as their max. ah, are really only useful to HALF their rating. IE. 7ah is really only useful to 50% or about 3.5ah (being responsible users who want to make their batteries last as long as possible). Lithium batteries don't have as much of a problem being deeply discharged. So a 10ah lithium battery is useful almost up to that full 10 hours @ 1Amp. As such, add the duty cycle (times you can discharge/recharge a battery) and how long you can actually use a battery after a full charge, the lithium is well worth MORE than 4x the value of an SLA. 2000 cycles (vs 400), FULLY dischargable (vs 50%), FULL ah rating (10ah = 10hm vs an SLA at 7ah that's only usable to HALF that rating) you're getting 5X the lifespan, double the single use, FULL voltage (vs the SLAs constantly decreasing voltage) and weighs LESS. (SLA batteries shouldn't be discharged below their rated voltage either. IE, a 12V battery shouldn't be discharged below 12V, even though some devices can operate on $100 for a single battery (and then there's the lithium charger to add to that). It's why I haven't converted to lithium myself. I don't use my SLAs enough to warrent lithium (I don't use my fishfinder 'every' day or even every weekend). But, if I did...I WOULD buy lithium. The other option is to use 'smaller' lithium packs, if you're device isn't a massive power PIG. IE. smaller rated 12v lithium packs, less than standard SLA ratings, say 6000mAh (that's 6Ah) are smaller, cost not much more than double what ONE 7Ah SLA costs...and they're

[@davidcudlip6587]

I use Amped Outdoors Lithium batteries in my old Vexlar flasher. Never looked back on changing over to that type of battery.

[@RobertHart1984]

Thank you for all your time in research! Your a nice person.

[@edwinrcorbin2579]

Excellent, thank you so much! You are very well spoken.

[@muffdiver250]

Thanks, I was curious how much better lithium was and now I'm getting one for sure

[@pdxfisher1]

Great video! I had never thought about the shape of the discharge curve. That was really good thinking. I just got a new LiPO battery to replace my SLA and based on your findings I should do even better than just the AH increase. Woo hoo!

[@bunsguns8222]

Dakota ordered and credit given!

[@davehoward3645]

Love the topic and your coverage.

[@riffsandwich9541]

Been on the fence for a while and this may have pushed me over. Tired of wanting to lug an extra battery on multi day camping trips...

[@Darth_Rambo6]

Great video bro thank you!! I have a helix 5 too and just got a lithium battery earlier today. Great to know how it can perform.

[@wojomojo]

Thanks. For my purpose, I would try to get a smaller Lithium battery for even less weight without having to spend 4x as much.

[@spiltmilt]

They make a 7Ah for $40

[@bunsguns8222]

Spend half the price of the battery on gas, bait etc to get somewhere and have it die early is not a savings in my book. If weight is a real concern that might make some sense but what are we talking here a couple pounds?

[@AK-ms5zk]

Thank you, extremely informative 👍🏼

[@shred5]

Other things to consider. Sealed Lead Acid batteries will last quite a while if not used heavily and when it goes, it goes out all at once. A lithium battery will start to degrade over time and is less dependent on the number of charges - even if it sits, after a year the max. life will be noticeably shorter than it was new.

[@steveking8548]

Great review!!! In your reply below, you said they make a 7ah lipo. If that's the case, why didn't you compare the 7ah lipo to the 6ah sla?

[@finsfeathersandbone2823]

Well imagine that I just ordered mine today for my Helix after the information you provided me last night thanks again 👍

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Great comparison!

[@edbrown3047]

Whatva great and informative video..thanks!!

[@joejunion6934]

Great video Thank You, is there anything special to charging that Lithium Battery? What about discharging it to far, does it have an internal circuit that shuts it off to protect it?

[@spiltmilt]

The manufacturer recommends their own charger and yes the battery has an internal circuit to protect it.

[@galliogarcia]

I just got a Helix 5 and the batterie that came with it always die over night even if I’m not using it. Am I suppose to unhook the barrier completely when I’m not using the unit or something? Like I said this is brand new, so maybe it’s a bad batterie?

[@spiltmilt]

Sounds like a bad battery. You shouldn't be drawing any amps with the unit turned off.

[@travis6923]

Looking to upgrade my fish finder. For kayak fishing particularly for trout, whitefish, and Kokanee is side imaging worth the extra expense or of limited value in your opinion.

[@spiltmilt]

Can be handy for locating schools of Kokanee but fairly limited benefit for trout and whitefish

[@cannedlaughter2535]

Did the approximated price of a lithium battery include a charger? It was not mentioned that a charger for a lead acid battery will not charge a lithium battery. I've heard it said that repeatedly draining a lead acid battery waaay down will degrade its functional lifespan considerably. Is this true? How about with a lithium battery? This would be something to consider. I have an additional lead acid battery from my Ice-35 flasher which I can switch out to my new Helix 7 ice when its battery runs low (the Helix 7 IS an energy hog compared to the ICE-35). Obviously, I can't switch them out if I'm "lending" my Ice-35 to a friend on the same trip BUT, for me and because I am frugal and when I am by myself, switching them out is my most immediate solution. Plus I'll have a backup fish finder if the first malfunctions.

[@spiltmilt]

Chargers are generally not included with any batteries I'm aware of and you do need specific chargers for lithium. Completely draining a battery is hard on it no matter if it lead acid or lithium. That being said I've heard that its less detrimental for lithium but I've not tested it.

[@cannedlaughter2535]

​@@spiltmilt Please understand that my words are not meant to be a criticism. Just an..."addendum." At least some viewers may be switching FROM a lead acid battery (which they already own) to a lithium battery (and a required charger). For instance, my Helix 7 ICE came with a lead acid battery and charger. For them (as with me) the additional charger would have to be factored into the cost. That is all.

[@spiltmilt]

I didn't take it as criticism.

[@vladchernit]

Thanks! 👍

[@5moonunit]

Great vid bro. I just ordered the helix 5 ice and hoping the battery that comes with it last a day. The one that comes with it is a 12v 7ah and the Dakota is 12v 10ah. Thinking about getting the Dakota. So you think I should

[@spiltmilt]

Any upgrade to lithium is a good idea. Do it!

[@larsvegas1505]

id just buy lithium on aliexpress though... 30 bucks for a 10ah battery pack... half that if ur ok with the shrinkwrap deal.. including charger.. at that point u shouldnt even consider getting lead acid..

[@JosephWarner]

Great video. Quick question, how long will each battery stay fully charged when not in use?

[@spiltmilt]

Similar to lead acid about 10% loss per month but depends on temperatures

[@LinhTran-qz1lw]

Was your test including running the transducer too I assume Or just the finder head. Does your unit have side imaging and down imaging? Thanks Love your vids!!

[@spiltmilt]

I ran the transducer too

[@alleghenymountainoutdoors2761]

I have been using the Noqua 10amp battery for the last couple of years in my kayak. I am curious if you have tried this product over the larger lithium battery you are using?

[@spiltmilt]

I did not

[@alleghenymountainoutdoors2761]

Spilt Milt Productions I like the Noqua because it’s only 1.75 lbs. It is a bit pricey but well worth it in my opinion. Thanks for the awesome videos! 👍

[@MRwhoaIsMe]

Any issues with your helix not reporting accurate battery life after installing the lithium battery? Mine was stuck at 100 percent for several days not giving me the appropriate information needed when on the ice for a weekend.

[@dougrichardson1980]

When not in use, is it OK to leave the lithium battery on constant trickle charge?

[@spiltmilt]

They don’t lose much charge if not in use for a few weeks. If storing for months it’s best to store at 60-80% charge for better cell longevity

[@IcecyOutdoors]

Thanks for the video, but comparing two batteries with the same (or very close) AH capacity would have been more useful to me in making a decision.

[@spiltmilt]

My goal was to demonstrate that a lithium battery packs more energy into the same size battery which is an advantage. I'm sorry that was lost on you.

[@IcecyOutdoors]

@@spiltmilt Neither the video title, nor the description mentions size. So, it's only logical to expect that the comparison would be made on two equal CAPACITY batteries, therefore nothing was lost on me, you just poorly titled/described your video and compared apples to oranges. This video, unfortunately just comes out as a promotional effort for the Dakota Lithium, however subtle as it might be.

[@spiltmilt]

Well I don't work for Dakota (I actually think their batteries are overpriced) but I still recommend lithium over SLA.

[@RatedRTV]

if you flip a kayak and this battery gets temporarily submerged is it trashed? any dangers when running a dakota without any waterproof cases?

[@spiltmilt]

It's sealed. It will be fine.

[@thomasrayly8548]

99 bucks for 10ah battery is way too much, you can buy 8 LiFePo4 cells from china and have 11ah battery for 24 euro...

[@SH-oo7iu]

Have you tried any of the cheaper lithium batteries

[@spiltmilt]

Yes many cheaper brands work fine

[@curdit9]

Good info. Do you know if either type has trouble with sitting unused for long periods of time? I could easily go a few months between uses, depending on work schedule or type of fishing I'm doing.

[@spiltmilt]

As long you charge both before putting them in storage neither will be adversely affected by infrequent usage. If they sit for more than 6 months be sure and pull them out and recharge them periodically.

[@JUNEORJUNE]

WHERE CAN I BUY THE BATTERY CHARGER?

[@spiltmilt]

For which battery?

[@JUNEORJUNE]

@@spiltmilt LITHIUM

[@Theloveoffishing7448]

Amazon...$39

[@ZZ430T56]

Make sure the Lithium is LiFeP04 and NOT LiIon

[@spiltmilt]

Its extremely rare to encounter Li Ion batteries 12 volt batteries.

[@ZZ430T56]

@@spiltmilt kzbin.info/www/bejne/aajGen55o9amias

[@AngryFisherman]

If you add a regulator you will get even more time

[@mikegross1810]

My battery is losing its powe Lx7

[@mooman357]

I respect the testing involved, but this isn't a real direct comparison. The RC of each battery isnt the same. You are comparing a 10ah to a 7ah. Obviously you will have a much longer run time with a 10ah. If you compared same capacity, the numbers would not be so far apart. I do believe that switching over to Lithium is a better option simply due to weight and you can get much more capacity. But you earn a subscriber.

[@batmantiss]

It's a direct size comparison.

[@mooman357]

If it is a size comparison, why not find a 7ah vs a 12ah. 7, 9, 10 and 12ah are all the same size. RC is a better comparison IMO.