Which batteries to use?

[Doc Wu]

I think this is a welcome change that allows you to obtain your batteries locally in many cases.

If you walk into a local battery seller, and ask for a MK Battery ES17-12, they will probably look it up and come back with some other brand anyway. Any differences between these are so slight as to be imperceptible, although I'm sure there will be many discussions on here with anecdotal evidence that certain brands are better or worse than others.

Universal Battery and Power Patrol are widely available brands. Battery Mart, I believe, is a house brand for a wholesale outlet.

Andy Mark is already out of batteries for the season, so this will help many teams. Shipping on these batteries is expensive, too, so anything that helps teams obtain them locally is of help.

I'm surprised they missed several other manufacturers that make equivalent batteries.

[Ankit S.]

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

Andy Mark is already out of batteries for the season, so this will help many teams.

Where are you seeing this?

This shows otherwise.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

I'm surprised they missed several other manufacturers that make equivalent batteries.

I don't think they did miss them. From the R31 blue box: "To seek approval for an equivalent battery, please contact frcparts[at]usfirst.org with the battery supplier and part number. Approved batteries will be added to the list above." (Slight change so the contact doesn't get spammed to death.)

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

I'm surprised they missed several other manufacturers that make equivalent batteries.

But fortunately they've provided a system to suggest additions by emailing frcparts@usfirst.org

Edit: Whoops, Eric beat me to it.

[Cal578]

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

Andy Mark is already out of batteries for the season, ...

Only the FirstChoice is sold out. As Ankit said (with a link), you can still buy the batteries from AndyMark.