Field Test: Batteries Plus X2Power Lithium Pro

Our expert had these batteries in his bass boat the past year. Here are his impressions.

March 20, 2023 By Dr. Todd A. Kuhn

Batteries are the life blood of any angler's rig. We depend on them to crank our outboards, power our electronics and make our trolling motors hum. Recently, lithium batteries, once thought of as inaccessible due to their pricing, have become more affordable, and in most cases, invaluable to serious fishermen everywhere. Over the past year I have been afforded the opportunity to personally field test a set of the X2Power in my bass boat.

LITHIUM ADVANTAGES

X2Power lithium marine batteries offer several advantages over traditional flooded acid or gel (AGM) marine batteries. First and foremost, they are significantly lighter. This is due in part to their construction, one which doesn't rely on lead plates to make and store power.

My pair of X2Power Lithium's utilize a lithium-ion phosphate chemistry to generate power, having a total mass weight of 56 pounds (2X @ 28-pounds each), as compared to my previous AGM batteries which tipped the scales right at 150-pounds. That translate to a weight savings of nearly 100-pounds. In modern bass boats, or any fishing boat for that matter, that weight savings improves top-end speed and gas mileage, both crucially important to serious anglers. 

Other lithium battery advantages include the ability to charge them in an abbreviated amount of time. Lithium's charge up to four-times faster than lead acid batteries and hold their charge longer. Lithium batteries discharge at a very slow rate when stored, such as during wintertime boat storage. This means boats can be stored, in many cases, without the need of a trickle charger which can be a fire hazard when left unattended.

Lithium batteries offer a better discharge rate too. That is, they provide full power from a 100% charge down to a 1% charge. This means you have full power throughout the discharge cycle, unlike gel or lead acid batteries, whose power curve degrades as they discharge, offering degraded power delivery. Additionally, lithium batteries hold a higher charge, lasting ten-times longer than traditional lead acid batteries.

My set of Group 31M batteries measured the same as any traditional gel or lead acid battery, taping 12.95 x 6.77 x 8.8-inches. They were rated as 100AH and 1280-watt hours. They are “maintenance free,” meaning you don't have to add water or access the inside of the battery during their life span.

PERFORMANCE

My bass boat uses three batteries, one for cranking, and two for the three fish finders and the trolling motor which is a 24-volt Minn Kota Ultrex. One of the only drawbacks to a lithium battery is they cannot be used for cranking chores. Lithium batteries are designed to provide a sustained discharge over an extended period. Hence, they are built for deep cycle applications only. This should not be a drawback for most anglers, as cranking batteries are typically smaller and are easily maintained with the outboards charging system.

I mounted the two X2Power Lithium batteries in the front of my boat, to lighten the aft end and help plane the boat faster with more of a hole shot. I was surprised at the difference the set-up offered. The boat jumped out of the hole quicker and planed faster with more bow lift. Admittedly, this may not be important to other fishermen, but for those who are able to move their batteries around, it is a big advantage. The weight savings in the boat afforded me an extra mile per hour of top end and a bit better gas mileage. The ability to handle the batteries easily will be also appreciated by those who remove their batteries from their boats when not in use. The ability to lift these effortlessly is huge.

I purposely spent three full days on the water without re-charging the X2Power pair. I fish on the St. Johns River in Central Florida, so the trolling motor is on most of the time fighting the current. Added to the battery load, as mentioned earlier, are the three sonar units which have a hefty amperage draw.

After three days on-the-water, my batteries were still running everything without any degradation in performance or hiccups. This level of performance is important for many reasons.

First, for those who fish competitively, the importance of seemingly unlimited, dependable battery power cannot be overstated. Charging availability at many of the tournament venues is often “iffy” at best. If unavailable, the ability to fish several days without a charge is priceless. Additionally, the ability to rapidly charge a battery system is critical too. Being able to quickly charge batteries, without the need to leave them on the charger overnight lends peace of mind to anglers concerned about leaving their boats plugged in all night.

COST SAVINGS?

First generation lithium marine batteries were horrifically expensive to say the least. A pair could easily run upwards of $3000. Today, the X2Power 12v Group 31ah Lithium retails for $899 per battery. While this is still more expensive than a pair of AGM or lead acid, the X2Power batteries save you money in the long run.

Additional savings can be had also by the fast charge rate of the X2Power's. Chargers are energy intensive drains, so the ability to cut charging times down to hours instead of overnight will save on power bills. For any angler who has ever had a battery or batteries die on-the-water know that a dependable battery is worth its weight in gold.

X2Power lithiums are manufactured and marketed by Batteries Plus. Batteries Plus stores are located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. With over 700 stores nation-wide, you can count on being able to find warranty service in the high unlikely event you need it.

For those searching for a reliable, lightweight and powerful marine battery, whether for their boat or RV, I highly recommend giving the X2Power marine lineup a look. I think you will like what you see.

TECHNOLOGY ENTERS THE BATTERY WORLD

X2Power Power lithium batteries are now smarter than ever before.

The demand for marine lithium batteries has increased dramatically recently as boaters, anglers and anyone who just loves the water have discovered their advantages. X2Power has added six new models to their 12V and 36V marine lithium battery lineup. The new batteries have integrated Bluetooth technology.

Each of the six new battery models are now Bluetooth compatible. When paired with the X2Power app, users now have access into their battery life and battery performance. This enhancement offers users a new level of confidence that power will never be an issue when out on-the-water.

As part of this new launch, X2Power is offering an industry leading 10-year free replacement warranty. No pro-rated conversations, if the battery is not performing up to expectations, it will be replaced. The new models include:

12V 9Ah LiFePO4 – NEW

Dimensions: 5.94 inches (L) x 2.55 inches (W) x 3.74 inches (H)
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Bluetooth not available

12V 12Ah LiFePO4 – NEW

Dimensions: 5.94 inches (L) x 3.90 inches (W) x 3.74 inches (H)
Weight: 3.0 pounds
Bluetooth not available

12V 20Ah LiFePO4 - UPGRADED

Dimensions: 7.12 inches (L) x 3 inches (W) x 6.5 inches (H)
Weight: 5.6-pounds
Bluetooth integrated.

12V 35Ah LiFePO4 with Bluetooth – NEW

Dimensions: 5.16 inches (L) x 5.16 inches (W) x 6.73 inches (H)
Weight: 9.7 pounds
Bluetooth integrated.

12V 50Ah LiFePO4 - UPGRADED

Dimensions: 7.8 inches (L) x 6.5 inches (W) x 6.7 inches (H)
Weight: 13.9 pounds
Bluetooth integrated.

12V G24 75Ah LiFePO4 – NEW

Dimensions: 10.2 inches (L) x 6.6 inches (W) x 8.6 inches (H)
Weight: 20.5 pounds
Bluetooth integrated.

12V G27 100Ah LiFePO4 - UPGRADED

Dimensions: 12.1 inches (L) x 6.6 inches (W) x 8.7 inches (H)
Weight: 20.5 pounds
Bluetooth integrated

12V 125Ah LiFePO4 – NEW

Dimensions: 12.95 inches (L) x 6.77 inches (W) x 8.8 inches (H)
Weight: 33.3 pounds
Bluetooth integrated

36V 40Ah LiFePO4 – NEW

Dimensions: 12.95 inches (L) x 6.77 inches (W) x 8.8 inches (H)
Weight: 33.3 pounds
Bluetooth integrated

The X2Power Batteries mobile application will be available on both the Apple App store and the Google Play store. Here you will be able to view an accurate reading of your battery's current voltage, power, cycles and discharging time available to ensure that you know exactly how your battery is performing real-time.

Learn more about X2Power Batteries