Which load tester should I buy?

[posplayr]

This looks to be a pretty good technical explanation of the differences in battery testers.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/testing_deep_cycle_lead_acid_batteries

After reading this, it is pretty clear that if you are looking to just test your motorcycle battery, the 10 amp load of as described in the first couple of steps of the Quicktest is going to be close to fool proof, although I cant guarantee that just because you pass a t10 amps you will pass at 20 amps with the starter cranking.

The only thing that will do that is the Carbon pile tester as it will actually test to the required level.

[barnbiketom]

The one I had at the GM Stealership was electronic and tiny. I really didn't trust it but it somehow it swept the battery, and in 3 different tests, said good or bad. I do not think it did a "load" test as we know it , even short anything even for a moment, but rather polled the frequencies that the bat would pass somehow.
It did find bad batteries and using both the old 50 yr old LOAD tester, the two gave identical results..
go figure? but I like the old style, cause I'M OLD

[dpep]

Okay, I just tested three batteries, all AGMs fully charged by tenders. They all three tested good on both devices--the cheapo load tester from Harbor Freight and the little electronic gizmo. The HF one has an analog meter that showed the needle solidly in the green part for the battery's rated CCA range on the dial. On the electronic one I had to enter the CCA before applying the load and it just gave a green light to show the battery passed. After each test the batteries dropped some voltage, down from 13 and change to 12.6-12.9.

The electronic one is smaller and easier to handle. It would pack well for traveling. It also is supposed to check charging and starting problems, but I haven't even read the instructions for those yet.

Te bottom line for me is that I was able to establish that I don't have a battery problem. I have a starter problem. I ordered one from Beemer Boneyard for $200. Your friendly local BMW dealer will charge you $350 for the same thing. Either figure is insane. I know I could have paid less shopping the internet, but I needed confidence in the vendor. I do not want to repeat this process anytime soon.
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