When you buy something through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Last Updated on June 8, 2025
This article looks at the Redodo 12V 100Ah LiFePo4 lithium battery, specifically for trolling motors. We'll compare it to a traditional lead-acid battery, focusing on performance, weight, and overall value. The goal is to see if a lithium battery really makes a difference for your boat's trolling motor.
The Redodo LiFePo4 Battery: What It Is
Redodo sent over their 12.8V 100Ah low-temp battery for trolling motors. I've been using an old lead-acid battery for my trolling motor tests, so they thought a lithium one would be a good comparison. This battery is designed to work well with trolling motors, and it's supposed to deliver power better than lead-acid types.
Key Takeaways
- Price: The Redodo 12.8V 100Ah low-temp battery sells for around $179.99, but it's often on sale for less. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper, usually under $100.
- Warranty: The Redodo battery has a 5-year warranty, while lead-acid batteries often only have a 2-year warranty.
- Weight: This Redodo battery weighs 22.8 lbs. A comparable lead-acid battery can weigh around 60 lbs. That's a big difference!
- Chemistry: LiFePo4 batteries are known to last much longer and handle more recharges than lead-acid batteries.
- Size: Both the Redodo and my old lead-acid battery are "group 29" (or group 31, which is similar in size), meaning they have the same dimensions. This makes it easy to swap them out.
- Charging: You can use a charger that switches between AGM and lithium batteries. If your charger doesn't do that, you'll need a new one for lithium.
Features of the Redodo Battery
Redodo has put some good features into this battery. One is low temperature charging cut-off protection. This means it won't charge if the temperature drops below 0°C (freezing). It waits until the temperature is above 5°C to start charging again. This helps protect the battery.
It also supports high current draws: 300 amps for 5 seconds and 400 amps for 1 second. This is good for when you first turn on your trolling motor and it needs a sudden burst of power.
This particular model doesn't have Bluetooth, but Redodo does sell a version with Bluetooth for a bit more money. If you rely on your battery a lot, having Bluetooth to check the voltage could be useful.
LiFePo4 batteries are also very safe. Unlike lead-acid batteries where you might spill acid, these are sealed. I've had battery acid burn my hand before, so this is a big plus.
Performance Test: Lithium vs. Lead-Acid
I tested the Redodo battery against my old lead-acid battery on a 16-foot Boston Whaler. This boat is heavy and has a lot of drag, plus I had another motor in the water.
| Battery Type | Direction | Speed (MPH) |
|---|---|---|
| Redodo LiFePo4 | Upstream | 3.1 |
| Redodo LiFePo4 | Downstream | 3.1 |
| Lead-Acid | Upstream | 2.5-2.8 |
| Lead-Acid | Downstream | 3.0-3.4 |
With the Redodo battery, I consistently got about 3.1 mph, both upstream and downstream. When I switched to the lead-acid battery, even after taking the other motors out of the water to give it an advantage, the speeds were lower. Upstream, I was getting around 2.5 to 2.8 mph. Downstream, it would hit over 3 mph for a second or two, but mostly stayed around 3.0 mph.
This shows that the lithium battery provides more consistent power. The chemistry of a LiFePo4 battery helps it maintain speed better. It also has upgraded BMS (Battery Management System) protection, which means it's better protected from dust, moisture, and salt spray. If the BMS kicks in to protect the battery, it will reset itself after 30 seconds, so you don't have to disconnect and reconnect it.
Final Thoughts
For me, what matters most is a battery that lasts a long time and isn't too heavy. The Redodo LiFePo4 battery is much lighter than my lead-acid battery. It's also completely sealed, so I don't have to add water to it.
The price of these lithium batteries has come down a lot. While they are still a bit more expensive than lead-acid batteries upfront, the longer lifespan and better performance make them a good value. If you need a 12-volt trolling motor battery, a LiFePo4 battery like this one from Redodo is a solid choice.
