I used the Optima Batteries last year and used them hard. So far I like them but I need to use them for another 5 years to see if they are really worth the extra money. They claim that they are suppose to last twice as long as the regular wet cell lead acid batteries. Since I get about 3 years of use out of my regular batteries I should expect six years out of my new Optimas. So time will tell.
Now the second good thing about the optimas is that they take a charge much faster. I like that feature a lot. So yes in that sense they are worth the extra 40 bucks.
Not sure where you can buy them online but I got mine at the AutoZone Store. Most automobile parts stores may sell them. I know that Batteries Plus sells them also. PepBoys sells them also.
Make sure that you get the Blue Tops for Marine Use. They are suppose to be more vibration resistant.
Hopefully some day the price will come down as more conpetition occurs. That patent on the spiral cell technology won't last forever.
Originally Posted by Redtick