Battery options BESIDES Optima?

I "kinda" knew that, LOL. "In a previous life" I sold auto parts for about 17 years. I've sold Autolite, Delco, Western, Standard, and a couple of other "brands" I've forgotten about

I used to joke with customers to forget what the warranty says, "pick it up and buy by the weight."

One day the hated new owner of my Dad's store (ran right out of business) ordered several "Standard" G24 50 month batteries. Standard sent the cheap ones, which are considerably lighter. He called them on the phone, there solution? Send out the longer warrantee stickers. I tried to explain to the J.A. that putting a warrantee sticker on a battery didn't make it a better battery, but he wasn't that smart.

you are definitely right about the warranty. The more expensive usually means just a better warranty. your also right about the true test for quality lead-acid batteries are the weight. The heavier they are usually means the more lead in them.