A member on ExPo wrote:Sears discontinued stocking the Optima batteries in 2007 for a few reasons. One of them had to do with failures (high-rate on red tops), which brought about their introduction of their Platinum line. Sadly, they (Optima) have gone down-hill in the past few years and aren't worth the $$$. Of course, that's a personal opinion so take it as such. I'd personally buy a DieHard Gold / SUV battery before a red top for use when major power draws aren't a factor.
The Platinums (mfg'd by EnerSys, who also does Odyssey and Naval submarine bats) are pretty good options and the warranty is hard to beat for when major draws are a factor. It's 4yr full, then an additional pro-rated out to 100 months [aka 48/100]. Price is up there at about $190. Their Gold (Johnson Control) is 36/100 for $110 and their SUV (same MFG as platinum, EnerSys) is 36/100 for $118.
The Roadie wrote:I have a 4 year old Red top that's been absolutely perfect - although I know I should consider replacing it before it goes bad on me.
The Roadie wrote:No way on another Optima. But don't ask me what I've decided on yet because I haven't even started serious research, but the Platinum is high on the list just from noticing all the good words.