Optima batteries have a BAD reputation here in the US. I had very poor life out of 2 red top optima batteries and will NEVER buy them again. Here in the US, they are relatively cheap, typical red top is around US$150. Both red tops died within 2-3 years (just past warranty...) which makes them no better than an wet SLA for 2x or more the cost. This is in normal use, no extreme heats, no extreme vibration issues etc. The replacement SLA battery has been running fine for 2 years and I'll bet it happily lasts another 2-3 years.
Optima batteries were good years ago, unfortunately they moved manufacturing (supposedly to Mexico) and initiated cost cutting.
If you search US 4wd forums you'll find plenty of negative comments and reports of short battery life and overnight failures (works one day, dead the next). Odyssey AGM batteries are 'the' battery of choice for many in the US 4wd scene and are sold under another label or two, an expensive battery though.
Anyhow, knowing how much we get ripped off for things in oz (especially battery prices), I would not recommend wasting any extra $$ on an optima.
cheers,
george.
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