I've got no grudge against AGM batteries or Optimas when used in cars, trucks, tractors, etc. In fact, I've never been mad a battery, ever. When it comes to battery banks, the argument is kind of moot since Optima pretty much gave up in that market. I just don't appreciate unsubstantiated hype that pops up often all over the Net forums.
AGMs have several advantages over flooded-lead-acid batteries. Longevity isn't one of them WHEN you compare the two battery types fairly.
AGMs don't self-discharge near as fast as flooded-lead-acid batteries since they rarely use antinmony on the plates. AGMs also are spill proof and can even be mounted upside down. And, many dealers like them because they can be air-shipped.
The main point that some people might want to consider, is - what they are likely to get for the extra cost. Jumping up and down and making wild claims about how AGMs have double the life of lead-acid batterie is rediculous. Saying dollar for dollar they are cheaper in the end - is also not generally true. And claiming batteries like Optimas have much better warrantees ? Utter nonsense and very easy to verify.
Many lead-acid batterie last 5-7 years and some make it 10 years. Same can be said for AGMs. AGMs tend to get less self-discharged when sitting around not being used. But, they will also fail much sooner than a FLA if charged at too high a voltage.
If a person doesn't have a special application that needs the AGM, where is the gain when the price is often twice of a similar power lead-acid battery?
So, some may not agree with my thinking, but I see it like this. I have many cars, trucks, and tractors. As long as I have them, I'm always going to be buying batteries. It could be summed up to a certain cost, per month, forever. Any calculation I've read, done by people with more resources then me, has shown lead-acid batteries to give the most for the dollar, over time - by a wide margin.
Granted, many lead-acid batteries have doubled in price in the past three years - so things change.
Again if a person loves his Optima, it's fine with me. Just be factual about it's advantages over other batteries.
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