The guys at Waves and Wheels down at LOTO sell the Kinetic batteries and say they are much better than the Optimas (which they also sell). I wish the Kinetic batteries would list the reserve time, because this is one of the more useful ratings for boaters.

I'm having a really tough time deciding what to go with needless to say...

It is not just the battery. In fact, the charger, and how you maintain the battery has the largest impact on battery life.

You can buy the absolute best battery out there, and toast it in 2 months.

i cant think of anything harder on a batt than a high powerd stereo , and kinetic says they are the best in the industry , as they state the more abuse the better it performs ! b.s or fsct is the question ?

Now there is a man that knows the truth about batteries.

The battery charger can make or break a good battery, period. Use only a "smart" charger type. Battery tender is a good model.

http://www.accumate.com/pro/

Here is a smart tender that has a specific program for the Odyssey and another for lead-acid.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-ACC-12V7A-S.html

Here is a source

Like these as well. I averaged 4-5 years each though. Great battery.

I'm surprised all the positive feedback on the Optimas. I've heard alot of negatives about them in the viper forums. -although, mine has been fine except doesn't seem to hold a charge as long as others.

had a pair of Exide Nautilus Gold 27's go 7 years with me and 2 more with next owner, with stereo.

proper maintenence, charging and storage is key.

am on 3rd year with Die Hard 27's for $70 apiece you can't go wrong. I have even more stereo in the 353

I always use my charger with deep cycle settings, nothing but distilled water, and a hydrometer for maintenence.

I seldom use the on-board charger.
Unless it has real "smart" technology they are very hard on batts.

I agree, the best maintenance for batteries is as little as possible. Every time a battery is charged it is damaged. Disconnect it, distilled water only and one good charge per year before lay up is enough. If you hook a charger on and leave it, the battery with be NG very fast, even a new one. Cold storage helps a lot as well.