[MattO]

I'm not en electrical engineer. I don't know alot about the chemical processes involved in these different batteries, I can only speak from an extensive experience thus far with many different types of batteries thanks to years spent in the car stereo scene.

Years ago, Optima's were a great choice of battery. They held a charge, they performed well, etc. but in recent years they have lost their way and become a name that I avoid recommending for all the reasons that have already been listed in this thread.

Seeing as Optima's weren't going to last for what I needed, I turned to a company called "Kinetik" and ran several of their power cells for years. In one truck I had a KHC1800 and two "Cap Killer" KHC600's. These were basically ultra high capacity AGM batteries with a shiny blue case and a reputation for being the best at the time. I also ran a KHC1800 in my GMC Canyon and was happy with it until it died a terrible death.

About 6 months ago I had one of the "Cap Killer" batteries in my Silverado go south and the KHC1800 under the hood followed very closely behind.

It was at this point that I contacted the team at XS Power ( 4xspower.com ) and talked to them about a new battery for my Canyon. I haven't been running the battery more than 2 months now, but thus far, I am VERY impressed with the performance. It uses the same AGM technology we are all familiar with, but packs the case tighter, making for higher energy capacity. In this truck I run a competition level stereo system that draws ALOT of current, and this battery couldn't care less. Additionally, Nathan and the team at XS power have been an absolute joy to deal with.

Yes, the XS Power D3400 that I run is expensive at $450, but you really can't beat the overall performance it delivers.

Just my $.02