I was looking at two batteries on the Auto zone website and trying get to compare the two. The Duralast is $87 and the Optima is $290. I have the duralast now. I see that the Optima has some better specs, but really that stuff is like Chinese to me. I regularly drain my trolling batteries. Can anyone tell me if the cost difference is worth it?

Optimas are good batteries and they will last longer and accept more charging cycles than the Duralast. But they won't last 3 times longer. So at 3 times the price, they are not a good value for me.

I've had my optimas for 10 years both deep cycle and cranking. On board chargers work wonders. And when I can get my cranking to optima, no more cold natured. Starts first time, every time.

Optima for cranking, always.  Todays FI motors have a high demand for power.  Spending $300 on an optima solved my 250 optimax problems.

 

Walmart Everstart for TM batteries is the way to go.  I have 3 on board and get around 300 cycles out of them.  Spend the money on a good on board charger and they will last a long time.