I've used the gel orbitals from academy since 2004, had 2 of them go six years + sum! One was run down by my buddy and not charged up for a month, and would not take a charge after! He replaced it.The other was stolen out of my mud boat! I have another in an ice chest radio going on 5 yrs now 4 in my bay boat going on 4yrs now 1 cranking and 3 trolling, and my father has 3 in his boat 1 cranking and 2 trolling going on 4 yrs old. I also have an xtra laying around for a jumper or trolling batt for my mud boat. Between my father and I we have 10 total and they keep on ticking! They hold a charge for a long time and last much longer than any batt I've ever used! We do keep them on trickle charge at all times and that is a big key to a batts life, but I still feel they have more longevity over time and in the field! The first few I purchased in. 04 were $99, but now they are 180! A lot of money, but less hassle ever other year changing batts out! And if it means any thing to you I had 2 gel no maint. Batts in my 05 dodge diesel that I just changed this winter! They were originals that finally gave up the ghost on a cold winter morning in north Louisiana truck was bought new June of 05 and batts replaced in dec. of 2011! They were not exide orbitals, but they were gel cell no maint. I believe the gels are the better batts! Just my .02
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