Originally Posted by Charlie Foxtrot

FWIW in the Chicagoland area Johnson Controls makes Interstate, Walmart, Sam's, Sears, Die Hard, AC Delco, MB, Motorcraft, Autozone, and a host of other private labeled flooded lead/acid batteries. Over the years I have been able to buy stale dated/blem/seconds for MB's as low as $35 (US) in ones & twos, a pallet full is less of course. To my tired arms & back they all seem pretty heavy & probably the same weight (+/-5#). Deka has an outlet in the western Chicago suburbs that sells first's pretty cheap - that's where I get my AGMs. AGMs tend to need slightly higher charging voltages than the lead acid batteries. This isn't an issue with a Delco alternator (most are at 14v+), but a Bosch can be troublesome. In certain applications like motor homes AGMs are THE answer, I'm not so sure when it comes to daily drivers (cost-benefit??). I have had really good luck with the JC units. If a customer wants a warranty, I'll get an Autozone or Interstate, their choice.