> Without going to some exotic stuff like Surette or something like it, Trojan
> is amongst the best out there. You do pay a premium though.

I'll offer this about Trojan.  I have 4 of them running a PV light
system at a mtn cabin at 10,500' in the Rockies.  Two are six years
old and two are five.  They are performing excellently.

However....

We purchased them from Hensley Battery in Denver.  I have bought
other batteries from them, too.  Like Odyssey.  When I last
talked to them, they told me that had dropped Trojan because
of the cost.  In particular, Trojan cannot recycle the lead
because of California rules.  That is, they can't run a smelter.
So they must use new lead and that makes the cost higher.

Hensley has switched to Deka.  Check http://www.dekabatteries.com
Looks like they run the smelter--and the mine, and the....

I HAVE NOT purchased any of these yet, but when we need to
replace the Trojans, I'll go with what Hensley recommends.  It
always pays to shop local when you want service or a guarantee--
just like with tires.  ;-)

Richard