Lotsa ppl will say Optima had charging issues, and other defects, esp. the Yellow Top...I had to change mine 2/year...
However in October 2007, I spoke to Optima -
www.optimabatteries.com - and they had re-released the Yellow Top again (after a few months off the market)...and fixed the issue.
The problem was the old one were 500-550 CCA (cold charge), and the new ones now are 450 CCA, this change has now fixed the "cant hold a charge after depleting" issue.
I bought a new model one and works great. Good and compatible with my audio/tvs/headlights/SC High boost pulley/high output alternator/and other underdrive pullies.
I've read a lot on Odyssey batteries and spoke to a few suppliers, and they are sure that it matches Optimas as well. Might be interested to try...
I mean...cant judge a product until you have tried it first...