sealed vs 'cap topped' batteries

97 buick skylark v6
the first battery i put in was a sealed self-maintenance ac delco with the hydrometer green light on top (lasted 5.5/7 yrs).

and it looked something like this:

http://sealedperformance.com.au/sealed_maintenance.php

after that the 1st used battery lasted about 4 yrs. i am now on the 2nd, from Advance' about 3 yrs. since i just put in a brand new alternator (not rebuilt) i want to get a new battery.

i don't think the first kind is around anymore but there is a place i am going to check tomorrow.

anyways currently this is what i found:
(2nd from bottom - 75PG)

http://www.bennettauto.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=&yearid=1997@@1997&makeid=13@@BUICK@@B&modelid=10812@@SKYLARK&engineid=18336@@V6-189ci%203.1L%20F%2FI%20Vin%20M@@18336&catid=3@@Electrical&subcatid=46@@Batteries&mode=PA&waitdisplay=True&rewrite=&s_temp_transfer_key=_3K80NM7IA

i can get it for $90 but at the store when i
saw the caps on top i figured i should do some more checking.

anyways i read that they are getting away from completely sealed 'wet' batteries.

thanks for any input.
i.e., go with the 'capped top'. delco?

never mind.
went with the 75PG.
found out same as the 75-7yr i had previously.
different warranty.

If you want maintenance-free, then get the sealed type from a good brand: Sears Die Hard, Interstate, even Wal-Mart EverStart have good reps. Good warranties are also important as you already know...the longer the better, especially the free replacement period.

I personally think I can keep tabs on the general maintenance since I do it myself, so I opt for the type with caps. They are generally cheaper, and the warranties almost as good as the sealed types. All you need for maintenance is a turkey baster, a jug of distilled water, and maybe a battery checker (to test the electrolyte for specific gravity).

So if you're a do-it-yourselfer, cap types are easy enough. But for the hands-off driver, opt for a maintenance free battery.

Good luck!