Apart from looking snazzier( I am a tart so important for me) it has far more of a punch when starting than the Banner ever did even when new. I also have a battery isolator switch which means it holds its charge. I gather if you let a gel battery go flat they're never the same again however I may be wrong.
It's a tad lighter and lower than a Banner so CoG will benefit but I doubt it'd make much difference after a few pies

Thanks Toby, makes sense!
It is the higher compression ratios of many modified engines that can cause a lot of the issues with batteries dying...

I'll take a serious look next time I have to replace the battery!
(I too have a cut-off switch, so that's good!)

Correct, you must not let them go flat Toby.
So you either need to isolate them or use a conditioner (not a normal charger)
My one is okay for a week, but anything after 10 days is getting risky as the immobiliser is constantly drawing power unless isolated.

The gel battery should out last a wet battery easily, mine has had 5 hard years and still starting the high comp Duratec without issue.

Caution, always remember to disconnect the battery conditioner before departure, i have had the tool cabinet follow me out of the garage on a few occasions

Why not put the cable for the conditioner through the steering wheel... You won't forget it then.

I've had a number of the standard banners over the last few years. They work perfectly well and seem to be good if looked after for a few years. For my car 2L zetec hot starting has always been an issue and even a new banner would occasionally not be up to the job. This year I swapped to the PVR25/Odyssey680 option. So far..... No more hot starting problems. It has not cured the problem but the battery has the extra power needed. Might still occasionally struggle but never let me down...so far.

And I did try out the cheapo PVR22 type mobility scooter battery...... and actually it is pretty good and a great price, but performance for me was similar to the banner.

This has been my way as well so, I can´t comment on the other kinds of batteries.

Then again... Maybe I am lucky in owning a lardier Seven

Still havent got round to it, busy week resulting in a broken foot grrrr