The only real advantage to the Optima, or other Gel Cell batteries, like the Orbital/Exide, etc... of the lead acid ones is that the Gel jobs won't spill acid all over when you are off camber/laying it over, etc...or spill their guts going over rough terrain, etc.

If you don't care about battery survivability (You stay on road mostly, etc...)..there's not a great reason to spend the extra $ for the Gel. (Maybe Less acid splash mess in an accident, etc...)

The Red Top/Yellow Top (Optima) has nothing to do with which is "better"...one is for deeper cycles, like if you have a winch, or other draw that could completely drain the battery...the other is meant for starting the engine, just like a regular battery.

Either "top" can run a winch or start the engine....one is just better at each function.

(Yellow for winches, etc...red for starting)