Stop in for a cup of coffee

Anybody got recommendations on lawn tractor batteries? I had a Diehard Gold and it lasted 9 years. Seams like a no brainer to buy another one, but... Is todays battery going to be even close to the old one in quality? Or is it like comparing old Craftsman to recent Craftsman? Its actually not that much more in price and I believe carries a year warranty. But my experience is I rarely get to take advantage of the warranty unless its 'lifetime'. I have to drive about half hour to Kmart to get the Diehard. (and will Kmart still be there in a year?) Where I could go to AZ and get a Duralast in 5 minutes and its cheaper. I believe both are made by Johnson Controls. Hmmm...
Battery longevity depends on the charging system (alternator, wiring, and connectors) On the coast where I live, the connections have to be cleaned and coated with dielectric grease to secure it. In Nebraska 9 years was no problem. I am under the impression that newer mowers don't function/last as well.