Welcome to our forum.
Is it the brand or the features you are rating? You say you like the Maxxus best, except the money. You like the Geneva 2nd but have questions about the brand. You like the Vista 3rd, but not the lounge. Now you are considering the Optima, which has no lounge. You should wet test non loungers if you are leaning that way (HS Grandee, Caldera Niagara, Sundance Optima) if you can.To answer your questions directly, only you decide if Sundance is worth the extra $$$. To me saving $1000 (Geneva vs Optima) for your #2 spa vs one not really on your list kind of answers that question.Of your final 3 brands you are looking at, all are good. Good luck with your final decision.
I'm not a big fan of the Maxxus due to fact that dispite it's size, the seating is very confining (I like a little more open seating) and with it's price, you have to really like everything about it. My seating preference aside, its certainly a premium spa.
Out of curiousity, have you test soaked it?
I am 6 foot tall and my wife is 4ft 5in
Wow
The pricing was 11k for the 470 with all the accessories (steps, coverlifter, ozonator). This is too high for us, as we were quoted 10K for a Sundance Optima (with all the goodies) so it seems that it is still between a Caldera Geneva and the Sundance Optima (Maxxus is too much money for us to spend).