AGM Deep Cycle Batteries Vs GEL Deep Cycle Batteries

AGM DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES VS GEL DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

Often AGM Batteries are mistakenly identified as Gel Cell Batteries. While both AGM Batteries and GEL Batteries may have similar traits; such as being non spillable, both are deep cycle batteries and may be mounted in any position, have low self discharge, are safe for use in limited ventilation areas and can be transported via air or ground safely without special handling.

There are some very distinct differences between AGM and GEL battery types which we will look at in this article. Lets’s compare the differences and similarities to help decide which is the best battery for your power application.

So what are the major differences between GEL and AGM Deep Cycle Batteries?

AGM Batteries use an absorbed glass mat material to hold their electrolyte. They are the most popular choice for sealed deep cycle batteries in RV, Camping & Marine use throughout Australia.
The fact that leading brands such as Brava use AGM Battery Technology is testimony to the advantages of using an AGM Battery for power.

AGM Deep Cycle Batteries will provide users with much better performance than traditional Lead Acid Batteries. AGM Batteries have a lower internal resistance that allows for much faster charging and better performance under heavy load conditions.

AGM Batteries will most likely also perform better than GEL in colder operating conditions, and AGM is often less expensive as an option for getting reliable power.AGM batteries have a history of being better in icy conditions than other Deep Cycle battery types.

The main difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that a GEL deep cycle battery is constructed by using a gel paste in which the electrolyte is suspended inside the battery case. In an AGM Battery, the electrolyte is wicked up into a glass matt internally so it can never spill, which is a massive safety advantage.

The reason people prefer AGM Batteries instead of GEL Deep Cycle Batteries is that AGM Batteries often have the best battery prices.
AGM and Lead Acid batteries also both work fine on the higher voltage levels that alternators produce, unlike GEL batteries that can be much more sensitive.
This stability makes AGM Batteries a much safer choice for many users,however, many AGM batteries should also not be fitted under-bonnet due to the battery case material and heat constraints (you should always use a Heat Shield) or speak to a battery expert.

Lead-Acid Deep Cycle versus GEL & AGM Batteries

Flooded Lead Acid batteries are charge-rate limited. What this means is that they have with higher internal resistance. This means they cannot accept a charge rate (and hence charge up) as quickly as the GEL or AGM type batteries.
Because both GEL and AGM batteries use electrolytes suspended in a medium (GEL – Gel Paste or an AGM – Absorbed Glass Mat) instead of a free-flowing liquid that is used by lead-acid batteries.
This is why AGM Batteries are often called “acid starved” batteries, because without the free slowing lead acid liquid acid they are safer in an accident situation, and of course, do not let off dangerous gasses while charging.
Good quality GEL and AGM batteries also have much lower internal resistance than standard lead-acid batteries, and this means they are better for rapid charging and their ability to provide higher bursts of power such as for winching applications.