Is an AGM battery a flooded or sealed battery? I need to set up my solar controller and after doing an internet search I?m even more confused.
Lead acid is flooded
AGM and Gel are sealed.
The battery should say in fine print that it is sealed or have a "do not open" warning.
AGM is short for Absorbed Glass Matt, basically the acid is in the form of a gel that's soaked into glass fibre matting between the lead plates.
AGM and Gel are not the same. They use the same idea but very different processes. The plates in AGM are separated by a glass mat. Gel batteries separate the plates with a silica gel. Both prevent the leakage of acid, and both are sealed. AGM are the preferred battery though.
Great choice for everyone except Catalina Island residents.
For what it's worth, a lot of the hype on batteries is completely overblown in my opinion. Spending three or four hundred dollars is absurd.
Commercial grade, sealed lead acid, high CCA batteries in the $120 price range will deliver rock solid performance for years if treated right and maintained.
All batteries fail... plan for replacement (this includes warranty term and conditions).
Also echo the prior comments on deep cycle. Absolutely not the right choice for a general purpose or starting/winching battery. For what most of us do - starting big old engines and/or running winches - CCA's are king.
Save the 105ah marine deep cycle for the trolling motor on your bass boat. The most recent battery I bought for 4wd use is a Group 31 commercial truck starting battery with 1100 CCA - sealed lead acid - 24 month warranty - $130 after core. Could not be happier.