Compare performance, maintenance and lifespan

Battery Types: Flooded vs. Absorbed Glass Mat vs. Thin Plate Pure Lead

Choose the right battery based on performance, maintenance, and reliability needs.

  • Flooded (FLA)

    Lowest cost, highest maintenance.


    Best for budget-sensitive applications where routine service and ventilation are acceptable.

    • Requires water refills
    • Spill risk & ventilation needed
    • Short cycle & storage life
    • High self-discharge
    • Ideal for basic automotive use

  • AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)

    Maintenance-free and sealed for safety.


    Great all-around option for automotive, marine, and backup systems.

    • Non-spillable & safer
    • Moderate cycle life
    • Holds charge well
    • Better deep cycling than flooded
    • No routine maintenance

  • TPPL (Thin Plate Pure Lead)

    Top-tier performance and longest lifespan.


    Designed for critical systems needing reliability, uptime, and fast recovery.

    • Superior cold-start power
    • Extremely low self-discharge
    • Long cycle life (400+ cycles)
    • Excellent storage life
    • Highest upfront cost, lowest lifecycle cost

Key Differences by Battery Type

Feature
Maintenance

Spill Risk

Cranking Performance

Deep Cycle Capability

Cycle LifeSelf-Discharge

Cost

Flooded (FLA)
Requires water service

High (can leak)

Adequate

Low–Moderate

Short

High

Lower Unfront

AGM
Maintenance-free

Non-spillable

Better than flooded

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

TPPL
Maintenance-free

Non-spillable

Superior cold start

High – dual-purpose

Long – 400+ cycles

Low – up to 24 months

Highest upfront