I've got a 2000 SP 500 that needs a new battery. It currently has a Polaris (not sealed) wet cell battery and I just bought a Deltran Waterproof Battery Tender. (I wasn't using a tender before, and thus, the old battery now won't hold much of a charge). Any thoughts on another unsealed wet cell vs a sealed wet cell vs an AGM sealed battery? Are there any battery types that would not be compatible with my Battery Tender?

 

if that is the stock battery then i think you did good getting that many years out of it. im not sure if a batery tender will work on the gel batteys. i would check into it befroe you try it to be safe.

 

Actually, this is not the original battery, but it is at least two years old. I bought the ATV in October 2005 and the previous (original) owner told me he had replaced the original battery the year before. The AGM batteries are actually still considered a type of sealed wet cell and are not considered Gel batteries because they don't have the silica additive that makes the electrolyte solution set up. According to my battery tender manual, it should still be OK to use with AGM batteries. I was just looking for someone who has had experience with the different types and is it worth spending the extra $$.

 

The AGM's are my choice, they are more expensive but last much longer, are more resistant to vibration damage, hold a charge much longer and generally have more cranking power than the vented lead acid type. The Battery Tender chargers will work fine for these also. Batterymart.com has good info on batteries, make sure the new battery is fully charged before you put it into service. If I recall correctly the AGM should have a higher amp initial charge rate than what your charger will deliver for optimum performance, 1.5 to 2A I think-have to look into that again.....