Lead Crystal Batteries

AGMs full of sand ;)

Yeah, exactly. Pretty weird really, they seem to ship as liquid and turn to something closer to powder over the first few charges. It feels somehow inherently more reassuring to have a solid electrolyte. It's a shame they didn't seem to take off very well, they do seem to have some definite advantages.
 
Yes, definitely AGM structure, just the electrolyte which is different. Although these subtle changes can seem to be very effective. There is also a Lead Carbon battery available.

Seems to be a fair bit about them in mid 2010's then drops off and nothing available.

Cheers,
 
That thread also claims they need high charging amps when below 50% charge, e.g. 30A for a 100Ah battery. Not a problem for a DC-DC but definitely a problem for solar. Seems a bit of an odd requirement to me but definitely worth checking.
Yes just watched that review, seems to prove out the claims.

Also read several reviews on boat forums regarding use. One review had some issues which seemed to relate to transport damage and then knock on effects, all other reviews are very positive.

It does seem though that although they can be taken down to 0V it is still recommended to keep them at approx. 50% or more to prolong life etc. Perhaps it is best overall to keep them charged as per an AGM, but with the added ability that if your stuck then you can use the whole battery without risk of destroying it, just maybe reducing life a little. i.e. plan as if it was an AGM, but with less worry about flattening it. Though then this beings the cost into question again!

Also seen this

20200320 Crystal® Battery Catalog (adobe.com)

from a manufacturer in Germany, the charging profile graphs are not something I know how to read (any battery people want to review?) but they are pretty adamant that charging them batteries correctly is needed, they offer their own charger to this.

Perhaps some further research on charging them properly / if DC-DC chargers will accept / charge them correctly.

Also, I am seriously struggling to find any for sale in the UK!
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Can provide these in the UK
 
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