I Order batteries for my place of work from time to time, and know just enough to be dangerous, but here goes. A true Gel battery will not take the same charging voltage as a lead acid battery. Charging at excessive rates will shorten its life. I don't know the exact voltage supplied from the R3 regulator but my understanding that if its enough lead acid, its to much for gel. The answer is Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM)batteries, and this may be what your dealer is really selling you. My catalog shows a AGM (Deka ETX20L) Battery Sugg retail. $125.95. These batteries will withstand charge rates equal to that of Lead Acid Batteries. Be carefull though some dealers will sell a sealed lead acid battery as a Gel, If it doesn't say on the Battery, Gel or AGM its not. $80.00 is more the right price for a sealed lead acid battery, A True gel battery is higher priced than the AGM.