[redbarron]

We have also had a problem with the newer batteries. I have been in FIRST since 2002 and have had TWO Exide batteries go bad,(not including the oldest ones which have been retired when they lost the ability to hold a good charge) and to date We have had FOUR MK Batteries go bad on us. Just the other day I had one start to heat up and leak out of the top while charging. We order 10 every year and over the years we have a large stock of Exide batteries that still work. I understand that FIRST is probably getting them discounted and all but if the batteries are not holding up as well as the old ones.... Maybe one solution would be to still supply and offer MK batteries, but lift the restriction of using other batteries so those of us that want to pay a little more for batteries that last longer can do so. I do not think that the MK batteries are a bad product, but I do think we are using these batteries in a way they are not designed to hold up to as well as the batteries of the past have proven to.