AW protected IC vs AW non protected IMR

[-V-]

So using a Mech Mod, I see the reviewers using the 'red' AW non protected IMR batteries without using a kick or a 2cent fuse.
When I bought my Mech Mod I also bought AW Protected IC battieries as I thought these were the best to use in a Mech Mod.

So now I am confused why reviewers always use the 'red' AW non potected IMR batteries.
Is there a difference in performance over the AW IMR and AW IC ones?
Are these ok to use without a kick or fuse?
Are these ones better?
How dangerous is it to use these ones over the AW Protected IC ones?

[jonn]

The general consensus in the vaping community is that when in doubt, IMR is better for mechanical mods. The reasoning is, although IMR has no protection circuit, by nature of their chemical composition, they are safer than ICR with a protection circuit. Protected ICR batteries have a history of their protection system failing, specially with the cheaper ones. In fact, we have read more incidents of cheaper protected ICR batteries venting flames than IMRs.
An analogy to this is that a protected ICR is like a gun with the safety switch turned on, and an IMR is a gun someone filled with rubber bullets. Both guns can hurt but one is more hazardous.

Further read at Mechanical Mod Proper Usage Guide

[vereybowring]

If you're using a single battery set up in your mechanical the only thing to worry you with IMR is letting the battery level drop too low so that it cannot recharge. The protection circuit stops the battery level getting too low.
If using low resistance atomisers regularly IMR's can handle a higher discharge since the protection circuit also tends to limit output from the battery so many like the IMR battery for that reason.

Basically its down to confidence and experience. Once you are used to how your vape should taste, you will feel when the battery has got too low and change it well before the battery reaches the no recharge point because you lose flavour and vapour. Heck I use an eVic and have noticed, after some weeks of use but two years vaping, I always seem to change the battery at about 10% remaining according to the display because it stops feeling right - even though I could vape on it for quite a bit after that point. Similarly on my Tesla and Vamo I change battery once the voltage remaining in the battery got to 3.6V due to drop off in performance.

Now the protection circuit in the battery also helps in a short circuit situation. This one is the biggie as you don't want it venting aggressively at you. On the other hand an IMR vents much more gently, not getting as hot or spitting flame. You don't want this to happen and protected batteries give a margin of safety, hence the appearance of the add on fuse or circuitry in the kick which stop current flowing if there is a short. As an example I build the occasional mod, when testing one with IMR's I had a short but due to my own experience I spotted it due to a particular smell that appeared straight away so I got the batteries out quick. The mod and the batteries were undamaged and I still use them today after thoroughly testing everything of course.

Either way with the mechanical mods you should keep a close watch on whichever battery you use. A decent charger will stop overcharge but using a multimeter to keep an eye on them is very advisable so can monitor max charge voltage and how low it gets after use, especially so with IMR as if they drop below 3V you can kill the battery (usually they can go lower but don't chance it). Regulated mods usually cut off when the battery gets to 3.2V or so. On my regulated mod I always find myself due to habit checking the voltage of the battery when it is fresh, a habit - albeit a good one.

Sorry for the ramble but its the best way I know to give you this quantity of information.
If you want more safety use protected batteries or IMR with a fuse. If you think you can cope with the risk, keep an eye on your batteries with a multimeter and use just IMR (and if the mod feels hot get the battery out quick and chuck it in the garden or throw the whole kit outside).

[-V-]

Cool, thanks for the great info there...