18650 battery questions

[snow]

I have always used fixed battery mods - currently this consists of 30w isticks predominantly and I've just ordered a Dovpo DT50 specifically for the battery size. I'm finding my Isticks are not lasting as long as they used to, probably because I've made the switch to all subtanks and upped my wattage though I suspect 1 of them is simply just getting old now and will need replacing. I've been looking at the 5000mah 80w istick (currently in my ft basket) but have been tempted by some of the replaceable battery mods but always decided against them on the grounds that I'd need then to buy batteries, and a charger, and because I hadn't realised 18650 didn't refer to the battery power I thought they wouldn't last long enough between charges  *doh*  anyway now that I have woken up I have seen that you can get 18650's in all different mah's. So now my question is - if the mod says it takes an 18650 does it matter what the mah is?  What about flat top vs button top can I use either kind?  What about weight? With fixed batteries the larger the battery the heavier the mod does the same apply with replaceable batteries? Now that I've realised at last that I could get 3400 or even 3500 mah in a replaceable battery the istick Pico is looking more tempting, albeit that I'd still have to buy batteries on top and a charger eventually (will usb charge for now).   

[jacquif]

I use Samsung 25Rs in my Pico and they work really well. Don't worry about battery life as, depending on what you're using and what wattage you're vaping at, they can last quite a while. Flat tops are fine but I would advise against using the USB charging port for removable batteries. I ALWAYS use a separate charger for this type of battery - just not worth the risk in my opinion. If they come out then charge them using a dedicated charger. I also 'marry' my batteries to the mod so I only use those batteries with that mod and charge them together. Might be OCD to some people but I've been vaping for over 5 years and never ever had any battery issues.

[Deleted]

this is a bit old now but list's most batterys for your needs snow
18650 are all the same weight (near enough)
for pico i use the lg 3000 mAh hg2

[Greg]

I wouldn't worry too much about a separate charger if you have a few mods, just USB them. It may take a bit longer but as long as you don't run out there's no problem. I never had a problem charging any mods via USB, it's no different to what you do now with your fixed battery mods

There's no need to match specific batteries to specific mods unless your mod uses more than one battery.

25r's are a great solid battery and a decent UK price here puremist.co.uk/2-SAMSUNG-25R-INR18650-25R-2500mAh

[striker42]

I've been usb charging with a wide range of mods over the last three years snow with no issues. It's what you prefer, if you're comfortable using the usb charging facility then nothing wrong with that, if not then it's gonna have to be a stand alone charger. A safe bet with batteries if you are unsure or you get a bit confused with all that are on offer, are the Samsung 25r 2500 mah. They are my preferred battery. I've got some LG HE'4's but find that the run time although ok, don't last as long as the Sammy's. I've not long purchased 4 Samsung 30 Q's which are performing very well. Lot's of good quality batteries on the market, but for safety and to almost eradicate buying fakes, purchase from a seller that's recommended and proven.

[decoy]

the main thing with 18650 batts is to get them from a reputable seller as there are fakes
its also a good idea to get a batt with a high nuff amp rating to match/better the max output of the mod but the higher the amps the lower the mah so its catch 22
tbh a nicore 2i charger can be got for £12 and torchy sells his batts in pairs at around the same price so you can carry a spare charged one

[wildpolecat]

bought some of torchys 18650 3000mah 3.7v from vapefest early days as to how they will last

[Get Off My Cloud]

I wouldn't use anything under a 20A continuous discharge rating with sub ohm vaping.

LG HG2 browns will give you the longest life between charges.

Charging via usb is fine with a single battery mod just usually slower to charge than a dedicated wall charger.
That and you can charge a bunch of batteries at once with a wall charger.

[djs]

Aug 13, 2016 17:13:55 GMT wildpolecat said:

bought some of torchys 18650 3000mah 3.7v from vapefest early days as to how they will last

Nice one! I got two 30Qs for my Sigelei. I don't need the amps but 6,000mAh is making me well happy. On day 6 now (admittedly not using it all the time).

[snow]

Thanks everyone all of that actually made sense to me off to have a look at a wider range of options now ... just a thought have seen the Nitecore D or I chargers whats the difference as the i's are cheaper?

[Get Off My Cloud]

Aug 13, 2016 20:20:08 GMT snow said:

Thanks everyone all of that actually made sense to me off to have a look at a wider range of options now ... just a thought have seen the Nitecore D or I chargers whats the difference as the i's are cheaper?

One has a digital display which shows the charge status of the battery the other has a series of LEDS that flash while charging.

[charliehorse]

Aug 13, 2016 17:21:47 GMT Get Off My Cloud said:

I wouldn't use anything under a 20A continuous discharge rating with sub ohm vaping.

LG HG2 browns will give you the longest life between charges.

Charging via usb is fine with a single battery mod just usually slower to charge than a dedicated wall charger.
That and you can charge a bunch of batteries at once with a wall charger.

My nitecore D2 only charges at 500mA yet the EVIC mini USB charge rate is 1 A

I totally agree that a separate charger is great as you can charge up more than one at a time so you can always have a fresh battery ready to go,

but charge rates vary greatly between brands of charger just as on board charge rates vary between mods.

Oh, and at 500mA on the nitecore, an LG HG2 can take about 5 and a half hours to charge

edited to add LG HG2 is a fine battery and I use them myself

[jtc]

I agree with @droog
Charging single battery mods through USB is fine from my past experience. But multiple battery mods I would not trust to balance the batteries properly, unless it's a DNA as they use a decent balance board from what I've read

[striker42]

I charge all my dual battery mods via usb, no issues. I do check now and again to check they are charging properly and equally. The only mod that was well out on battery charging via usb, was an RX200, that's why I don't have it anymore.

[buggritt]

May just be mine, but the Eleaf Pico gets very hot when usb charging. Must be it;s very compact size.
I'm still using my Nitecore D1 four years on.
I use these 3500 mah Sanyos at .5 ohms upward  link