VRK 10A 3500mAh 18650 Bench Test Results...accurate current rating, looks like NCR18650GA

[Mooch]

These cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Xiamen VRK Technology Co. Ltd. Thank you! To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.

While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.

Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.

If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.




Bottom Line
This VRK cell is accurately rated at 10A but I've given it a 3300mAh capacity rating. It has a useless 20A "pulse" rating in large lettering on the wrap but does list both the continuous and pulse ratings, a very good thing to see. This cell looks and performs identically to the 10A/3300mAh Panasonic NCR18650GA.


The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.


Continuous-Current Test Results



Pulsed-Current Test Results



Comments

• At 10A continuous it reached about 3070mAh. This is a below average performance for a 3500mAh high capacity cell at 10A but average for a 3300mAh cell so I am rating this cell at 3300mAh.
• At 10A continuous the temperature rose to 66°C. This is below the average temperature of a cell running at its continuous discharge rating (CDR) but its voltage is already sagging at this current level.
• At 15 continuous the temperature rose to 88°C. This is way above the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR and an indication that we are above its true rating.
• At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 101°C. This is above my safety limit of 100°C and an indication that it should not be used at above this level in case there is a mod malfunction or accidental button press. I am giving this cell a maximum vaping amp (MVA) rating of 20A.
• I am setting a CDR of 10A for this cell. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect decent cycle life from this cell at 10A continuous.
• I have included pulsed discharges but I haven't set pass/fail standards for pulse testing yet. The discharges were done at 5sec on/30sec off, down to 2.5V. One chart shows the entire discharge at each level. The other chart is zoomed in to show the first 5 minutes to make it easier to see the voltage sag at different current levels.

To see how other cells have tested and how hard you can safely push them, check out these links:
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350/18500 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Canadian_Vaper]

It has a useless 20A "pulse" rating in large lettering on the wrap but does list both the continuous and pulse ratings, a very good thing to see.

wow that is nice to see..

 

[h00ligan]

@Mooch Link to list of battery tests is incorrect. At least in tapatalk it's bringing up a vendor notification.

 

[Mooch]

@Mooch Link to list of battery tests is incorrect. At least in tapatalk it's bringing up a vendor notification.

Hmm...works for me. Is it still not working for you?

 

[ilikeholoejuice]

@Mooch, search and see this VRK battery on vaporsolo.com, is it a good price? or where can I buy it from? Touched by its USA flag appearance, would give it a try.

 

[Mooch]

@Mooch, search and see this VRK battery on vaporsolo.com, is it a good price? or where can I buy it from? Touched by its USA flag appearance, would give it a try.

Umm...you want me to go and search a site to find the batteries you want to buy? You didn't want to post a link for me?

Whatever they are selling them for though, I don't know if it's a good price. Mine were sent by VRK directly. You can try your Google-fu or www.vapecrawler.com.

 

[ilikeholoejuice]

Fine, forget about my words.

 

[Mooch]

Fine, forget about my words.

So, let me make sure I understand you...

You are on the VRK page at vaporsolo, decide not to copy the link for me to use, decide not to do a quick Google check, come here and ask me to search for a VRK battery, tell you if it's a good price or not, and then get huffy after I tell you why I don't know if it's a good price and tell you where you can find out if it is?

I'd be happy to help you but I answer 100-150 questions a day from the various forums, FB groups, emails, etc. All I ask is that each person meet me halfway, make some sort of effort first, and not make it harder for me to do that.

 

[ilikeholoejuice]

Hi Mooch, I think you missed my point. I will make it clear this time.

I did a research on google after going through your VRK review, and I found out a VRK page on vaporsolo.com. I did not want to post the link because I thought it's not necessary, now I prefer to say the price on that website is not good. But I like VRK's appearance design and I'd give it a try, as long as the price is reasonable, say around $16 for 2. And then my questions came out to you, I DID NOT want to use and waste your time, I carried a thinking at that moment that you know the battery more than I know, since you are professional.

But I did see the price on vapecrawler is better than vaporsolo. So thank you!

 

[Topwater Elvis]

Why pay more for a re wrapped erroneously labeled battery when you can buy an authentic cell with at least the same if not better specs for about $6 each?