I think I got a fake aw
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Where did you get them and which one do you think is fake and why?
The bottom one looks like the newest 2000 mah AWs. The top one looks like the 2012/2013 wrapper and hologram, but I don't have one that old to compare it to any more.
Lastly... Why are you buying 2000 mah AWs? The new 2200s are a lot more popular due to the higher amp limit and better drain curve... and the 1600s were preferred for the same reasons until the 2200s came out.... I only ask out of curiosity because I happen to not mind them as much as a lot of other ECF-ers seem to, but I have some pretty good reasons...
The bottom one looks like the newest 2000 mah AWs. The top one looks like the 2012/2013 wrapper and hologram, but I don't have one that old to compare it to any more.
Lastly... Why are you buying 2000 mah AWs? The new 2200s are a lot more popular due to the higher amp limit and better drain curve... and the 1600s were preferred for the same reasons until the 2200s came out.... I only ask out of curiosity because I happen to not mind them as much as a lot of other ECF-ers seem to, but I have some pretty good reasons...
One of them I got with a mod I bought. The other I bought from a local b&m. Not sure which is which. I thought the hologram one was real after I did some looking around. That's also the one that fits.
Email the pics to the contact at RTD Vapors they will let you know. The bottom one has a bevel at the top of the battery I dont think AWs have that
The top battery has a solid recycle symbol. Have a look at the batteries on the RTD Vapor website. You'll see that symbol is outlined, not filled in. Also, the 'RoHS' text is in bold on the authentics.
If the lower one has a tapered positive end on it, I agree with buzzzlove that is likely a counterfeit.
If the lower one has a tapered positive end on it, I agree with buzzzlove that is likely a counterfeit.
I think it's the angle of the picture.
Same photo - different angles. There's a 2200 and a 2000. The 2000 looks tapered in one but overly crimped in the other. I'm still getting used to the forum media controls. You'll have to click them to enlarge.
Since the sources of the op's batts isn't one anyone can verify has legit supply, it's just impossible to say they're counterfeit or not based on his photos... but if I'm guessing based on the photos, I'll guess one is a 2013 or early 2014 and the other is a later 2014-to current 2015 and both are legit.
Here's some 18350s that show the difference in labeling from 2013 to mid-2014. It's thumbnailed. You'll have to click it to make it bigger.
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I've been using AW batteries for a couple of years. I usually get them from Provape. They always look like the one on the left side of your photo. I have never seen one that looks like the one on the right.I've had 2 aw 18650s and never thought much about them. Got a new mod and one didn't fit. It was too wide. Did some research and I'm pretty sure one is fake, right?
AW changed to the silver label with black AW in December 2013. The silver label was again changed, to the hologram, in October 2014. At the very least, the one with the black label in the pic is old stock. But I suspect it is also a fake. To the best of my knowledge, the 7.4WH wasn't printed on the older, black label AWs. Also, the type was more bold.
I don't have the knowledge to answer the question, but when I question a battery's authenticity, I take it to the recycle bin. Some of my set ups don't pull high amps, but I'm worried it could be a recycled cell, or one that was rejected. This is just one area I don't want to regret being cheap in.
I agree I would run these past RTD for their opinion. It can't hurt to ask.
I agree I would run these past RTD for their opinion. It can't hurt to ask.
I use AWs exclusively in my Reos. There are only 2 sources I'll buy them from; RTD or Provape. Both are authorized AW sellers.
I had to dig to find any of my old black stickers 
They don't have any of the second row information on them. Only say "+ IMR 18650 2000mAh -", and nothing else.
'course they date back to the stone ages
They don't have any of the second row information on them. Only say "+ IMR 18650 2000mAh -", and nothing else.
'course they date back to the stone ages
Update:
Went back to the b&m. Sure enough, they were selling the black label one. I explained and the clerk was understanding. Thanked me for the lesson I gave him. Took pics of my other aw, and refunded my money.
Rtd, here I come.
Went back to the b&m. Sure enough, they were selling the black label one. I explained and the clerk was understanding. Thanked me for the lesson I gave him. Took pics of my other aw, and refunded my money.
Rtd, here I come.
Great outcome. Sounds like the seller was on the up and up but probably got shafted by a shady supplier.
Glad you figured it out, I can't beleive how many fake batteries are going around.
It's big and fast money to be made. And with no real authority or agency to police the racketeers, it will continue.
A disreputable vendor can buy hundreds of used batteries/rejects/ or otherwise poor quality batteries for maybe 20 cents a piece. Rewrap them to look similar to an AW or Sony battery and sell them for $10 a piece. Pretty good profit margin.
The one with the black sticker is old... not fake (probably). The 14500 on top is a couple of years old or so and the 18650 under it is just a couple of months old or so.
RTD will take good care of you... And, worth mentioning again that the AW 2200 mah is more desirable to most vapers who use AW IMR 18650s than the 2000 mah. Higher amp limit and better drain curve as well as slightly more capacity.
I've had out of spec AWs from a reputable dealer.
Keep in mind that AW batteries are re-wraps, high quality re-wraps, but re-wraps just the same.
Sometimes one will get through that does not meet the specs.
I'm betting it is not a fake, if you got it from a reputable dealer.
Keep in mind that AW batteries are re-wraps, high quality re-wraps, but re-wraps just the same.
Sometimes one will get through that does not meet the specs.
I'm betting it is not a fake, if you got it from a reputable dealer.
The AW 18650 2200 is double the continuous amp rating of the 2000; 20A vs 10A. The AW18650 1600 is higher than both, at 24A continuous.
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