18350 and 18500 Battery Selection

[gph61]

I bought the tube set linked below just to try out the form factor. I already have Sony VTC5s for the 18650 tube but nothing for the 18350 or the 18500.

https://www.fasttech.com/p/1830400

I'll be using either 1.6 or 1.8 Natilus BVCs only. I won't be doing anything near sub ohms. Just a Natilus mini or a Silo.

I'm wondering if I can use any of the higher mah batteries that aren't normally recomended for mech mods? Also, is button top vs flat top a factor? What batteries would you recommend for my situation?

 

[gph61]

I should have added. I currently use my tanks at what my KSD Hana clone reads as 9.1 watts and 4.1 volts with a 1.6 coil

 

[InTheShade]

I only use AW 18350 and 18490 batteries.

Those higher mAh batteries are often not what they are labeled as. Think about it, how is some company getting 2000mAh from a battery that others are getting 800mAh? The answer is they are not. They are grossly over-stating their capacities and you will only end up disappointed.

I wouldn't feel safe using any other battery than an IMR or IMR hybrid type battery in any mechanical mod. You can get an AW 18490 at 1200mAh which is about the highest I have seen around.

I think AW have just released some higher amp 18350's and 18490's - check them out at Batteries-Chargers - Batteries - RTD vapor


EDIT - Just read back my post and it sounds like an ad for AW batteries. I'm not associated with them in any way. I am merely a very satisfied user of the brand.

 

[Susan~S]

I'm with InTheShade. I too use AW IMR batteries in 18350 & 18490 sizes. This was from a post by Baditude (our resident battery/safety expert) regarding safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries for mods.

Battery Basics for Mods
- choose the safest and right battery for your applications here. Includes a list of name brand, high-drain, safe-chemistry batteries with mAh & amp ratings in 18350, 18490/18500, and 18650 sizes.

 

[gph61]

Thanks InTheShade

Would the new higher amp batteries make any difference for what I'll be using them for? Also, does button or flat top matter?

 

[EBates]

I should have added. I currently use my tanks at what my KSD Hana clone reads as 9.1 watts and 4.1 volts with a 1.6 coil

I=v/r v=4.2 (fully charged battery), r=1.6 (atomizer head resistance) I=amps required (I in this example is 2.6 amps)
When selecting a battery the Continuous Current Rating should be twice what you load requires.
The mah (milliamp hours) rating of a battery is a measurement of storage capacity.
The mah rating should be a secondary concern after the Continuous Current Rating.

 

[InTheShade]

Thanks InTheShade

Would the new higher amp batteries make any difference for what I'll be using them for? Also, does button or flat top matter?

You're welcome gph61, Susan posted a link to an excellent blog from one of our ECF battery experts - well worth a read.

Some mods only accept flat tops and some only button tops. The performance should be almost identical. Most mechanicals will take either but do your homework for your particular tube.

If you are planning on vaping at the resistances you mentioned earlier, you don't really need the higher amp batteries - but as the price difference is small, I don't see why getting the higher spec batteries is not a good idea.

By the way, the page I linked has unprotected and protected batteries - make sure you get the unprotected (red) ones.

 

[gph61]

Thanks for the link Susan. I'm at work right now but I'll read that this evening.

EBates am I understanding you that I need 5.2 amps?

InTheShade you're right, the price difference isn't a factor. I was orginally wondering if I could gain mah because of my setup. I can see now that I can't. Why unprotected?

 

[InTheShade]

Thanks for the link Susan. I'm at work right now but I'll read that this evening.

EBates am I understanding you that I need 5.2 amps?

InTheShade you're right, the price difference isn't a factor. I was orginally wondering if I could gain mah because of my setup. I can see now that I can't. Why unprotected?

The short answer is the protected ones are ICR chemistry which are strongly recommended not to be used in any vaping applications. When you read Bad's blog, it'll all click into place.

 

[gph61]

Thanks InTheShade.

 

[paul7358]

I'm wondering if I can use any of the higher mah batteries that aren't normally recomended for mech mods? Also, is button top vs flat top a factor? What batteries would you recommend for my situation?

I found the button 18350 were a problem on my Coolfire 11 as they are longer than flat top, also the protected batts seem to be longer.
Paul.

 

[gph61]

Thanks Paul. I was leaning towards flat top because I though they'd generally be shorter. Good to know it can actually make a difference in fit.

My probably crazy thought was buttons would have a smaller contact surface area and maybe hold batteries more securely. Even if that's true it's not worth sacraficing fit.

 

[EBates]

Thanks for the link Susan. I'm at work right now but I'll read that this evening.

EBates am I understanding you that I need 5.2 amps?

InTheShade you're right, the price difference isn't a factor. I was orginally wondering if I could gain mah because of my setup. I can see now that I can't. Why unprotected?

Yes, for the example shown. But, should you decide to go with a lower resistance atomizer head the formula should be recalculated. So basically the larger margin the greater the safety factor. Should your atomizer short while you are using your mech the higher amp rating could prove to be a blessing.

 

[gph61]

Thanks EBates. It's much clearer now.