18500 3.7V Batt & 18490 3.7V IMR Enquiry

[AzraelJJ]

Good day all,
I have an enquiry regarding the 2 types of battery stated above. I understand that 18 refers to the width of the battery n 50/49 refers to the length of the battery. I also understand that most Vapers stand by AW IMR batteries for their PVs. Is there any difference between AW IMR vs TrustFire/SureFire batteries? Which would you recommend n why? Is there a necessity for protected batteries?
I'm awaiting for a PV; Saber Touch Midi that utilises a 18500 3.7V Batt, 16340 3.7V Batt n a 18350 3.7V IMR. Your kind advise n knowledge is deeply appreciated.

 

[kiwivap]

Hi Azrael,
The ECF has a guide which answers a lot of questions about batteries: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/129569-rechargeable-batteries.html

The guide advises this:
Our advice is that the best and the safer choice of battery for APVs is the AW IMR Li-Mn rechargeable.

"It is a safer-chemistry battery that needs no protection, and has a high-discharge rating meaning that it is safer to use with high-current devices such as atomizers."

IMR batteries have safer chemistry and can handle the high drain needed for some mods.
Here's a list from the guide:

"We now advise that Li-Mn or top-quality Li-FePo4 rechargeables are used in APVs, in preference to rechargeable Li-ions. We suggest the best option, in order, is:

1. AW IMR Li-Mn rechargeables.
2. AW Li-FePo4 rechargeables [Li-FePo4's MUST HAVE A SPECIAL CHARGER]. Note that these batteries are mostly 3 volt nominal so the system voltage will be lower than normal.
3. Good quality (such as AW or Pila) protected Li-ion rechargeables.
4. Branded protected Li-ions come next - such as xxxfire Li-ion rechargeables (for xxx insert Trust / Sure / Ultra-).
5. The least-preferable option is a generic protected Li-ion.
6. Unprotected rechargeable Li-ion cells should not be used.
7. Standard cells (non-rechargeable) should not be used."

I recommend reading the whole page, as it also has info on what is safest and why. I also wrote a short blog post on battery safety a while ago which you'll find here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/kiwivap/3243-mod-battery-safety.html

 

[Ryedan]

AzraelJJ, you are correct about battery diameter and length designations. Most people will probably agree that you can not go wrong with AW batteries, weather they be IMR or protected Lion, but there are fakes out there so buy from a reputable seller. As far as I am concerned, if the price is too good to be true, it's probably is. I don't know batteries well enough to answer the TrustFire/SureFire question. I'm sure someone else who knows will help out in a bit.

Protected batteries are required if you have no protection circuitry built into your PV. These PVs do not have electronics built in so do not offer native voltage stabilization or variable voltage. The issues protection can cover are shorts, excessive battery discharge rates and battery over-charge. If you have protection in the PV you do not need it in the battery also. These PVs usually have stabilized voltage and/or VV. VV devices generally are safer using IMR batteries.

When you buy a PV the retailer should know the battery requirements. VaporMoon has the information on their site here for the Saber Touch. There are a few battery combinations and if you are not sure what you need you should really ask them as they are the experts.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your new PV

 

[AzraelJJ]

Thank you so much for the links... Very informative n detailed threads... Can't wait for my Saber Touch Midi to arrive... Just got an e-mail from Phiniac Glass; he just shipped my order!

 

[Mitch65]

I would stay away from trustfire. I had one short circuit my silver bullet and melt the spring inside. I had to trash the bat and buy a new spring for my SB. Never had it happen with any other bat. This is just my experience. Could have been a fluke.