18650 battery question from a newbie Mod user

[chellie]

Hello - I finally upgraded to a Kanger subbox with a Subtank Nano - and purchased two 2 18650 batteries (Samsung SDI 25R 2015 model green)

The more I read the more confused I get. I got a nitecore i2 charger and just charged both of them and have one in the Kbox - mostly I was just going to use that battery and charge with the USB pass thru charger and when I am out carry the spare fully charged in a plastic holder so I can switch out as needed.

Is that a good strategy?
Is it safe?
Am I better off rotating the batteries?
Is it OK to keep the spare at 100% or should I be keeping it at 40% as I read - but that would defeat the purpose of having a spare.
Any other recommendations.

I have read so much stuff and it's very confusing so I thought I'd ask the experts. Thank-you.

 

[Katya]

Hi Chellie. Your batteries should be OK--if you bought them from a reputable vendor. There's some counterfeiting happening in the world of batteries, so I only buy from trusted sources, like RTD Vapor or Orbtronic.

http://rtdvapor.com/

http://www.orbtronic.com/

About your batteries:

https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...0-bench-test-results-a-great-20a-cell.685740/

I always rotate my batteries to ensure even wear--one in my mod, the other in a safe plastic box, fully charged. Never toss your batteries into your purse or pocket without a protective box and you'll be safe. I have a Nitecore 2-bay charger and I like it a lot. I also have a small 1-bay Xtar for emergencies. Both very good brands and they never overcharge. I don't use USB chargers to charge my replaceable batteries. It's probably safe to do so, in a pinch, but I prefer to take the battery out and use a regular charger.

The recommendation to store your batteries at 40-50% is for long storage. For everyday use, you don't have to worry about it.

Good luck and happy vaping.

 

[edyle]

Hello - I finally upgraded to a Kanger Subbox with a Subtank Nano - and purchased two 2 18650 batteries (Samsung SDI 25R 2015 model green)

The more I read the more confused I get. I got a nitecore i2 charger and just charged both of them and have one in the Kbox - mostly I was just going to use that battery and charge with the USB pass thru charger and when I am out carry the spare fully charged in a plastic holder so I can switch out as needed.

Is that a good strategy?
Is it safe?
Am I better off rotating the batteries?
Is it OK to keep the spare at 100% or should I be keeping it at 40% as I read - but that would defeat the purpose of having a spare.
Any other recommendations.

I have read so much stuff and it's very confusing so I thought I'd ask the experts. Thank-you.

1: Better to charge 18650 batteries separately; use the usb charger more for convenience/emergency; batteries need time to rest between charge/discharge.
So yes you are better off rotating batteries.

2: keep the spare at 100%;
if you are not going to use a battery for months, then store it at 40%

 

[roxynoodle]

I also would rotate the batteries. They are most unstable right after charging. And USB ports tend to be a weak point. I use them for emergencies, mods with built in batteries and firmware upgrades only.