18650 lifespan?
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Depends on what voltage you're using it at. Since a lavatube is boosting, it uses more battery when you're vaping about 3.7V
I usually vape about 4.3, but lately, I've been using 6.0 to get decent vapor.
That doesn't kill me with throat hit, like 6.0 usually would.
That doesn't kill me with throat hit, like 6.0 usually would.
The life span of an 18650 probably depends on (a) how it's used, and (b) the quality of the battery. You can decrease the life span by discharging them too much between chargings. Also, exposing them to prolonged heat (such as leaving them in a hot car) is bad for them.
Finally, I wouldn't expect a cheap knockoff to last nearly as long as a quality battery such as an AW or Panasonic. That's why I consider the cheap knockoff batteries to be false economy.
Finally, I wouldn't expect a cheap knockoff to last nearly as long as a quality battery such as an AW or Panasonic. That's why I consider the cheap knockoff batteries to be false economy.
Get a $15 voltmeter and see how much your batteries are actually dropping their output.
View attachment 129482
Are you using the high drain IMR batteries or the higher mAh IC types? Especially with a variable voltage device, the high drain batteries are usually recommended by the manufacturer. They are better designed to deal with the increased short energy bursts they are required to use with VV. Many manufacturers also recommend only AW brand rechargable batteries. I'd stay away from the Trustfires and Ultrafires. The Panasonics are an excellent battery, too, but I've not seen any manufacturer recommend their use.
If you are using dual cartomizers, they will drain your battery faster than single coils. I'd been using Smoktek's DC in several tanks and was getting tired of frequent burnt taste with them. I made the switch to single coils Smokteks in all the tanks about 3 weeks ago. In that time, I've noted a moderate increase in the battery life of my AW 18650 IMR's, arguably better vapor production and flavor, and best of all no more burnt taste.
You might do some routine cleaning maintanance of your battery contacts in your mod with some alcohol. Also the caps of your batteries. Sometimes some deposits or dirt can accumulate enough to affect conduction. Also check the hot spring to see if it is corroded and needs replacement.
Atomizers and cartomizers have been known to drop their resistance over time, so put that voltmeter between your mod and chosen vaping device and see what real resistance under load they are producing. A faulty device could be robbing your batteries more than they should.
I use 2.0 ohm cartos on my Provari and Silver Bullet. I rarely set my voltage any higher than 4.8v on my Provari. My batteries easily last me all day and some into the next. I also use a Pila charger - I personally believe its recharging algorhythms prolong a battery's expected battery life more so than the cheaper re-chargers.
View attachment 129482
Are you using the high drain IMR batteries or the higher mAh IC types? Especially with a variable voltage device, the high drain batteries are usually recommended by the manufacturer. They are better designed to deal with the increased short energy bursts they are required to use with VV. Many manufacturers also recommend only AW brand rechargable batteries. I'd stay away from the Trustfires and Ultrafires. The Panasonics are an excellent battery, too, but I've not seen any manufacturer recommend their use.
If you are using dual cartomizers, they will drain your battery faster than single coils. I'd been using Smoktek's DC in several tanks and was getting tired of frequent burnt taste with them. I made the switch to single coils Smokteks in all the tanks about 3 weeks ago. In that time, I've noted a moderate increase in the battery life of my AW 18650 IMR's, arguably better vapor production and flavor, and best of all no more burnt taste.
You might do some routine cleaning maintanance of your battery contacts in your mod with some alcohol. Also the caps of your batteries. Sometimes some deposits or dirt can accumulate enough to affect conduction. Also check the hot spring to see if it is corroded and needs replacement.
Atomizers and cartomizers have been known to drop their resistance over time, so put that voltmeter between your mod and chosen vaping device and see what real resistance under load they are producing. A faulty device could be robbing your batteries more than they should.
I use 2.0 ohm cartos on my Provari and Silver Bullet. I rarely set my voltage any higher than 4.8v on my Provari. My batteries easily last me all day and some into the next. I also use a Pila charger - I personally believe its recharging algorhythms prolong a battery's expected battery life more so than the cheaper re-chargers.
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Yes, I've noticed my batteries, even my good quality IMR for my Provari not lasting as long. I think after about 7 months of use they are simply not holding a charge as well. I may buy some new ones to see if my theory is correct! Maybe I'm just vaping more? 
My batteries are High drain IMR's. I use a multimeter to test the carto's, but I have no idea how to test the batteries. I am definitely electrically ignorant. Any advice on testing the batteries?
Do you top them off before they're fully drained? They'll last longer if you do.
If you are using the same ohm atty or carto with the 6 VT vaping that you were using with the 4.3 volt vaping that will shorten your time between charges of your batteries.
If you have a multi meter like the one in the pic in my above post, it will have threaded posts on each end.
One end will thread to your mod -- simply screw it on the mod and press the button to fire the battery, the volt meter will give you a digital readout of the battery's current voltage output.
The other end will take your atomizer or carto -- screw it onto the voltmeter. With both the carto/atty and mod attached to the voltmeter, fire up the battery and you will get a read out of the atty/carto's resistance under load. Readout should be +/- 0.2 of stated oHm.
One end will thread to your mod -- simply screw it on the mod and press the button to fire the battery, the volt meter will give you a digital readout of the battery's current voltage output.
The other end will take your atomizer or carto -- screw it onto the voltmeter. With both the carto/atty and mod attached to the voltmeter, fire up the battery and you will get a read out of the atty/carto's resistance under load. Readout should be +/- 0.2 of stated oHm.
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I never let the batteries drain completely. I always switch them out when the reading is about 3.7 v. I did let one of them discharge fully by mistake, a month ago.
Changing the batt at 3.7v is complete overkill in the attempt to "prolong" battery life. You arent even using half of the charge energy so it is no suprise that you only get a few hours from a battery.
IIRC, the LavaTube cuts off at ~3.2v. That still leaves you a decent bit of headroom before the battery is considered fully discharged. But the LT might not be able to produce a good vape at that voltage since, on at least some of the versions, the output falls off as the battery drains.
Vape until you cant get a good vape anymore, then change batteries. But be aware that a weak vape may be caused by the device more than the battery.
I purchased this meter that checks not only voltage but internal Battery resistance, this way it takes all the guess work out of when to pitch my Batts in the trash can this one = New Internal Battery Resistance Voltmeter SM8124 0-200V | eBay
this one = New Internal Battery Resistance Voltmeter SM8124 0-200V | eBayIf wattage is unchanged, output voltage has no affect on input current. 3.7v will have the same input current as 6.0v. Regulator efficiency is the only variable that will effect input current.
I use nearly nothing but 18650's. My AW IMR's I swap out of my Provaris at about 3.4 volts. I let them rest at least an hour before I put them on the battery charger. I let them rest before I use them again. My batts get used in rotation and I have been using them now for 5 months and see no loss of charge time or level.
I also use the protected flat top version of the 18650 in my Silver Bullets. I do the same swap time and rest time routine with them. They are also in use now for about the same length of time and are still strong and long lasting.
I also use the protected flat top version of the 18650 in my Silver Bullets. I do the same swap time and rest time routine with them. They are also in use now for about the same length of time and are still strong and long lasting.
I know what it means, I don't get what it does. Are they tired?
Seriously though... not being a wiseguy. How does that help the battery?
Seriously though... not being a wiseguy. How does that help the battery?
I know what it means, I don't get what it does. Are they tired?
Seriously though... not being a wiseguy. How does that help the battery?
You do it for safety, not to help battery life.
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