Are you done stocking up?

[BillW50]

Well there is a belief that the slower you charge, the healthier it is for the cell. Although it has been my decades worth of experience that as long as the cell stays cool at higher charge currents, it does no harm. One thing I really like about xtar chargers as their chargers and the cells really stay cool during operation.

Then I ran into articles like this.
Study finds rapid charging and draining doesn’t damage lithium-ion electrode as much as thought

So xtar might be way ahead of the curve and understands that quick charging won't damage cells like many people believe. And internal resistance is indeed a good indicator in how fast you can charge and discharge a cell. So unless anybody has any hard evidence that xtar VC4S are damaging cells, I'm perfectly fine with their methods. In fact, I think I'll buy one now and play with it and see what I find out.

 

[Haktuspit]

Well there is a belief that the slower you charge, the healthier it is for the cell. Although it has been my decades worth of experience that as long as the cell stays cool at higher charge currents, it does no harm. One thing I really like about XTAR chargers as their chargers and the cells really stay cool during operation.

Then I ran into articles like this.
Study finds rapid charging and draining doesn’t damage lithium-ion electrode as much as thought

So XTAR might be way ahead of the curve and understands that quick charging won't damage cells like many people believe. And internal resistance is indeed a good indicator in how fast you can charge and discharge a cell. So unless anybody has any hard evidence that XTAR VC4S are damaging cells, I'm perfectly fine with their methods. In fact, I think I'll buy one now and play with it and see what I find out.

No you can just send me your address and I'll send you mine. I want nothing to do with this thing. I'm going back to my Nitecore for now and I'll probably buy another MiBoxer.

Still charging the same two batteries since 9:00 AM this morning, it's almost 4 pm, and they were 1/2 full.

 

[Oregon Linda]

Right, it's sold separately.



Yeah, that's crazy. Are these old batts? If so, may have really high internal resistance. Time to get rid of.

Look at the display. What amperage are they charging at?



This has no bearing on the charger's performance.

================================

Personally, I don't like the idea of faffing around with power sources and # of batts in order to regulate the charge currents. Too much hassle for me since there are other reputable chargers that have manual current control. I like to be able to set that manually as I see fit/prefer.

That's the one major thing I like about my Efest LUC 2 and LUC 4 chargers. On the LUC 4, the current can be set for 0.5A on all 4 slots and 1 amp on all 4 slots...it's powered by an included wall plug (you cannot power it via USB. There is a USB port on the back but I believe that is strictly for using it in powerbank mod - in other words, it's an output, not an input). Can also be set to 2A charging but this is only for 2 slots (the 2 middle sots, the outer 2 slots are disabled in 2A mode). The charge currents are set with one simple button.

The LUC 4 does not take 21700 batts, though. There is a newer version (HD?) but I never owned it so I can't say how good it is but I can tell you that my Efest LUC chargers have lasted me over 5 years, probably over 6 years. The LUC 4 is my most heavily used charger and is on it's last leg. But I feel I got my money's worth. I would probably buy another but not sure since it doesn't do 21700. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I highly recommend it for an 18650 charger. I have 2 LUC 25 charger that I bought at the same time but one is still in the box (never used) and the other has not seen nearly as much use so can't speak to their longevity compared to the LUC 4. But I like them both the same.

The upgraded version is the Elite Luc 4. I bought one about a year ago after trying to find a good charger for my 2X700 batteries. I highly recommend it. I've used it heavily for all my charging and it has been very reliable. You can charge in all 4 bays up to 1 amp. For 2 amps, use the 2 outside bays. I always charge my 2X700 and 26650s at 2 amps, so I really love this charger. Most of the battery stores have it in stock. Here it is for $24.99:

Efest ELITE LUC V4 HD LCD 4 Bay Battery Charger

 

[BillW50]

Still charging the same two batteries since 9:00 AM this morning, it's almost 4 pm, and they were 1/2 full.

Before you give up, I got something you can try. At least on those XTAR VC4 which I bought back in 2015, the contacts has to be pretty clean, otherwise it will downgrade the charging current and take forever. I normally use isopropyl since I haven't seen it harm ABS plastics. But you shouldn't get much on the plastic anyway.

 

[Haktuspit]

Before you give up, I got something you can try. At least on those XTAR VC4 which I bought back in 2015, the contacts has to be pretty clean, otherwise it will downgrade the charging current and take forever. I normally use isopropyl since I haven't seen it harm ABS plastics. But you shouldn't get much on the plastic anyway.

I just took it out of the package 12 days ago so I highly doubt that's my problem. I swear it was charging faster when I first got it but I watched that video, read the manual again, and have a decent understanding of the different modes and still can't get past 250 mA with two batteries. I put a single in there today and it only got 500 mA.

Need to confirm this Nitecore still works before I go shipping this one out and have no charger lol I won't have time to do that until next week at the earliest though.

 

[fiddleshe]

I like my Miboxer C4-12 v2 charger.

Each of the 4 bays is independent and can do up to 3A simultaneously. It will charge all the current batteries we use.

Miboxer C4-12 |18650 Battery Charger|Smart Charger

I love my Miboxer.

 

[JCinFLA]

Thought some might be interested in this truly amazing deal on the SMOK coils linked to below. At least 2 of them are compatible with quite a few other well-known tanks, in addition to the SMOK ones mentioned on each page.

KangerWholesaleUSA/Lightfire Distribution hasn't had Free S/H at $75 order or more, for at least 3-4 months. But...if you choose one of the 2 cheap, Flat Rate choices... $9.97 or $9.89, you can get many boxes shipped for those Rates. 1 of them is specifically for buyers from Florida, and uses a private carrier for delivery. I know people who've ordered 50 boxes, 75 boxes, 80 boxes, and even 100 boxes, and they've shipped for those Flat rates.

I ordered a bunch Monday night, and they were delivered, with proof of age and signature required, at noon today. The fairly local delivery driver is going to be learning how to DIY her eliquids in the near future.

ETA: For those people who've never ordered from them - You'll need to register as a retail buyer with them, in order to see the prices and/or to place an order. It's free and is no big deal. It just lets them know you're not a wholesale buyer, since they also sell to many vape shops.

ALL of These Are $0.49/Box
​

SMOK TFV12 Prince X6 Replacement Coils - 3PK

Exclusively designed for the TFV12 Prince Sub-Ohm Tank.
Coil Details:
Resistance: 0.15 Ohm
Patented Sextuple Coil
Wattage Range: 50 to 120W
Recommended Wattage Range: 80 to 100W

SMOK TFV12 Prince Cobra X2 Clapton Replacement Coils - 3PK - There were more than 400 boxes, but they've been the most popular.

Designed for the TFV12 Prince, Resa Prince, and Prince Cobra.
Coil Details:
Resistance: 0.40 Ohm
Dual Clapton Coils
Wattage Range: 40-80w
Organic Cotton

SMOK TFV12 Prince T10 Red Light Replacement Coils - 3PK

Designed for the TFV12 Prince Tank.
Coil Details:
Resistance: 0.12 Ohm
Performance Enhanced Coil Structure
Decuple Coils Design
Brings you massive vapor and shining light
Wattage Range: 60-120W
Recommended Wattage Range: 80-110W

MANUFATURER NOTE: The SMOK TFV12 Prince T10 Replacement Coils are NOT compatible with the regular TFV12 Cloud Beast King.

SMOK TFV8 Baby T12 Light Edition Replacement Coil - 5PK - available in Green, Orange, and Red

Compatible with the TFV12 Baby Prince Sub Ohm Tank and the TFV8 Baby Beast Sub Ohm Tank.
Coil Details:
Resistance: 0.15 Ohm
Brings you huge vapor and shining light
Duodecuple coils
Wattage Range: 50-90W
Recommended Range: 60-80W

According to Dominant Vapor's Compatibility chart...they're also compatible with any/all tanks/coils in the Baby Coils section: Coil Heads Compatibility Chart

SMOK V8-T6 Replacement Coil - 3PK

Compatible with the TFV8 Cloud Beast Tank.
Coil Details:
Resistance: 0.2 Ohm
Sextuple coil
Turbo: 6.0T
Wattage Range: 50-240W
Recommended Range: 110-150W

According to the above chart again....these are compatible with any/all of the tanks/coils in the LG Coils section.

 

[UncLeJunkLe]

I just took it out of the package 12 days ago so I highly doubt that's my problem.

Bills advice is very good. You should clean them as well as clean your battery contacts. While the charger contacts look clean and the charger is new, they could have a light coating of something on them from the factory to inhibit oxidation. It costs virtually nothing in both time or money. You'd be surprised how many times cleaning battery and mod contacts has worked to fix issues even when the contacts looked clean already, for me and others. Hell, I recently helped someone on reddit "fix" his mod issues just by telling him to clean all his contacts when nothing else worked. Even if you still don't like the charger, at least you know what can fix charger issues for future reference. It can also help other VC4S owners searching for a solution to your exact issue.

 

[UncLeJunkLe]

In light of stocking up and prepping for vapocalypse: something avid Arctic Fox lovers may want to consider is downloading whatever versions of AF/NFE Tools that you need and keeping copies of the files on various local and online drives.

I say this because although the AF/NFE Team denies the AF project is dead/dying, reality points to the opposite. The fact is that newer JWE mods are incompatible with AF, they have stated their lack of interest in expanding the project to other brands that might be doable and they aren't very helpful on their forum anymore (downright rude and cryptic responses/answers to be honest) - all indicating waning interest in the project. I say it's only a matter of time they close it up since websites cost money to maintain. JMHO based on observation on their not-very-active forum, not based on any facts or even rumors.

 

[gloopdegurp]

I picked up my Arbiter 2 and Solo RTAs today!


Also added to my rebuildable stash are an Aromamizer (v1), a Serpent SMM tank, Drop 1.5 RDA, and a Mongrel RDA.

I added a box of Rayon to my wicking collection as well.

Getting there... maybe just one or two more things...

 

[hittman]

I picked up my Arbiter 2 and Solo RTAs today!


Also added to my rebuildable stash are an Aromamizer (v1), a Serpent SMM tank, Drop 1.5 RDA, and a Mongrel RDA.

I added a box of Rayon to my wicking collection as well.

Getting there... maybe just one or two more things...

I didn’t love the serpent tank. The drop v1.5 is a really good one.

 

[gloopdegurp]

I got a small discount on the Aromamizer and Serpent, so I figured what the heck. They were in stock at the one shop.
I do see that it looks like some folks still use the original Aromamizer, the v3 was on my list but their suppliers don't have that in stock right now.

I might try and get an Innokin Ares 2 yet, they could not order that for me either but I might have an option online.

Thinking about picking up the Subway edition of the Mongrel as well, there were a few of those where I picked up the standard one. Looks like the Subway version has one different air insert from standard.
I liked the green one, though I don't have any mods with any green on them. I'm not usually concerned about things matching, but might need to browse more mods if I do get it!

 

[zoiDman]

I got a small discount on the Aromamizer and Serpent, so I figured what the heck. They were in stock at the one shop.
I do see that it looks like some folks still use the original Aromamizer, the v3 was on my list but their suppliers don't have that in stock right now.

I might try and get an Innokin Ares 2 yet, they could not order that for me either but I might have an option online.

Thinking about picking up the Subway edition of the Mongrel as well, there were a few of those where I picked up the standard one. Looks like the Subway version has one different air insert from standard.
I liked the green one, though I don't have any mods with any green on them. I'm not usually concerned about things matching, but might need to browse more mods if I do get it!

I ran a Serpent SMM for awhile. It's Not a bad RTA. Not bad at all.

 

[hittman]

I got a small discount on the Aromamizer and Serpent, so I figured what the heck. They were in stock at the one shop.
I do see that it looks like some folks still use the original Aromamizer, the v3 was on my list but their suppliers don't have that in stock right now.

I might try and get an Innokin Ares 2 yet, they could not order that for me either but I might have an option online.

Thinking about picking up the Subway edition of the Mongrel as well, there were a few of those where I picked up the standard one. Looks like the Subway version has one different air insert from standard.
I liked the green one, though I don't have any mods with any green on them. I'm not usually concerned about things matching, but might need to browse more mods if I do get it!

I’ve got a couple of aromamizers somewhere in my boxes and boxes of hardware. I don’t remember which version they are.

 

[gloopdegurp]

Well, I went back today and picked up the green Mongrel.
I resisted the urge to get a mod with some sort of green to match with it.

I got another Aegis Legend (OG) instead.
They only had a Stealth Black and a Red Trim left in stock, I went with the SB.
I do like those Legends!

 

[hittman]

Well, I went back today and picked up the green Mongrel.
I resisted the urge to get a mod with some sort of green to match with it.

I got another Aegis Legend (OG) instead.
They only had a Stealth Black and a Red Trim left in stock, I went with the SB.
I do like those Legends!

What shade of green is the tank? I have an armour pro that’s almost lime green.

 

[gloopdegurp]

Close to an olive hue

 

[hittman]

The one I have wouldn’t match that. It’s much brighter green.

 

[BillW50]

In fact, I think I'll buy one now and play with it and see what I find out.

Well I purchased one (XTAR VC4S) a few days ago and received it yesterday. I've spent about 12 hours now with it trying different batteries and conditions. And if it is happy with the IR (internal resistance) of the cells, these are the charge currents it displays (in Cur mode).

QC 3.0A Wall Charger
1 cell = 3000ma
2 cell = 1960ma
3+ cell = 460ma

2.1A Wall Charger
1 cell = 1960ma
2 cell = 900ma
3+ cell = 460ma

In the beginning of charging, you will see the battery type flashing below the number display. It is testing the cell for IR, cell voltage, type, etc. When the battery type display switches to solid, it is in normal charging mode.

I'm not real sure were the trip point for the IR is to reduce the charge current. I do know 40's or lower gets full speed charging. So far I haven't ran across any cell higher yet. I did have some lint or something on a cell contact that the VC4S had reported 84mΩ IR and the charging current was reduced. But a quick spin of the cell in the bay cured it and the IR dropped and fast charging resumed.

You can purchase the VC4S with a QC 3.0A Wall Charger (for about 3 bucks more) or without. All and all I am very pleased with it so far.

 

[DancingHeretik]

I'm looking for some new plastic needle-tip bottles. I want the one that have a plastic needle-tip instead of the metal tip. Anyone know where I can find them?

ETA: Preferably without a child-proof cap.