Battery brands and qualities (EH vs AW vs Samsung, etc)

[RooRooBears]

I have 2 devices - mini Provari (main) & Tesla Advanced Vaporizer (backup).

Both device creators and many sites recommend AW brand IMR 18350 & 18650 high drain batteries, respectively (protected, nipple/button top - the red colored ones). I'm curious whether or not it'll make a big difference or if it's at all dangerous to get other types of batteries? Pros/Cons?

Other types I've seen are protected & unprotected versions of Samsung, Joye, and EH batteries.

I'd like to save $$ in case I need to replace batteries but won't do it if there are dangerous/detrimental factors involved. Would anyone care to elaborate the pros/cons of different types of brands, unprotected vs protected, 2000/2200/2600mAh, etc?

The last things I want to do are burn out the ecig devices or not allow the devices to perform the way they're supposed to or simply have the battery explode in my face...

 

[vanillagurilla]

If you really worried stick with the aw imr high drain. Ive found that some camera stores and even radio shack carries a 2300mah protected 18650s. On my tesla if I use a button top the batt cap doesn't seat all the way down, I have to use a flat top. Actually I use both but im really carfull not to over tighten the cap.

 

[mccawley]

AW, Panasonic, Samsung.

 

[oplholik]

Don't skimp on the price for your batts, it isn't worth it in the long run. I don't know anything about the Tesla, but you bought a top of the line in the Provari, why put a cheap batt in it? Now that being said, I have been trying the Efest batts and find them to be a good subistute for the AW's. On the flashlight forums they have been getting reviews also.

 

[jclifford]

I have had extensive experience with LI cells in my radio control helicopters. For the most part I have found very little difference between brands of different cells except for the price. There are many that advocate the use of the overpriced "American" versions, personally I have all the Chinese versions to perform exactly the same except perhaps in really extreme conditions. For the most part the Chinese versions are about one third the price of the "name" brands. My largest helicopter is running 12 cell 44.4 volt packs which last for about a 10 minute flight. They are then quick charged in 15 minutes. Severe abuse for a LI cell!
More important is the care and handling of the cell. If the cell gets dropped, dented or will not charge dispose of it immediately. LI cells are inherently dangerous! a pic below of the remains of a 3 cell heli that I decided to overcharge to try to rejuvenate a "dead" battery pack. The heli is not in the picture because it was still smoldering when I took the pic.

 

[RooRooBears]

Thanks for all of your input and replies! After some thought, I think I will try the other brands eventually but use it on my Tesla, definitely not messing around with my Provari.

@jclifford - your story and pic is permanently embedded in my mind.. definitely will keep a careful watch

 

[RooRooBears]

If you really worried stick with the aw imr high drain. Ive found that some camera stores and even radio shack carries a 2300mah protected 18650s. On my tesla if I use a button top the batt cap doesn't seat all the way down, I have to use a flat top. Actually I use both but im really carfull not to over tighten the cap.

I certainly hope the button top fits because I already ordered it...

 

[Kable]

I certainly hope the button top fits because I already ordered it...

Some button tops fit fine. AW IMR button tops fit perfectly. Others that are slightly longer, the bottom cap won't thread all the way, but they still work.

 

[RooRooBears]

Some button tops fit fine. AW IMR button tops fit perfectly. Others that are slightly longer, the bottom cap won't thread all the way, but they still work.

Thanks Kable, that's assuring to know. Can't wait to place the battery in place and fire up the Tesla!

 

[sharkky1987]

i love the aw batts they work grt and seem to last a long time i have dozens

 

[neojin29]

can anyone tell me if you could put two 18350's in the tesla and if it would work.

 

[RooRooBears]

can anyone tell me if you could put two 18350's in the tesla and if it would work.

Good question. I have 3 18350's and am wondering the same thing.

Althought my gut instinct tells me not to after reading horror stories of people stacking batteries in their ecigs. As in, exploding, etc...

Anyone care to clarify?

 

[seraphicdragon]

I could be mistaken but i do believe the tesla was made to have stacking 18350's, i know you can in the vamo, and i am pretty sure in the reviews i have seen they have mentioned it is acceptable in that mod as well... however i still get nervous about stacking batteries even in overprotected mods like those two i mentioned... it should say on the website you bought your device from what battery configurations will work with your device.