Battery Degrading

[lnfound]

I'm running a Reo Mini and have 2 AW 14650 (Whichever the correct number is, I have some electrical tape around them).

I don't have a voltage tester, but I'm curious how quick batteries need to be replaced. It seems mine have been kind of "meh" after 10-20minutes lately, but I'm not sure if I need to replace my attys quicker or the batteries are dying on me.

I have two, and they've been going through roughly a charge a day since May, so about 4 months. Does anyone have any experience on whether they continue to hold charge well this long in, or if I need to address my atomizers?

Thanks

 

[lnfound]

What a coincidence, battery seems to have died completely within a few minutes of posting this.

 

[ancient puffer]

A lot depends on how much you vape, and how low you drain them before recharging, but from what I've read, 4 months is about average before they begin to show their age. Even when you've found your sweet spot as far as PV, batts, atty/carto and juice, replacement batteries need to be factored in to your continuing expenses.

If you cycle thru more batteries, you prolong having to replace them, but the cost is higher (by that I mean, 4 batts will go longer than 2, but cost twice as much).

Personally, I'm spoiled by the AW IMR's. When they won't stay above 3.9v for an hour, I'll replace them. I know I can run them much lower than that, but the vape isn't as good.

All that said, you could try a new atty, it's cheaper than a battery, and if that doesn't help, you'll at least have a spare atty so it won't go to waste.

ETA: Just saw where it died, bummer. The batteries are 14500, btw. Also, FYI, you can get a decent meter to test them and attys at harbor freight for around $5 here.

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

Ugh....lame.
So without a multi-meter, it is difficult to tell if it is the batteries or the charger. Running the same two batteries in rotation means that you are using them more often then I use mine....I have 8 batteries in rotation and have been using them without problems for about 6 months. So it is possible that they are getting tired quicker than mine. It is also possible that something has gone wrong with the charger. To find out, the best way is to get a multi-meter from your local hardware or home improvement store (they run around $5-20 depending on the brand) and test your batteries as they come off the charger and again when you take them out of your mod. If you need assistance using your meter, just let us know...we can help walk you through it.

 

[nerak]

In looking at your post, I see that you use up two batteries in a day. I would guess that you are draining them down below 3.5 before pulling them out and switching. The AW IMR will last you longer if you pull around 3.5-3.6. It does not cut their life but increases it to pull before 3.5. Straining them by letting them run down to shut off will shorten their life.
A multimeter will let you monitor their drop in voltage and you can pretty much learn when to pull them out at 3.6. If you are just using the Mini you might want to purchase 3 batteries to cycle.

 

[lnfound]

I ordered an extra 2 batteries so I will test out this weekend, I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll post back if it doesn't help things out. Thanks for all the input and notes on the cycling.

 

[ancient puffer]

I ordered an extra 2 batteries so I will test out this weekend, I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll post back if it doesn't help things out. Thanks for all the input and notes on the cycling.

Sounds like a good idea. I suspect you'll find a HUGE improvement with new batteries (unless, there's a problem with your charger which is much less likely). Just FYI, I rotated 4 batteries for my mini. Now that I have a grand, that works fine for me, but if it were my main vape (the mini), I'd probably go for 6 or 8 in rotation. And please, post back and let us know what it turns out to be.