These tests below only note the ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. Use of these batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.
If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.
Bottom Line
This MaxAmps cell appears to be a rewrap of the Sony VTC4 but performs worse than the VTC4. Most of the printing on the metal can that identifies it as a VTC4 was washed off on both cells I tested but a faint image was still there on one that I could read. The two “dimples” on top of the metal can, only used by Sony VTC cells, are also there.
The plastic battery wrap for this MaxAmps cell is self-adhesive and it uses a thin paper top insulating ring. While a paper ring can be a benefit if the cell overheats (versus plastic, which can melt) I recommend not using this cell where you know that eliquid could leak onto it.
While Sony gives the VTC4 a 30A “max” continuous rating I consider that to be a “temperature-limited” rating similar to what Sony does for their newer cells. It brings the cell up to about 90°C which is too hot to ensure good cycle life in my opinion. You can run the VTC4 at 30A but you must stop before it reaches its maximum rated temperature of 80°C.
MaxAmps rates this cell at 30A and 2150mAh. This might make some think it could be a Samsung 20S rewrap or a competitor for it. The Samsung 20S is a very hard-hitting, true 30A rated 2000mAh cell and this MaxAmps cell doesn’t perform nearly as well.
The MaxAmps delivered only about 230mAh at 30A down to 3.2V, a typical regulated mod cutoff voltage and where many mech users stop (it’s about 3.6V when put in a charger). The VTC4 delivered about 400mAh. The Samsung 20S delivered about 1150mAh! The Samsung 20S also hit much, MUCH harder (ran at a higher voltage) and ran about 20°C cooler than the MaxAmps cell at 30A.
The capacity for the two cells I tested was 2130mAh and 2143mAh at 430mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is great consistency and is typical of the cells from the major manufacturers. It is below MaxAmps’ rating of 2150mAh though and I am sure the cells I have are not the lowest capacity ones in the batch.
I am giving this MaxAmps a continuous current rating of 22A and a capacity rating of 2100mAh.
Two cells were purchased for the purposes of testing directly from MaxAmps by me.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings Graphic
Performance Specs
- DC Internal Resistance = 22.1mOhms (milliohms) average for the two cells.
- Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 10A continuous = 5.0Wh
- Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 20A continuous = 3.0Wh
I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability and testing news and a say in what I test then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery tests and educating vapers | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. Use of these batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.
If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.
Bottom Line
This MaxAmps cell appears to be a rewrap of the Sony VTC4 but performs worse than the VTC4. Most of the printing on the metal can that identifies it as a VTC4 was washed off on both cells I tested but a faint image was still there on one that I could read. The two “dimples” on top of the metal can, only used by Sony VTC cells, are also there.
The plastic battery wrap for this MaxAmps cell is self-adhesive and it uses a thin paper top insulating ring. While a paper ring can be a benefit if the cell overheats (versus plastic, which can melt) I recommend not using this cell where you know that eliquid could leak onto it.
While Sony gives the VTC4 a 30A “max” continuous rating I consider that to be a “temperature-limited” rating similar to what Sony does for their newer cells. It brings the cell up to about 90°C which is too hot to ensure good cycle life in my opinion. You can run the VTC4 at 30A but you must stop before it reaches its maximum rated temperature of 80°C.
MaxAmps rates this cell at 30A and 2150mAh. This might make some think it could be a Samsung 20S rewrap or a competitor for it. The Samsung 20S is a very hard-hitting, true 30A rated 2000mAh cell and this MaxAmps cell doesn’t perform nearly as well.
The MaxAmps delivered only about 230mAh at 30A down to 3.2V, a typical regulated mod cutoff voltage and where many mech users stop (it’s about 3.6V when put in a charger). The VTC4 delivered about 400mAh. The Samsung 20S delivered about 1150mAh! The Samsung 20S also hit much, MUCH harder (ran at a higher voltage) and ran about 20°C cooler than the MaxAmps cell at 30A.
The capacity for the two cells I tested was 2130mAh and 2143mAh at 430mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is great consistency and is typical of the cells from the major manufacturers. It is below MaxAmps’ rating of 2150mAh though and I am sure the cells I have are not the lowest capacity ones in the batch.
I am giving this MaxAmps a continuous current rating of 22A and a capacity rating of 2100mAh.
Two cells were purchased for the purposes of testing directly from MaxAmps by me.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings Graphic
Performance Specs
- DC Internal Resistance = 22.1mOhms (milliohms) average for the two cells.
- Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 10A continuous = 5.0Wh
- Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 20A continuous = 3.0Wh
I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability and testing news and a say in what I test then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery tests and educating vapers | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
