Best 18650 batteries?

[Tsuki]

I got two Desay batteries with my new YJ Lavatube... they're rated at 2200mAh@3.7v. My issue is I'm vaping @ 3 volts because PWM on YJ tube is messed up there is something awkward about the voltage settings because of this. I'm pretty sure its tied to PWM. Anyways, even though I'm vaping @ 3.0volts (feels like 3.7 or more) these batteries barely last the same amount of time that my ego style 650mAh batteries. I'm lucky if I get 4-6hrs out of them... supposedly at 3.0v, that is unacceptable.

What type of 2200-2000mAh batts should I invest in? Also, would I need a different charger than the one I use (and came with) Desay batts? And should I expect an acceptable change witht he new batts?

This is the new YJ black chrome LT 2.0 with spring loaded centerpin (full size). (although I'm not sure why they bother to make it spring loaded... it only comes up about 1 millimeter or so, hardly enough to be useful for stardust type or other products with post connectivity issues, but enough to mess with vivi nova and standard cartos airflow without 510 adapter.)

 

[betaalex]

safest and most reliable choice is AW IMR 2000mAh 18650 batteries.

Looks like the best place to buy original (as opposed to counterfeit) AW's and at best price is either Super T Manufacturing or RTDVapor.

Also Efest IMR batteries seem to have characteristics very close to AW's but are somewhat cheaper.

Also batteries by any "big names" like Panasonic, Sanyo, LG are definitely a good choice. Looks like mostly Panasonics are offered at US vape stores. If you are relatively new to Li-Ion batteries, it's better to buy Panasonic CGR series which are high drain and safer chemistry and similar to AW IMR's. NCR batteries by Panasonic should be fine too at voltages you mentioned, but, if not sure, better invest in CGR.

Again, you can find all this at RTDVapors, Super T Manuacturing and a bunch of other places (but who knows it they sell original or fake.)

 

[Thrasher]

safest and most reliable choice is AW IMR 2000mAh 18650 batteries.

Looks like the best place to buy original (as opposed to counterfeit) AW's and at best price is either Super T Manufacturing or RTDVapor.

Also Efest IMR batteries seem to have characteristics very close to AW's but are somewhat cheaper.

Also batteries by any "big names" like Panasonic, Sanyo, LG are definitely a good choice. Looks like mostly Panasonics are offered at US vape stores. If you are relatively new to Li-Ion batteries, it's better to buy Panasonic CGR series which are high drain and safer chemistry and similar to AW IMR's. NCR batteries by Panasonic should be fine too at voltages you mentioned, but, if not sure, better invest in CGR.

Again, you can find all this at RTDVapors, Super T Manuacturing and a bunch of other places (but who knows it they sell original or fake.)

been using the 2250 panasonics, they work great,
got em at orbtronics. they test everything they sell and ship fast, have bigger ones now also.

something to keep in mind is what device are they going in? the batteries get longer as they get higher in power or add the button tops. and not every battery fits in every device.

New! Panasonic CGR18650CH With Top Button, 2250mAh IMR High Drain 18650 Battery Cell-Made in Japan

 

[xplumberx]

Any battery that is in a ProVari? That is the best 18650 IMO.. lol (AW's or Efest IMO, Panasonic, Orbitronic work well too).

 

[betaalex]

basically, if I understand it correctly, all Li-Ion batteries are made by "big name" companies, i.e. Panasonic, LG, Sanyo and a few others. It's a serious business that simply can not be replicated in any basement lab Any other names you see on Li-Ion batteries, like AW, Efest, Desay, Ultrafire - they are just resellers and their batteries are just rebranded Panasonics, Sanyus, LGs.

But, those rebranded products are not equal! Like with any mass production there are good and not so good batches. AW select and put their logo on best of the best batches available (at least in theory), while Ultrifire buys cheapest (but suitable for their needs.)

 

[bruiser]

I'm fairly certain AW are rebranded Panasonics.

 

[Thrasher]

I'm fairly certain AW are rebranded Panasonics.

AW uses quality panasonic batteries.
AW only puts a pcb on the battery then heatshrinks it with the AW label. Its a panasonic cell.

they are a respected member at candlepowerforums, think we obsess over PV'S? check out how these guys act over flashlights and such lol...

 

[betaalex]

Ok, looks like everything is clear with batteries here but we still have not answered OP"s question about charger.

My version is:

from your original posting it's not clear what charger u actually own right now. Most likely you do not really need a new charger. But, just to make sure, try to measure voltage of your freshly charged batteries (you have to buy or borrow a digital voltmeter). If it's above 4.25 V - red flag, your charger is overcharging batteries, it's not safe and you should definitely get a new one ASAP. If it's below 4.25V - your charger is OK.

There are a few chargers that have been tried, tested and found to perform consistently over extended periods of time:

cheap solution: Trustfire TR - 001

not so cheap but generally considered as the best solution: Pila chargers


PS: but probablty the simplest and most efficient racommedartion is just to follow xplumberx's advise and check Provape's web-site. They recommend (and sell) quality products.

 

[tA71ana]

AW uses quality panasonic batteries.
AW only puts a pcb on the battery then heatshrinks it with the AW label. Its a panasonic cell.

they are a respected member at candlepowerforums, think we obsess over PV'S? check out how these guys act over flashlights and such lol...

Flashlights?

Ok, now that's pretty hardcore, lol

 

[Thrasher]

Flashlights?

Ok, now that's pretty hardcore, lol

I started going there for info on batteries,, they make our obsessions look silly in comparison.

 

[tA71ana]

I started going there for info on batteries,, they make our obsessions look silly in comparison.

I just popped over there for a sec to check it out.
I was like, whoa

 

[Thrasher]

I just popped over there for a sec to check it out.
I was like, whoa

LOLOL have to admit I have never put that much thought into a flashlight purchase before.
just like us there are customs, and modded, and high end stuff. everyone has some kinda hobby.......................

 

[tA71ana]

LOLOL have to admit I have never put that much thought into a flashlight purchase before.
just like us there are customs, and modded, and high end stuff. everyone has some kinda hobby.......................

Those guys over there are pretty intense.
I'll never look at a flashlight the same, lol

 

[Thrasher]

Those guys over there are pretty intense.
I'll never look at a flashlight the same, lol

hear ya, but man do they know their batteries, they dissect them and test them 50 ways to sunday, when I got my first mod type i saw a thread here for a battery asking if it was any good so i wanted to see what the web said, and google brought me to a thread there, they are down with that let me tell ya, and in the end i started thinking, some of those flashlights are high drain mods like our PV's and these guys are already forgetting more then we are just starting to learn, so maybe they know whats really up.

 

[tA71ana]

hear ya, but man do they know their batteries, they dissect them and test them 50 ways to sunday, when I got my first mod type i saw a thread here for a battery asking if it was any good so i wanted to see what the web said, and google brought me to a thread there, they are down with that let me tell ya, and in the end i started thinking, some of those flashlights are high drain mods like our PV's and these guys are already forgetting more then we are just starting to learn, so maybe they know whats really up.

Which brings me to the next question...
They probably don't discuss it over there, but I can't help but wonder what folks with that kind of knowledge base about batts thinks of the applications that we as vapers are using them for....?

 

[WillyB]

I'm fairly certain AW are rebranded Panasonics.

AW uses quality panasonic batteries.
AW only puts a pcb on the battery then heatshrinks it with the AW label. Its a panasonic cell.

they are a respected member at candlepowerforums, think we obsess over PV'S? check out how these guys act over flashlights and such lol...

AW has a rather extensive line of batteries, with many IMRs, two of their 18650Li-Ions are Panasonic. Panasonic doesn't even make true IMRs. The bulk of AW's batteries are made in China.

 

[Thrasher]

AW has a rather extensive line of batteries, with many IMRs, two of their 18650Li-Ions are Panasonic. Panasonic doesn't even make true IMRs. The bulk of AW's batteries are made in China.

sort of : pany makes a hybrid now which is considered better, and can still be classified as IMR.

I = lithium ion
C/M/F = cobalt/manganese/iron phosphate chemistry
R = rechargeable(?)

Therefore,

ICR 18650 = lithium cobalt oxide (traditional) cylindrical cell
IMR 18650 = lithium manganese oxide cylindrical cell
IFR 18650 = lithium iron phosphate cylindrical cell

And I dont really think panasonic is rebranding someone elses batteries and claiming credit for building them.
CGR18650CH Panasonic 18650 Li-Mn-Li-ion CGR18650CH High Drain 10A Rechargeable IMR Hybrid Battery Cell

 

[Rader2146]

Lol, Willy could probably jump over to the flashlight forums and hold his own with the battery "enthusiasts".

AW uses some Panasinic batteries, but certainly not all AW batteries have Panasonic inside. Panasonic does not make 18350, 16340, or any 17xxx batteries. So AW obviously has other sources than just Panasonic.

The CGR/CH in not an "IMR" in the traditional sense of the term. Which is why it has been called a hybrid. "INMCR" might be more appropriate, but that's just a guess based in the chemistry's characteristics.

 

[Tsuki]

well, looks like I'll be searching for some AW batts, any suggestions on good websites to find ones that aren't counterfeit? thanks guys

 

[dmc0105]

well, looks like I'll be searching for some AW batts, any suggestions on good websites to find ones that aren't counterfeit? thanks guys

U can always google awwan01@yahoo.com. From what i heard, he is the aw of aw batteries.