Chargers & Batteries.

[Lanore]

So I'm about to be buying my first mod, and since I can't really fork over the $ all at once I'm going to be buying everything I need in waves. First the charger, the batteries, then mod.

Now I lurk a lot, and I've read a lot of threads in this subforum particularly. However before I go make my purchases I want to confirm that what I'm buying is decent.

My plan for a charger is the Efest LUC V4. The only one I've seen recommended above it has been one from Xtar, but because of price ( 40$ for xtar, ~25 for Efest) I'm kind of leaning towards the Efest. I wanted to ask if there are any negative qualities to the LUC V4 charger, or outstanding qualities to the Xtar VP4, that would compel me to spend more and get the VP4.

My next question is about batteries. I'll likely be ordering at the end of the month, and likely from RTD Vapor due to their reputation on this board. It was a big worry for me, finding a reputable dealer, and so there is some comfort there. However my question is how trustworthy Xtar batteries are? I ask because most everywhere I look VTC4 and VTC5 batteries are sold out, however Xtar has a new line of batteries out claiming to be VTC4/VTC5 cells. Honestly, even rewrapped 20 amp cells from efest would do, since I don't need anymore than 20 amps, however having the extra headroom of a 30 am battery for safety would be comforting. Since the Xtar batteries are the only ones likely to be in stock for some time, I can't help but ask how the community feels about them at first glance. ( Since no one could have the time to review them yet. )

Anyways, I know these questions have likely been asked a thousand times, and I've personally read at least a dozen threads at least close to this, but I couldn't help but ask in person before running out and making a purchase. Thanks for all the help, and sorry for the bother.

 

[3mg Meniere]

Given the cost of shipping, you might be better off to save your money and buy the batteries and charger at the same time. For the electrical end of vaping this store is best, IMHO. Batteries | Lightning Vapes. I have the efest luc and have no complaints about it whatsoever.

Sometimes the competition to spend gets a bit overwhelming. Here are the budgeters' refuges. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/groups/vaping-dollar-day.html http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-vaping-discussion/575871-dollar-day-group.html

 

[Trailz]

Can't go wrong with the LG HE2 or Samsung 25R cells. Another charger up there with the Xtar VP series is the Pila IBC. I bought the Efest LUC V4 from Lightning Vapes for $22 shipped with a discount code.

2 reputable eBay sellers for 18650 cells are genuinecells and randy88.

 

[Ryedan]

So I'm about to be buying my first mod, and since I can't really fork over the $ all at once I'm going to be buying everything I need in waves. First the charger, the batteries, then mod.

Now I lurk a lot, and I've read a lot of threads in this subforum particularly. However before I go make my purchases I want to confirm that what I'm buying is decent.

My plan for a charger is the Efest LUC V4. The only one I've seen recommended above it has been one from Xtar, but because of price ( 40$ for xtar, ~25 for Efest) I'm kind of leaning towards the Efest. I wanted to ask if there are any negative qualities to the LUC V4 charger, or outstanding qualities to the Xtar VP4, that would compel me to spend more and get the VP4.

The gentleman who owns the lygte-info.dk website does very good reviews of batteries and chargers. Technical enough for geeks and also has a conclusion section at the end if that's all someone is interested in.

IMO there are a whole bunch of great chargers out there. For me it's more about avoiding the bad ones and finding a feature set at my price point. Necessities for me are dependability, independent channels, ability to set charge rates starting from 0.5 amps, have proper Li-ion charge capability and the charger must shut down at end of charge.

My next question is about batteries. I'll likely be ordering at the end of the month, and likely from RTD Vapor due to their reputation on this board. It was a big worry for me, finding a reputable dealer, and so there is some comfort there.

Suppliers at the top of my 'known good supplier' list are;

Illumination Supply
RTD Vapor
Lighthound
Orbtronic
Battery Junction

RTD Vapor is great, but their prices are sometimes a bit higher than some of the others.

However my question is how trustworthy Xtar batteries are?

I bought a couple of Xtar VTC5's from Battery Junction and they perform very well at 0.18 ohms (23.3A if the resistance measurement is accurate). Doesn't mean they are really VTC5's, just that they handle that amp draw reasonably well. I know a few people who have bought them and no-one has complained that I know of.

Honestly, if I had not wanted to push these batts down below 0.18 ohms, I would have bought more Samsung 25R. My typical setup is 0.3 ohms (14A) or so and they handle that just fine for $6.00 from Illumination Supply.

Anyways, I know these questions have likely been asked a thousand times, and I've personally read at least a dozen threads at least close to this, but I couldn't help but ask in person before running out and making a purchase. Thanks for all the help, and sorry for the bother.

Not any problem at all Lanore. Hope this helped a bit