Had a mini for about a week

[evilparks]

First off - great mod! Very professional and slick. Wasn't digging the attys I tried (not a big fan of attys) but put on a 2 ohm carto and it's fantastic. The only annoying thing I've noticed is that the drop off with the 14500 batteries is very noticeable (i.e. bad). I've got a 5 volt box mod (Big Kazoo - awesome and cheap btw) that takes two 14500 batteries and since it's regulated at 5 volts you don't really notice the drop off at all. The problem with the kazoo is that it drains the cartos (3 ohm) so quickly that I'm constantly refilling them (something the reo would prevent).

A regulated reo that didn't have much if any drop off before the batteries died would be the best mod hands down. The grands aren't regulated right?

 

[mlinky]

You are using AW IMR 14500 batteries, I hope? If not, then get new batteries before you read further.

The Grand uses an 18650 battery. That will have a much longer effective voltage. Also, a VV is in the works: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/reos-mods/224539-vv-reos.html

 

[zer0ith]

You are using AW IMR 14500 batteries, I hope? If not, then get new batteries before you read further.

The Grand uses an 18650 battery. That will have a much longer effective voltage. Also, a VV is in the works: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/reos-mods/224539-vv-reos.html

he said he is using a mini

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

Hi evilparks Yep...there are VV versions of various REOs in the works. 2012 will be an exciting year for REOs

 

[mlinky]

he said he is using a mini

Yes, but he didn't say what type of batteries he is using. If they are anything but the AW IMR 14500, he is not getting optimal performance from the Mini, so his perception of drop off may be attributable to the batteries, not the absence of power regulation.

 

[zer0ith]

Yes, but he didn't say what type of batteries he is using. If they are anything but the AW IMR 14500, he is not getting optimal performance from the Mini, so his perception of drop off may be attributable to the batteries, not the absence of power regulation.

I miss read your post Darn distracting work

 

[mlinky]

I miss read your post Darn distracting work

LOL, happens to me all the time.

 

[washvap]

Agree with mlinky. AW IMR's are the way to go since something like a trustfire will produce the symptoms you are describing along with other protected batteries. Which don't hold their charge well, when it's paired with LR atomizers or cartomizers.

 

[evilparks]

Hey sorry guys - thought I had hit the button to tell me if there was any replies - noob mistake.

Anyway, I'm not using AW IMR batteries but I am using IMR batteries. My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) is that AW is a brand name like Energizer and IMR is the actual battery type (chemical composition) so, in theory, it shouldn't matter brand to brand.

I've tried both IMR batteries and regular trustfire (lithium ion?) batteries - the IMR batteries definitely drop off to a lesser extent but they definitely have a drop off nonetheless.

I've also noticed that with cartomizers the drop off is more noticeable with higher amounts of VG in the liquid - guess it's because PG wicks so well and moves around so easily that it's easier to vaporize by the coil and doesn't stress the battery as much... at least that's my theory at this point.

Definitely in on the VV reo at this point!

 

[Mudflap]

I've only used AW IMR batteries myself, but I've read from other Reonauts that they tried BDL brand IMR batteries and they didn't perform as well as the AW brand IMR batteries.

You might be on to something with the VG vs PG, but I would think it would only make a difference if you're taking longer draws while vaping VG juice.

Enjoy that Mini.

 

[evilparks]

The IMR batteries I'm using are from kalamazoovaporshop - always had great luck with everything he sells. They're branded as his so they're probably some generic IMR battery he buys... really not sure. While a branded IMR might have better mah, etc. I can't imagine it'd have a different drop off - pretty standard chemical compositions from what I understand.

Anyway, I agree with the thought above that a future VV version will really fix this issue as it'll be regulated at a lesser voltage and "hold off" that drop off longer.

Also, no matter how you slice it - reo is great, I'm definitely a fan.

 

[Emris]

I use all AW IMR batteries in everything I have. But, if I use a regulated mod for a extended period of time then go to a mini with a 14500 I notice the drop off big time. The AW IMR do make a difference, but after using a voltage regulated mod for a while the single 14500 just doesn't cut it in the long run.

 

[mlinky]

I am happy that you like your Mini, but seriously, the BDL's do not hold a charge nearly as well as the AW's. It still may not be enough for you, but there have been many reports of people not being happy with the 14500's using BDL IMR's and protected batteries, who felt like they had a new mod when they switched to the AW IMR 14500.

A 14500 is the smallest size that is capable of powering a LR atty, so getting the best possible battery is critical. It is not as important in the larger batteries.

 

[evilparks]

I am happy that you like your Mini, but seriously, the BDL's do not hold a charge nearly as well as the AW's. It still may not be enough for you, but there have been many reports of people not being happy with the 14500's using BDL IMR's and protected batteries, who felt like they had a new mod when they switched to the AW IMR 14500.

A 14500 is the smallest size that is capable of powering a LR atty, so getting the best possible battery is critical. It is not as important in the larger batteries.

Hey mlinky - forgive me if I came off as a know it all here. I'm not doubting there's some bad batteries out there! Why do you think I'm using a BDL? I guess it could be a BDL battery since the vendor I bought it from just labeled it as his own shop but it certainly doesn't say BDL. Is the implication that anything that doesn't say AW is a BDL brand?

 

[mlinky]

Hey mlinky - forgive me if I came off as a know it all here. I'm not doubting there's some bad batteries out there! Why do you think I'm using a BDL? I guess it could be a BDL battery since the vendor I bought it from just labeled it as his own shop but it certainly doesn't say BDL. Is the implication that anything that doesn't say AW is a BDL brand?

They are not necessarily "bad" batteries, just not great for this application. As I recall, there are only 2 manufacturers of IMR batteries, AW (by Panasonic) and BDL. No one relabels AW's because they are considered a premium brand. OTOH, BDL's are usually blue, but I have seen relabeled BDL's, that even copied the red/orange color of AW's. For example, this one now says "BDL" in the description, but it didn't used to. BDL IMR14500 High Drain Battery

Just checked the Kalamazoo site. Those batteries are "BDL Blue" If you can, pick up a couple of AW IMR 14500's at http://www.rtdvapor.com/AW-IMR-14500-AW-IMR-14500.htm If you don't think that they give you a major improvment in your Mini's vaping performance, I'll buy them from you at what you paid, including shipping.

 

[Big Hitter]

Batteries do make a world of difference. Especially in the 14500 size.

They are the engine that makes our REOs perform so its good to try the best before you give up.
For me there was no way to make a 14500 work like I wanted to, but thats just me.