How to select a battery?

[cradleinflames]

So, I've been doing research on batteries and such and had some questions on how to select a battery.

A bit of background information, I originally was looking at picking up the Ego VV2 so I could have variable voltage capabilities but after looking at it, I decided upon the Vamo 2 for the additional current capacity (the EGO VV2 has 2.5A and the Vamo V2 has a 5A limit). As I looked into other considerations like battery selection, I realized there was a lot more to this, especially when you look at sub ohm vaping. I figured I'd get some feedback on what I should be looking at.

I am currently relatively new to vaping but I'm trying to get a decent first setup. I was looking at the Vamo 2 with a Russian 91% clone. I'm not currently looking at starting with sub ohm vaping but I wanted to get a bit more information on what I would need for it. Would I need a mechanical mod in order to get into these kind of things (I assume these provide higher current limits than those provided by the EGO VV2 or the Vamo 2)? Or would these units work once you get into higher currents (bypass/replace the fuse with a higher setting, maybe)?

I'm also having a little trouble selecting batteries. A number of people have suggested going from the 18650 to the 1835 for one reason or another. I believe it has to do with the battery being shorter and just replacing them more often but I'm not really sure.

Also, how does one go about selecting individual batteries? Most I looked at have relatively low currently limits (ie 1A. If the limit of the battery is 1A, there's not really much reason to push for a unit that has 5A capabilities over one that has 2.5A). Is there any reason NOT to get a protected battery? I'm not planning on shorting it out for any reason, but given the choice, I would assume you would always prefer protected over non protected (apart from price, I'm guessing).

Can anyone give me any suggestions of battery to buy or avoid?

I know these are a lot of questions but I figured I'd do the necessary research first and the more research I do, the more I realize I still have a lot to learn. At this point, I've been putting off buying a unit until I've got everything figured out and I think this is the last thing holding me back. Any information you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[cradleinflames]

Oh, and before I forget, I'm almost guaranteed to need to run two batteries. Apparently, the Vamo 2 got pretty bad reviews when running in single battery mode . . . much better with dual batteries. Thought that might be worth noting.

 

[Ryedan]

Here is a great set of links that I think will answer all your questions:

One Stop Reference Shop

 

[KenD]

The Vamo won't work with subohm coils (1.2 is as low as it can go, I believe). I know my Innokin SVD can go as low as 0.8 ohms, but it's still limited to 15 watts so no point in having that low of a resistance on a coil. To get any real use of subohm coils you need a mech mod, but they have no safety features and things can go really wrong if you don't know what you're doing. Go for a regulated mod like the Vamo first.

As for batteries, you'll want name-brand, safe chemistry (IMR or hybrid), high drain batteries. That rules out protected batteries, which contrary to what many believe are actually less safe due to their volatile chemistry and low drain capability. Read Baditude's battery blog here on ECF. I'd say that the arguably best batteries at the moment are Sony's vtc5 and LG's he2/Efest's purple 2500 mAh (all 18650 batteries - which have both more capacity than 18350s and higher amperage limits). Both have more juice in the useable voltage range than many batteries with a higher overall capacity.

Avoid no-name batteries (includes ****** fire brands) and others that you can't find the specifications for (amp limit, battery chemistry), and don't stack batteries.

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[JaRod]

The Vamo, and several other mods out there that use the same chip, will vape better when using 2 x 18350 stacked instead of lets say a single 18650, I was trying the other day my Vamo v5 with an Ithaca 1.8ohm @ 15 watts with an 18650 and it just wont fire, I switched to 2 x 18350 and voila it worked, so there is indeed a difference between using one or 2 batteries.

 

[KenD]

The Vamo, and several other mods out there that use the same chip, will vape better when using 2 x 18350 stacked instead of lets say a single 18650, I was trying the other day my Vamo v5 with an Ithaca 1.8ohm @ 15 watts with an 18650 and it just wont fire, I switched to 2 x 18350 and voila it worked, so there is indeed a difference between using one or 2 batteries.

Could be, I never tried it for the short time I had a Vamo. Stacking just requires some additional safe battery practice that might not make it the best option for somebody who's just getting started. Quite frankly, I've never had the need to stack batteries so I really haven't read up on it a lot

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[Rat2chat2]

Here is some battery information that I found helpful. His blogs are very well written and I could understand them. Good luck to you and happy vaping.

E-Cigarette Forum - Baditude - Blogs

 

[cradleinflames]

I noticed that Baditude's recommendations all seem to be 18650's but the VAMO V2 is going to need two batteries (and I believe it will take either). I've found a few different groups of people talking about the best 18350's but I figured I'd bounce it off you guys as well. Any suggestions? Also, what site do you guys prefer to order from?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate it!

 

[KenD]

I noticed that Baditude's recommendations all seem to be 18650's but the VAMO V2 is going to need two batteries (and I believe it will take either). I've found a few different groups of people talking about the best 18350's but I figured I'd bounce it off you guys as well. Any suggestions? Also, what site do you guys prefer to order from?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate it!

The Vamo doesn't need two batteries, but it can fit two 18350s stacked. It's supposed to work better in the upper voltages that way, but if stacking batteries you need to adopt some additional battery safety practices. I don't have any experience stacking batteries (and wouldn't do it, seems to be too much of a hassle to be worth it) so I can't really help you on that subject. Someone with experience is bound to give advice. Anyway, as for the best 18350s, at the moment that would be the red AWs and the purple Efests. With any battery purchases make sure that you buy from a trusted source. There are many fakes out there.

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[RedMoxy69]

I realize this is a very after the fact entry but worthwhile because it may provide assistance to somebody doing research down the line regarding these questions. I (and my better half) have used VAMOs (years now) since they came out, being lucky for once, still have (& still runs) the first batch VAMOS off the line & newer except v5 & used Efest in them & found them to be flawless workhorses!!! BOTH (2 stacked) 18350's & 1, 18650 (a best place to start) work great & my huband has the SAME setup with ZERO safety issues/problems-though we have found it true that VAMO runs stronger on the 2 "stacked" 18350's & last the same amount of time as a single 18650 but you have double the batteries to keep charged. Also, 18650's run very strong to begin with, more than adequate for any Vapers needs with a VAMO. Depending on how heavy a Vaper you are determines how many batts you need to keep on hand, 2 at least IMO, 3 for a heavy Vaper, as 1 18650 will get you through 1/3 - 1/2 a day, depending on length of day/time away from your charger. I have an Xtar 6 bay charger (for years) that works great too, esp. since I use 18350's & 18650's both. Also, if you choose to use/charge 18350 batts. chances are for your charger you will need spacers so they will fit the bay as they are little short stubby guys compared to 18650's, etc. For sanity as well as safety purposes, I agree it's NOT a good idea to start with mechanicals, there's so much to learning Vaping basics and Mechs are a whole advanced world above, not to mention, mistakes are costly & can be so in more ways than one. Also, the world is watching us closely, safety first! I have not tried the new purple Efests, people are writing that they really like them, time will tell Look at both sides of the coin & research carefully all Vaping products, I personally have nothing bad to say (ALL FANTASTIC) about their RED line of batts/lasted way, way longer for us than advertised too. Good luck, you're already winning as long as you're Vaping & staying off the stinkies/analogs!!!