AW is Andrew Wong, you can contact him here: AW's LiIon Batteries Sales Thread *Part 12*
AW picks select panasonic cells to his particular specifications and then sells them. If you're familiar with computer components, this would be similar to memory suppliers like Corsair, G.skill, Mushkin, etc. They're all using chips by the same manufacturers, but they're selecting specific chips which meet their (much tighter) tolerances for performance. AW is essentially selling the best-of-the-best panasonic cells.
I understand what you are saying about your memory analogy. I have dealt with “higher end” memory module. With this analogy you can see that the manufacturers usually pick modules with specific RAS/CAS timing, voltages ect.
I would agree with strontium though. If you look at the link you provided:
AW's LiIon Batteries Sales Thread *Part 12*
It seemed that all AW did was cut & paste the information from the following links (look in the data sheets):
https://industrial.panasonic.com/www-cgi/jvcr13pz.cgi?E+BA+3+ACI4002+NCR-18650A+7+EU
http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-data/pdf2/ACA4000/ACA4000CJ255.pdf
https://industrial.panasonic.com/eu/news/nr201005IE002/nr201005IE002/Press_Release_Li-Ion_NNP_E.pdf
I can understand your point if AW offered better or “tweaked” battery characteristics but they seem to be a mirror image of each other. The AW P18650 -31 seems to be just a re-branded / heatshrinked Panasonic NCR18650A.
Lets do a price comparison (all are protected 3100mah):
-AW P18650 -31 : $19.75+$4.50 shipping = $24.25
-Orbtronic Panasonic NCR18650A : $12.99 + free shipping = $12.99
-Callie's Kustoms NCR18650A : $15.95 + $6.00 shipping = $21.95
The AW is the most costliest brand to get. Orbtronic is about half the cost and Callie’s is about $3 cheaper.
We would have to presuppose AW does quality control beyond the capabilities of Panasonic or was somehow able to pick and choose specific cells from their supplier to get the “cream of the crop”. This would be the most positive view to justify the price disparity between the other suppliers. I personally believe that it is just a re-branded panasonic. Draw your own conclusions.
Either way both cell are proven reliable performers (not just talking about vaping). I just choose to go the cheaper route.
mda71
Link to the battery suppliers below:
AW:
AW's LiIon Batteries Sales Thread *Part 12*
Callie's Custom:
http://www.callieskustoms.com/CalliesKustoms-Batteries.html
Orbtronics:
http://www.orbtronic.com/8-batteries-chargers
Last edited: