Question about my 18650 batteries...

[thunderbrothers]

I posted this in the APV forum, but I haven't gotten any responses, so I thought I would post it here, and see if anyone can help me...


I just picked up a Vamo v3 kit from my local B&M yesterday, which included an Xtar charger and a green 18650 battery, for $85. I know I could have gotten it cheaper online, but I want to support my local shop wherever I can.

I've posted pictures of the batteries below. As I said, they included the green battery with the kit, and told me it was a good quality cell. When the lady behind the counter opened the actual Vamo so I could test it prior to paying for it, the blue battery below was already in it from the factory. She advised that I should just pitch the blue one because it wasn't a good quality battery. She didn't try to sell me another battery, so I don't really have a reason to doubt this.

I was hoping that someone here could maybe tell me what batteries I've got, and if they were right about me not using the blue one. I've charged and used both, and haven't noticed a difference with the quality of the vape. I'm not sub-ohming, just using a 2.2 stock coil at 8 watts and 4.0-4.4 volts.

I should mention that the shop is experienced with the 18350 and 18650 batteries. They like to preach battery safety (and they have a battery that exploded on display as an example). They also hold weekly classes on coil building and sub-ohm vaping, so I have the impression they know what they're talking about. But i'm inexperienced with this battery style, so I have no clue.

I was just hoping for a second opinion and maybe some more info. I've seen there are some VERY knowledgeable members here

 

[KenD]

The green one is a Panasonic NCR18650PF (as seen on the label in the second picture). It is a safer chemistry battery and has a 10 amp discharge rate, and is one of the best choices unless you need to go subohm. I have no idea what the second battery might be. It is probably not safer chemistry or high drain, which makes it more dangerous to use. The mAh rating is definitely exaggerated (as far as I know Panasonic's 3400 mAh batteries are the ones with highest capacity).

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

 

[jp_cfc09]

Looks like the b&m was decent and looked out for your safety, trained and know about battery types. blue ones more then likely a cheap chinese brand just throw into the kit. The green ones a good brand as stated above by kenD perfectly fine as long as you dont sub ohm as its only 10a but most dont make sub ohms unless you looking clouds of vapour. Enjoy the vamo, bit jelious now lol I want one.

 

[Ryedan]

You've already got some great advice here thunderbrothers, just wanted to add a comment about the blue battery. It is very likely not IMR chemistry. If it were the mAh would be lower and it would say IMR on the battery. IMO that makes it unsafe for use in any PV. They were right, recycle it.

Great to hear about a vape shop that is this diligent about safety! What is their name? I take it they're in Woodstock?

 

[cantstopwontstop]

Toss the blue one. Low quality batteries = bad news. Since you have a regulated mod the Panasonic should be fine because you aren't gonna be sub ohm vaping. But honestly it's not worth the risk of having a battery that's of a low quality, besides being dangerous it could potentially (but unlikely) damage your new VAMO.

Best of luck!

 

[CommaHolly]

I am impressed with your vape shop. Would that they were ALL like that.

 

[The Ministry]

I wish I -had- a decent Vape Shop

Echo all advice above - that green 18650 looks smart The blue batt, as stated, seems too "high mah" to be a high drain. I accidently bought a Samsung 18650 battery rated at 3400mah - it's not high drain though, it works - but I don't think it's the best option for my Vamo (It's not blown up, saying that, and vapes well)

 

[KenD]

Get a cool flashlight and use the blue battery in that

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

 

[thunderbrothers]

Thanks for all the replies. I was sure they knew what they were talking about, but it's nice to have more opinions

Great to hear about a vape shop that is this diligent about safety! What is their name? I take it they're in Woodstock?

No, the shop I use is Dixie's Vapor Shop in Kennesaw, GA. They've only been open since July, so they're learning as they go just like me. The owners, Dave and Belinda, are super nice and helpful, and have been constantly improving and expanding both their stock and knowledge. They take the time to find out what a customer needs instead of just trying to sell them the most expensive equipment.

There is a shop here in Woodstock (Vaperite), but I won't go there. The employees are rude, they are severely overpriced ($3.95 coils, $4.25 plastic drip tips), they charge to try flavors, and worst of all, their "100%" VG juices are actually 83/17, which really matters to my wife who has a severe allergic reaction to PG. Plus they rented a huge billboard right in front of Dixie's trying to steal their customers. I understand this is a business, but that's just uncool...

 

[zoiDman]

...

I just picked up a Vamo v3 kit from my local B&M yesterday, which included an Xtar charger and a green 18650 battery, for $85. I know I could have gotten it cheaper online, but I want to support my local shop wherever I can.

...

The Biggest way that Any Vendor selling a Mod Kit can have the4 Lowest Price is to Include a Non-Name, el-Cheap-O battery.

Better Batteries Cost More. And that Raises the Price of a Kit.

I don't think $85 for a Vamo, a Good Charger and a Good Battery is Bad. In Fact, I think it is a Pretty Good. Because you now have a Nice Set-Up.

BTW - What is $85? 10 Days worth of Smoking Analogs?

 

[Train2]

Wow - a B&M that's advising people on batteries, and teaching coil-building!?!
GOOD FOR THEM!!!

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

The Biggest way that Any Vendor selling a Mod Kit can have the4 Lowest Price is to Include a Non-Name, el-Cheap-O battery.

Better Batteries Cost More. And that Raises the Price of a Kit.

I don't think $85 for a Vamo, a Good Charger and a Good Battery is Bad. In Fact, I think it is a Pretty Good. Because you now have a Nice Set-Up.

BTW - What is $85? 10 Days worth of Smoking Analogs?

Agree. I've seen some B&M Shops sell for that price with VERY low quality batts and chargers.

 

[zoiDman]

Agree. I've seen some B&M Shops sell for that price with VERY low quality batts and chargers.

Yeah... Sometimes People learn the Hard Way that a $70 Vamo Kit isn't that Great of a Deal when they have to Buy a Better Battery and a Better Charger to replace the stuff they got in their Kit.

And that by the Time you Pay Shipping a Battery and a Charger can be $25. Or More.