Replacing Batteries?

[CShaver]

I've had my VTC4s for about 5-6 months now. Been rotating the two as needed since then.

When do I need to replace them? It seems my vape is becoming weaker, but I have the exact same build I've always had.

Should I just do it and order the VTC5s or am I good waiting?

 

[edyle]

My first two batteries (not vtc's) started showing signs of weakening after 8 months.

 

[ElConquistador]

Well....from what I've read, good luck finding the VTC5s anywhere.

 

[Newportlocal]

I usually keep four in rotation. I have four AW batteries I have used over a year in a Provari. They still hold almost a complete charge. I can tell what they hold still on my XTAR VP-1 charger. I usually use VV/VW devices. I have been on a single battery for my Vaporshark RDNA and it has been vaping like a champ. I should get a few more to rotate. If you can find a few authentic VTC-5s sounds like it could help your performance.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Well, authentic ones anyways, since they are no longer produced and havent been for awhile

Dear customer, thank you for your inquiry.

The 18650 type batteries are no longer manufactured by Sony.

This product was never intended for individual, public sale and are not eligible for warranty or engineering support.

It was only available to OEM makers of specific devices.

The specifications and markings on the battery may vary depending upon the OEM’s requirements. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the true manufacturer or authenticity of the batteries without physical inspection and manufacturing code research.

This type of battery is widely available on the internet market through non-authorized resellers.

Therefore, Sony is not liable for the performance or use of this type battery for non-intended purposes.

Such applications should be done at the user’s own risk.

Furthermore, any battery of this type claimed to be Sony brand may be older stock.

We apologize that we cannot offer further assistance with this matter.

Sincerely,

Media Services by Sony

http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/2cttd4/sony_vtc5_18650_notice_from_sony/

 

[CShaver]

Lovely. I had the option of buying authentic ones a few months ago and I passed them up cause the VTC4s were performing great.

I'm definitely having a hard time finding them. I did find a few in stock, but they want 20-28$ for EACH BATTERY. I might just order 2 new VTC4s.

Or are there any other batteries that are equally as good that I should look into?


-EDIT-
Here's the ones I found.

http://www.powerstream.com/18650-high-discharge-rate.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-US18650V...UTF8&qid=1411232121&sr=8-7&keywords=18650vtc5

 

[Newportlocal]

I think a few flashlight battery sites have some. I have done a few posts about them. They are getting harder to find, but to my knowledge they are still being made. There was some drama surrounding them. I usually buy from RTD vapor but they are currently out. Found these with a quick forum search.
Sony VTC5 18650 30A 2600 mAh IMR Battery

Btw here is the thread it came from.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-where-get-authentic-sony-vtc5-batteries.html

 

[Midniteoyl]

You guys do know that even the VTC4's have been out of production too, right? Even longer than the VTC5's.. By some accounts, the 4's have not been made by Sony for at least 3-4 yrs, and the 5's have not been for over a year.

 

[CShaver]

Would anyone trust these?

Sony VTC5 3 7V US18650VTC5 2600mAh High Drain 30A Rechargeable Li on Battery | eBay

 

[Newportlocal]

A thread I started a while back.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ny-vtc-batteries-will-continue-made-sony.html

 

[Midniteoyl]

A thread I started a while back.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ny-vtc-batteries-will-continue-made-sony.html

And, still no word or anything else about it... Until then ..

 

[Papa Lazarou]

These prices are nuts really. Do you need 30 Amp discharge capability?

 

[CShaver]

A thread I started a while back.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ny-vtc-batteries-will-continue-made-sony.html

That's definitely something to hope for.

Ona completely unrelated note, from your sig, how in the bloody hell did you find time to smoke 4 packs a day???

 

[Newportlocal]

That's definitely something to hope for.

Ona completely unrelated note, from your sig, how in the bloody hell did you find time to smoke 4 packs a day???

It was easy. I have been sober 25 years. Coffee and cigarettes was a way of life. My addiction progressed, and honestly it was just something to do. I was smoking four packs of Marlboro 100 mediums a day at the end. I vaped for a while when I first joined here, but wasn't done smoking yet. Now, I have better gear and it is much more satisfying. Almost immediately dropped down to 6mg. Sometimes even leave my ecig at home now when I do errands. Very happy with getting away from the stinkies.

 

[Bassnorma]

Hi Newport btw...long time no read!

Everyone here is giving you good advice. I realized though that there is actually a list of acceptable batteries and figured I would also share it...if you haven't read any Baditude blogs, I highly recommend them.

Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?

This may give you a couple of choices of in stock batteries with 30 amp draw which have been found to be safe for our purposes.

Vape on!

 

[supertrunker]

The test of a battery being shot is not the charge it accepts on the charger, it is the voltage it is able to supply under load, i.e. with an atty on it being fired.

Since batteries are realistically good for 300 cycles, yours are likely approaching the end of their natural lifespan.

I use Orbtronic SX30s which are rebadged Sony VTC4s.

T

 

[Rickajho]

Would anyone trust these?

Sony VTC5 3 7V US18650VTC5 2600mAh High Drain 30A Rechargeable Li on Battery | eBay

You do realize that price of $29.95 is for a single battery.

Need moar infos: What's your build? What's your PV? And assuming it's a mech, have you kept up on your cleaning and maintenance?

 

[Marc411]

I picked mine up from here and other then them adding a hologram label to them they have been solid. Spoke to the vendor and they assured me they were authentic, manufactured for them and a good price too.

XTAR 18650 2600mAh 30A VTC5 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery - Flat Top

 

[inswva]

I picked mine up from here and other then them adding a hologram label to them they have been solid. Spoke to the vendor and they assured me they were authentic, manufactured for them and a good price too.

XTAR 18650 2600mAh 30A VTC5 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery - Flat Top

And this is what'll you see when you add any to your cart:

BJ had well over 1000 of these in stock a couple of weeks ago. Now they are gone. Maybe not so coincidentally, I posted a link to these in another thread about that time, lol. I've also seen posts on other boards pointing folks to BJ for the VTC5s.

XTAR wrapped VTC4 cells should still be available from BJ. If not, XTAR has them for $8 each.

http://www.xtardirect.com/collections/batteries/products/18650-2100mah-battery-unprotected-flat-top

I also find it hard to believe Sony isn't producing these cells anymore. Speculation that VTC4 cells went out of production *years* ago just doesn't seem logical... unless there were thousands upon thousands of old stock units. Even then, you'd figure they'd all be gone by now.