FYI guys.
Just checked in with Zainy in China & he now has the Vamo in SS for those who just have to have one.
Just checked in with Zainy in China & he now has the Vamo in SS for those who just have to have one.
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Long thread for batteries...
Been using (without any issue) an Efest Hybrid IMR 18650 2250mah and 2 Panasonic Hybrid 18650 2250mah batteries on rotation between my chrome and SS Vamo. Had a little rattle with the tall, thin spring in the chrome, but they both worked flawlessly. I replaced the spring on my SS Vamo with a SB replacement from Altsmoke, and both types of batteries have been working perfectly fine with no rattle whatsoever. I know the Panasonics are supposed to be a hair longer than the Efest.
Been using (without any issue) an Efest Hybrid IMR 18650 2250mah and 2 Panasonic Hybrid 18650 2250mah batteries on rotation between my chrome and SS Vamo. Had a little rattle with the tall, thin spring in the chrome, but they both worked flawlessly. I replaced the spring on my SS Vamo with a SB replacement from Altsmoke, and both types of batteries have been working perfectly fine with no rattle whatsoever. I know the Panasonics are supposed to be a hair longer than the Efest.
I've read all 19 pages of this thread, and am still have trouble finding the information I'm looking for. As far as the 18650's go, I'll likely be getting the "hybrid" Panasonic that many have referenced here. However, I'd also like to try stacking 18350's as well. I'm assuming that I'll need to get the flat tops...but what brand do we know works for sure? I also read that the efests come in a v1 and v2...I saw that the v1's have an abnormally high mah usage when stacked, while the v2s don't have that issue.
Any input for those who are stacking 18350s would be appreciated (brand, flat/nipple, and does the cap fully screw on)
Any input for those who are stacking 18350s would be appreciated (brand, flat/nipple, and does the cap fully screw on)
Batteries that I own and work in the Vamo with no issue:
AW IMR 18350
Efest IMR 18350 button tops
Efest IMR 18350 flat tops
AW IMR 18650 1600mAh
With stacked 18350's, the cap screws all the way on the stainless steel body Vamo and most of the way on the brass body chrome Vamo.
I also used a ShortStop as a spacer when using the 18650 battery. It eliminated the battery rattle and did not impair function in any noticeable manner.
AW IMR 18350
Efest IMR 18350 button tops
Efest IMR 18350 flat tops
AW IMR 18650 1600mAh
With stacked 18350's, the cap screws all the way on the stainless steel body Vamo and most of the way on the brass body chrome Vamo.
I also used a ShortStop as a spacer when using the 18650 battery. It eliminated the battery rattle and did not impair function in any noticeable manner.
So ........'s just had a great coupon code for the VAMO, and that prompted me to finally order one in stainless steel. I hope that the one I get will have the spring issue already sorted out or that the vendor will offer replacement springs and/or caps if not.
But about the batteries...earlier in this thread there seemed to be people saying that the flat top gray panasonics worked just fine with no rattle. But as the thread continued it seemed like everybody was suggeting the button top variety. I already have a handful of flat top panasonics and was hoping I could avoid getting different batteries just to use in this mod. I also have flat top Efest 18350s that I'm hoping will work either stacked or as singles, but especially as singles for a stealthier vape. Is there, in fact, anybody still using either of these batteries in these configurations that can verify that they do or do not rattle/work? I suppose it might depend a bit on which spring your particular VAMO has?
Efest IMR 18650, 2250, 3.7 High Drain, Button Top from MyVaporStore.com
https://www.myvaporstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EF65022B
Zero issues. No rattling (v2 spring and insulator). Plenty of power and longevity. Have 2 - vape one, charge the other, swap when I need to and continue with no downtime.
https://www.myvaporstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EF65022B
Zero issues. No rattling (v2 spring and insulator). Plenty of power and longevity. Have 2 - vape one, charge the other, swap when I need to and continue with no downtime.
I use CGR18650CH Panny Flat Tops without Any issues and a fatter spring in a Chrome Vamo, with the original V1 Wimpy spring the panny's did rattle a little.
Using Efest IMR 18350 800mAh 3.7V LiMn Flat Top batteries. Vamo stainless steel v2. These batteries work equally well in single or stacked mode. Both modes fit well and do not give me problems. After 3 days of extensive research on this forum, this thread, vendor sites and other forums I settled on this setup. I feel I made the right choice. Mind you I had the luxury of starting from scratch.
Total use time in this configuration: 12 days.
Another note: the above batteries in stacked mode give out when the Vamo reads ~6.3v charge left. I wish someone would have told me where the Vamo cuts out. Still, trial and error. Your results may vary. Keep in mind using more/less power will change the rate of drain and you may be able to squeeze off a few more vapes by dropping the watts.
Also, in dire situations, as in battery dead (Lo), drop watts/volts to min and warm up the vamo under your arm. Space out your hits and keep them light and short. You should be able to limp home.
Another great thing about the 18350 batteries is the portability. Not sure how long you'll be out? Toss a little 18350 in my pocket as backup.
I strayed off topic, but thanks for enduring.
Total use time in this configuration: 12 days.
Another note: the above batteries in stacked mode give out when the Vamo reads ~6.3v charge left. I wish someone would have told me where the Vamo cuts out. Still, trial and error. Your results may vary. Keep in mind using more/less power will change the rate of drain and you may be able to squeeze off a few more vapes by dropping the watts.
Also, in dire situations, as in battery dead (Lo), drop watts/volts to min and warm up the vamo under your arm. Space out your hits and keep them light and short. You should be able to limp home.
Another great thing about the 18350 batteries is the portability. Not sure how long you'll be out? Toss a little 18350 in my pocket as backup.
I strayed off topic, but thanks for enduring.
After doing some further research I've found the following (and verified with xrufx post above ^)...
For those looking to run stacked 18350's the efest IMR 18350 v2 (nipple tops) is one of your best bets. Not only are these nipple tops almost a full mm shorter than their v1 flat-top counterpart, but they're said to be as good (if not better) than the more expensive AW 18350. Crystal Clear Vaping has by far the best price that I've seen anywhere, at $10.95 a pair (with free shipping).
As for 18650's the Panasonic CGR18650CH "hybrid" IMR cell is a well reviewed and very well liked battery (with a 10A discharge, more than enough for any ecig out there). I purchased a pair on ebay for $18 with free shipping. Also, just an FYI that these appear to have been discontinued by Panasonic as of last week, so if you like them (or want to buy them) I'd suggest pulling the trigger very soon before they disappear or prices go up significantly.
For those looking to run stacked 18350's the efest IMR 18350 v2 (nipple tops) is one of your best bets. Not only are these nipple tops almost a full mm shorter than their v1 flat-top counterpart, but they're said to be as good (if not better) than the more expensive AW 18350. Crystal Clear Vaping has by far the best price that I've seen anywhere, at $10.95 a pair (with free shipping).
As for 18650's the Panasonic CGR18650CH "hybrid" IMR cell is a well reviewed and very well liked battery (with a 10A discharge, more than enough for any ecig out there). I purchased a pair on ebay for $18 with free shipping. Also, just an FYI that these appear to have been discontinued by Panasonic as of last week, so if you like them (or want to buy them) I'd suggest pulling the trigger very soon before they disappear or prices go up significantly.
That's where I picked mine up. And that yellow charger they sell is fantastic. No complaints so far.
Ok, have had my VAMO's for 2 weeks.. got the replacement springs and have been using the Joytech ICR18650 2200mA batteries with no issues. Was worried about the batteries a bit, I still have more of them coming in. The TrustFire 001 charger I have is doing great, but it can't keep up with me and the wife using 2 VAMO's AND 4 eGo-T Upgrade mods (I'm a heavy vaper, she's an "I forgot to charger them" vaper..)
I've gone thru the thread twice.. might have missed it.. Has anyone used the higher mA batteries? like the 3400mA or 3900mA?
To be safe, I've just ordered 4 High Drain Panasonic CGR18650CH 10A 18650 2250mA batteries and a Nitecore i4 Intellicharger Li-ion Ni-Mh Ni-Cd Universal Battery Charger from Orbtronic Batteries-Chargers-Flashlights-Only The Best Those should help, with the number of batteries we need to charge and use..
But the higher mA batteries intrigue me still....
I've gone thru the thread twice.. might have missed it.. Has anyone used the higher mA batteries? like the 3400mA or 3900mA?
To be safe, I've just ordered 4 High Drain Panasonic CGR18650CH 10A 18650 2250mA batteries and a Nitecore i4 Intellicharger Li-ion Ni-Mh Ni-Cd Universal Battery Charger from Orbtronic Batteries-Chargers-Flashlights-Only The Best Those should help, with the number of batteries we need to charge and use..
But the higher mA batteries intrigue me still....
I have read great things about the Panasonic NCR18650B, NCR18650PD and NCR18650A I think all are available as UNprotected and Protected batteries. They are all a little Expensive. It's been noted the B's offer up 3 days vaping on a Vamo over at UKV.
Orbtronic.com stocks them, these are kinda new to the market so little info is available on the E-Cig forums, but the candlepower/ flashlight guys are raving about them.
I am about to buy a pair of NCR18650PD's from a highly regarded eBay seller in the UK, I've only been worried about them being unprotected.
Orbtronic.com stocks them, these are kinda new to the market so little info is available on the E-Cig forums, but the candlepower/ flashlight guys are raving about them.
I am about to buy a pair of NCR18650PD's from a highly regarded eBay seller in the UK, I've only been worried about them being unprotected.
Been using the Panasonic 3400mAh 18650 NCR18650B for just under a month now without issue. Crazy battery life. I do like the HRL protection on them. Especially with the VAMO's already built in protection.
High energy density NNP products ensure maximum cell performance - Panasonic Energy Blog
"Another attribute that makes these cells so special is the improvement in safety by incorporation of the heat resistance layer (HRL). The HRL consists of insulating material between the surface of the negative electrode, and the polyolefin separator, which insulates the cathode from the anode.
The result: prevention of overheating, even if an internal short-circuit would occur. In contrast, without the HRL, when a separator is damaged, a short circuit can occur, causing the battery to overheat and possibly catch fire. The result-better energy density and safer lithium ion batteries for your extended usage and greater peace-of-mind…"
Here is a great battery comparison link where you can choose different amps. I usually use the AW IMR 2000mah (RED) as the baseline battery when comparing. It's only for 18650 batteries but still quite a few brands to choose from.
Battery test-review 18650 comparator
Thank you Seven and Seven I could
you for posting that info.
I'm going to make my purchase right now!
you for posting that info.I'm going to make my purchase right now!
Another good read.
Test / Review: Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh (Green) | BudgetLightForum.com
And another.
Battery test/review summary | BudgetLightForum.com
Also, from what I gather from the second link, the protected last about .25 less an Ah at a full 5A. If run at 3A they last like...almost the same.
Edit: Hmm, 3400mAh Protected Panasonic 18650 battery cell by Orbtronic says the protected battery is 68.9 mm...
My question now, what protection does the VAMO have? Does anyone have a link or could someone tell me? I've been looking around but think it's time for bed. I'll look again tomorrow, if no one does!
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Just out of curiosity, does anyone here use IMR flat top buttons on their VAMO on a regular basis?
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