• This forum has been archived

    If you'd like to post a thread, post it here instead!

    View Forum

To stack or not to stack?

Status
Not open for further replies.

MrLyle

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Oct 30, 2011
129
33
Canada
I'm using a vamo V3 at work on a regular basis alternating between 2 18650 batteries that I got with my Lavatube that I ordered when it first came out. I vape a genesis atty with a micro coil and a cotton wick at 10W. Problem is, once the charge gets to around 3.6, the performance gets pretty bad.

I was thinking about getting new 18650 batteries to replace the old ones I got with my Lavatube since one of them is acting up, but then I heard that stacking 2 18350s will probably yield better performance. Thing is, I've always heard that stacking is a pretty bad idea. I'm not sure if they meant on mech mods or all around. I know the Vamo is a protected device but I figured I'd ask you guys before pulling the trigger.

While I'm at it, does anyone know if the Vamo takes both flat top batteries and the ones with the nipples? I've only ever used the ones that came out with the original Lavatube (flat tops) so I have no idea.
 

Stosh

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Oct 2, 2010
8,921
16,789
74
Nevada
To stack batteries with some measure of safety you need to follow a procedure, first the batteries need to be a matched set, same manufacturer, same age, same production run. You need to check the voltage with a DMM before charging to ensure neither was over discharged, then check voltage after charging to ensure they are the same voltage. Then label the batteries as A and B, inserting the A battery first on the first use, and the B battery first after use and recharging, alternating A and B with each use / charge cycle.

OR

Get an extra good quality 18650 IMR High Drain and charge it, check the voltage to be sure your charger is working properly and vape...:)
 

Talyon

Vape 4 Life
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Feb 21, 2013
3,176
3,975
Toronto
I've been stacking efest imr 18650 batteries in my Vamo V3, for a year now with no problems whatsoever, u do need to follow the pairing rule, what I've done is ordered 2 of the above batts, and numbered each of them 1 and I rotate which gets to be the top one each time I change them. I also ordered 6 more of the same batteries nd they are numbered in pairs using a scripto 2,3,4.

Mine are also button top, just keep the battery's paired and alternate which one goes as top each time u change and u should be just fine many many peopl do this.

Canvape carries good batteries s that's where I bought mine.

Vape On!
 

rems

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Jan 8, 2012
155
81
Ontario
I've personally never needed to stack batteries. 1 18650 is all I've ever needed..i haven't used my vamo for some time but do recall that it isn't as nicely regulated as my provari..therefore the vamo has a tougher time producing the same output as the battery voltage level drops..nothing extremely noticeable though..I did buy 2 18350's in order to stack in my vamo but could never shake the uncomfortable feeling associated with it..so i just use them as single for short stack mode..i feel the voltage boosting circuitry of regulated devices do a fine enough job..no real benefit gained through stacking imo, only worry and paranoia..
 

Glenn_K

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 29, 2013
994
580
Toronto
Pretty much everything I've heard on ECF about stacking has not been encouraging, at least without a lot of caution.

What type of 18650 are you using? Since I started buying high drain batteries (AWs instead of EFests), battery performance doesn't tail off over time so noticeably as before (though I normally swap in fresh batteries well above the lower volts limit).

In my V3 Vamo, both flat- and nipple-top are fine.

-- Glenn

I'm using a vamo V3 at work on a regular basis alternating between 2 18650 batteries that I got with my Lavatube that I ordered when it first came out. I vape a genesis atty with a micro coil and a cotton wick at 10W. Problem is, once the charge gets to around 3.6, the performance gets pretty bad.

I was thinking about getting new 18650 batteries to replace the old ones I got with my Lavatube since one of them is acting up, but then I heard that stacking 2 18350s will probably yield better performance. Thing is, I've always heard that stacking is a pretty bad idea. I'm not sure if they meant on mech mods or all around. I know the Vamo is a protected device but I figured I'd ask you guys before pulling the trigger.

While I'm at it, does anyone know if the Vamo takes both flat top batteries and the ones with the nipples? I've only ever used the ones that came out with the original Lavatube (flat tops) so I have no idea.
 

rob33

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Dec 20, 2009
1,356
2,651
A World Traveler
Personally I would never stackem, but if someone wanted to do is, this is what I would tell them. Always use IMRs numbered and paired. Use a quality charger something like a xtar vp1 that checks battery voltage or get a multi meter and check your own voltage before putting them in the device. If the voltage does not match for both batteries toss the pair. I would tell them also to do it at your own risk.
 

larktdl

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Oct 7, 2009
924
144
Strathmore, AB
The beauty of stacked batteries is that the Vamo (or any mod that will accept stacked batts) is more efficient. If you happen to have more than one Vamo, you can extend one using the extension tubes from the other. Stack that sucker with 2 18650 batts and you have yourself a vaping powerhouse. Unfortunately the 510 connector threading on my vamo is pooched, so I have been doing the 18650 stacked config in my SVD. Working out pretty sweet.

Now if I could get my paws on some of the new Efest (purple wrapper) 30 amp continuous discharge 18650s, wow talk about stacked power and efficiency.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread